different from the west coast. There is much more
green algae and much fewer colourful corals. In the
shallow, protected areas, you just have to move a
few metres to find the next nudibranch, small crab
or shrimp. There is even the occasional Pontohi’s
pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus pontohi).
18 Halgerda carlsoni
laying eggs, Green
Island, Taiwan
19 The rugged
coastline of Green
Island
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
Green Island is a year-round
destination but the Taiwanese diving
season is primarily in summer, May
to October. It is very quiet in winter.
Typhoons can occur between July and
October. If they hit directly, flights
and work are suspended, but usually
not for more than for 24 hours. It is
more of a concern for underwater
photographers, as it takes a few days
for the water to clear and the waves
to calm down, but there are often dive
sites that can still be accessed. Water
temperatures are 24–29ºC due to the
warm Kuroshio Current.
TAIWAN
HOW
One can fly to Green Island, but a
change of airport is needed at Taipei
and the plane to Green Island is very
small. A much better option is to take
a fast train from Taipei to Taitung and
then a ferry. The ferry to Green Island
takes an hour and the dive centre
will pick you up from the harbour.
You will also need a scooter to
move around the island. Ask for
recommendations and assistance
from your dive operator.
GREEN
ISLAND
STAY/DIVE
• Blue Safari
www.blue-safari.com.tw/index_
en.htm
• Airfish
www.dive.com.tw
The handful of hotels on Green Island
are quite basic, so a good bet is one of
the easily available home-stays close
to the dive shops.
TOPSIDE
Green Island used to be famous
for its prison for political prisoners.
Nowadays, a museum and Human
Rights Memorial Park exist in the area.
Experience the sunrise by the Zhaori
hot springs, one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world.
19
ENTRY
Nationals of most countries can obtain
a visa on arrival free of charge for
three months, but it is always worth
checking before you travel.