Dive-site story
Xiaoliuqiu is a coral reef island off the southwest coast of Taiwan, famous throughout East Asia for its dense resident population of green sea turtles. Diving here ranges from calm coastal shallows alongside calcified coral shelves to gentle offshore drop-offs and artificial wrecks. Because the island sits in the path of the warm Kuroshio Branch Current, water temperatures remain comfortable year-round, making it one of Taiwan's premier winter diving destinations.
Extremely reliable encounters with resident green sea turtles grazing on shallow reef algae
Healthy hard coral structures and limestone formations forming swim-throughs
Accessible shore entries as well as boat-accessible wrecks and drop-offs
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Spring and autumn provide stable weather and calm seas, while the island remains diveable through the winter months due to the warm current.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Clark's AnemonefishAmphiprion clarkii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Banded Sea KraitLaticauda colubrina | Common | ||||||||||||
| Spotted Garden EelHeteroconger hassi | Common | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus | Rare |
Marine forecast
