Best Orchid Island Diving and Snorkeling Spots

Welcome to the aquatic wonderland of Orchid Island, Taiwan, where the underwater world teems with vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral reefs. Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, Orchid Island, also known as Lanyu, has earned its reputation as a diver’s paradise. With its rich biodiversity, diverse underwater landscapes, and an abundance of captivating dive and snorkel sites, this hidden gem beckons to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we will plunge into the azure waters of Orchid Island, unveiling the secrets of its underwater realms. We will explore the coral gardens and encounter fascinating marine creatures that call these vibrant reefs home. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the best diving and snorkeling spots that make Orchid Island a must-visit destination for any aquatic adventurer.

Recommended Orchid Island Diving Seasons

Source: Liberty Times Net

For anyone who has visited Orchid Island, the island’s deep blue waters leave a lasting impression. Beyond its stunning seascapes, Orchid Island boasts rich underwater scenery with excellent visibility of up to 50 meters when sea conditions are favorable. Situated in the warm Kuroshio Current, water temperatures on the island range from 20-29 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for diving even during the winter months. In fact, due to the island’s clear waters and high visibility, snorkelers can encounter a myriad of colorful fish species and vibrant coral reefs without the need for scuba gear. However, it’s essential to research the local customs and sea conditions for each season when planning a trip to Orchid Island!

March to June: During this period, the southwest wind prevails, and there is minimal interference from the strong northeast monsoon. Wind speeds and wave heights tend to be stable, creating comfortable diving conditions. However, it’s crucial to note that from March to June, it’s flying fish season for the island’s indigenous Tao people, and in certain traditional fishing areas, water activities are restricted. Whether you plan to dive independently or participate in snorkeling or scuba diving activities locally, it’s advisable to choose reputable and locally-run dive shops.

July to October: With hot weather prevailing, this season is perfect for water activities, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Sea conditions and wave activity are generally calm during this time. Flying fish season has passed, and many dive sites are open for underwater exploration. Unless there’s interference from a typhoon, this is the prime season for diving in Orchid Island.

November to March: Even during the winter months, the average water temperature remains around 20-25°C, allowing for comfortable diving with the addition of a wetsuit. However, it’s important to note that the northeast monsoon can be strong during winter, leading to rough seas and potentially dangerous conditions in diving spots on the east and north sides of the island. Diving on the sheltered west side of the island offers a more comfortable and enjoyable diving experience.

Now that we know when we’re diving, let’s actually dive into the best most recommended spots! We will start with some beginner friendly and shallower areas for diving or snorkeling, and move on to more advanced and deeper diving areas. Please note that these diving spots may require various levels of certification and experience, and it’s essential to prioritize safety during any underwater activities. Always dive with a buddy, follow local regulations, and consider hiring a professional guide if you’re not experienced in diving in these locations.

1. Tide Pool (Chaochi 潮池)

Source: Klook

Tide Pool is located on the southeast side of Orchid Island (Lanyu), next to the nuclear waste storage facility. It is a natural pool formed by the ebbing tide, surrounded by coral reef rocks. It is sheltered from ocean currents and large waves, making it an ideal spot for beginner divers. The pool is rich in coral reef ecosystems and offers excellent visibility.

The depth of Tide Pool is about 8 meters, and in the center of the pool, you can find the home of the adorable clownfish Nemo. Watching Nemo swim among the sea anemones is a soothing sight. The natural pool enclosed by the rocky shores provides a sense of security. However, this diving spot is relatively small, and it can get crowded. It’s recommended to visit during low tide for a more enjoyable experience.

Tide Pool Directions
📍 Located on the southeast side of Orchid Island, follow a staircase down from the nuclear waste storage facility and cross a rocky path to reach the first pool which is Tide Pool itself.

2. Mother Chicken Rock (Mujiyan 母雞岩)

Mother Chicken Rock is situated on the north side of Orchid Island and gets its name because it resembles a mother chicken. The surrounding waters of Mother Chicken Rock feature clear seawater and a seabed with white sandy beaches interspersed with rocky reefs. The rich coral reef ecosystem attracts various fish species, making it a great spot for both snorkeling and diving. During the summer, it becomes one of the most popular diving spots on Orchid Island.

In the bay near Mother Chicken Rock, you’ll find beautiful coral formations, colorful tropical fish, and even a clownfish village. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles. During the summer, this area can get crowded, so it’s advisable to visit during less busy times to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Source: Hertzfreediving

Mother Chicken Rock Directions
📍 Located on the north side of Orchid Island, about a 5 to 10-minute motorcycle ride from Dongqing Village. Look for a bay before the Double Lion Rock with clusters of breakwaters along the roadside.

3. Lan’En (蘭恩)

Aside from the Yeyou (Coconut) Village snorkeling area, Lan’en is another popular snorkeling spot on the west side of Orchid Island. Lan’en Dive Site is located in front of the Lan’en Cultural Foundation. Descend down the stairs from the parking lot, and you’ll find a sea area enclosed by large rocky reefs. The depth here ranges from 7 to 9 meters, and in the middle of the rocks, there’s a small archway, creating an interesting underwater landscape that’s perfect for photography.

This dive spot can have unstable sea currents, so caution is needed, especially around the rocky archway where the water flow can be stronger. The nearby dive site also provides an opportunity to watch airplanes land on the island’s runway over the sea.

Lan'en Directions
📍 Located on the west side of Orchid Island, near the Lan'en Cultural Foundation. Simply descend down the stairs next to the parking area to reach the dive site.

4. The Seventh Pavilion (Qihao Liangting 七號涼亭)

Located in the bay in front of a small pavilion on the north side of Dongqing Village in Orchid Island, the Seventh Pavilion is a suitable spot for summer snorkeling. It’s just a ten-minute drive from the bustling Mother Chicken Rock, making it a quieter alternative. This area offers a serene and exclusive swimming experience.

The Seventh Pavilion on the east side of Orchid Island offers views of the Battleship Rock on the opposite shore. The seabed here is adorned with vibrant coral reefs, creating an underwater garden. The underwater scenery is rich, ranging from the shallow rocky reefs at 5 meters to the sandy seabed at 20 meters, providing opportunities for diverse marine life encounters, including clownfish. It’s advisable to avoid peak hours when dive operators bring groups to ensure a more peaceful experience.

The Seventh Pavilion Directions
📍  About a 10-minute drive from Mother Chicken Rock, ride north from Dongqing Village for 5 to 10 minutes until you reach the first pavilion. Descend to the bay.

5. Yeyou (Coconut) Village Snorkeling Area

Source: liuqiutaiwan.com

The Yeyou Village Snorkeling Area is located on the west side of Orchid Island and is a popular snorkeling destination. Especially during the strong northeast monsoon season, it’s an excellent choice for diving. Due to its location on the west side of the island, it forms a natural shelter from the northeast monsoon winds. After snorkeling, you can also enjoy a refreshing bowl of shaved ice in the nearby Yeyou Village.

On the coastal road from Kaiyuan Harbor to the lighthouse on the north side of Orchid Island, you’ll find a rocky shore that leads to the Coconut Village Snorkeling Area. The depth here is approximately 10 meters, and you can spot coral formations and clownfish as soon as you enter the water. However, be cautious not to swim out to the right of the rocky shore, as it can be a strong current area.

Yeyou Village Snorkeling Area
📍  Located on the west side of Orchid Island, near Yeyou Village. Ride north from Yeyou Village for about 5 to 10 minutes, just before the Wind Gap (a curved tunnel).

6. Mother Chicken Rock Outer Reef

Source: IG@ariana_299778

Located on the north side of Orchid Island, Mother Chicken Rock is not only a popular spot for summer snorkeling but also a destination for deep diving enthusiasts. To access this site, you’ll enter the water from the roadside and start your descent approximately 80 meters from the shore. The depth can reach up to 20 meters, and you’ll encounter numerous large rocks with varying elevations, creating a rich and diverse underwater landscape. Colorful fish swim through the area, and you may even find a clownfish village, making it a must-see for divers.

The highlight of deep diving here is the Mother Chicken Rock outer reef, two large rock formations resembling giant buns, standing only 2 to 3 meters from the water’s surface. These rocks create an underwater passage, providing a surreal diving experience. The area also features many coral reef caves. It’s recommended to have a knowledgeable guide lead the way, especially for those who are not experienced divers.

Mother Chicken Rock Outer Reef
📍 Located on the north side of Orchid Island, along the coastal road from Langdao Secret Paradise toward Shuangshi Rock.

7. Jade Maiden Rock Outer Reef (Yunuyan 玉女岩)

Adjacent to Jade Maiden Rock (Yunüyan) on the north side of Orchid Island, there’s an easily accessible coastal area that serves as a popular deep diving spot. It’s located near a small bar called “在海邊 (Do Van Wa).” The underwater cave at this site is about 10 meters deep and offers a tranquil and somewhat mysterious atmosphere. You may even encounter colorful sea snakes gliding past.

This underwater cave is one of Orchid Island’s renowned diving caves, known for good visibility. However, due to the limited lighting and occasional strong currents inside the cave, it’s a moderately challenging dive. It’s advisable to dive with a buddy or under the guidance of a professional instructor. If you’re interested in exploring the enchanting underwater world of Jade Maiden Rock outer reef, consider obtaining an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification.

Jade Maiden Rock Directions
📍 Located on the north side of Orchid Island, approximately a 3-minute motorcycle ride west from Langdao Village, next to the "在海邊 (Do Van Wa)" bar along the coastal road.

8. Kaiyuan Harbor (Blue Hole)

Source: yas.io

Located off the coast of Orchid Island, on the west side, adjacent to Frog Rock, the underwater Blue Hole has been hailed by foreign websites as a must-visit spot for free divers. The visibility at the Blue Hole in Kaiyuan Harbor is excellent, allowing you to see the exit on the opposite end from a distance. The play of light within the hole creates a deep blue ambiance, rendering the scene mystical and dreamlike, hence earning its name as the Blue Hole.

To reach the Blue Hole, you can enter directly from the Old Harbor breakwater. Swim forward for approximately 150 meters, and at a depth of around 20 meters, you’ll encounter the entrance to the Blue Hole. Upon entering, you’ll pass through a gorge that’s about 3 meters wide and 30 meters long, revealing stunning scenery. However, because the Blue Hole is situated on the outer side of the harbor, there can be strong outward currents, potentially carrying divers out to open sea. It’s crucial to exercise caution, and diving here requires an OW (Open Water) certification.

Kaiyuan Harbor Directions
📍 Located on the southwestern side of Orchid Island, near the Kaiyuan Old Harbor of Yeyou Village.

9.Badaiwan Shipwreck (八代灣沈船)

A 6,000-ton wooden South Korean cargo ship, now rests on the sandy seabed of Badaiwan Bay, southwest of Orchid Island’s Hongtou Tribe, at a depth of about 38 meters. The shipwreck is split into two sections, with its massive hull serving as a habitat for underwater creatures. It has become one of Orchid Island’s most iconic international dive sites. The wreck is covered in colorful corals, forming an excellent artificial reef where you can often spot large fish passing by. The sight is truly worth exploring.

To reach the Baidaiwan Shipwreck at Badai Bay, you’ll need to take a boat from Hongtou Harbor, which takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the site. Diving into the shipwreck and exploring its historical remnants is a dream come true for many diving enthusiasts. However, to experience the magic of the Baidaiwan Shipwreck, you must engage in boat diving and hold an AOW (Advanced Open Water) certification. If you’re interested in witnessing the mesmerizing and awe-inspiring beauty of the Baidaiwang Shipwreck in Badai Bay, consider obtaining your AOW certification!

Badaiwan Shipwreck Directions
📍 Located in Badai Bay, southwest of Orchid Island's Hongtou Tribe, accessible by a 5-minute boat ride from Hongtou Harbor.

Source: National Museum of National Science, zazawazine

10. Wukongdong Tiny Shipwreck (五孔洞小沈船)

If you’re interested in shipwrecks but don’t have diving certification, you can explore the Wukongdong Tiny Shipwreck. Apart from the complete large shipwreck in Badaiwan, Orchid Island has a small, unnamed shipwreck submerged about 10 meters underwater. While the ship’s shape is nearly unrecognizable, you can still see remnants of the deck and upright gun barrels. Fish and corals have made this wreck their home, creating an interesting underwater scene.

Wukongdong Tiny Shipwreck offers a relatively easy dive, but sometimes there can be unstable sea currents, so extra caution is needed. The exact location of the shipwreck may not be easy to find, so it’s advisable to explore this area with the guidance of a professional.

WukongDong Tiny Shipwreck Directions
📍 Located on the north side of Orchid Island, pass through the Wukongdong area on the way to Langdao Island's S-shaped bend in the road.

As we conclude our journey through the breathtaking underwater world of Orchid Island, Taiwan, we hope you’ve been captivated by the sheer beauty and diversity that this hidden gem has to offer. Whether you’re a novice snorkeler or an experienced diver, Orchid Island has something to offer every aquatic adventurer. From the shallow, tranquil pools of Tide Pool to the deep, mysterious depths of shipwrecks like the Badaiwan and Wukongdong Tiny Shipwreck, Orchid Island’s underwater wonders are sure to leave you with lasting memories.

As you plan your adventure to this diver’s paradise, remember to check the recommended diving seasons for optimal conditions and safety. Orchid Island welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to explore its vibrant coral gardens, encounter fascinating marine life, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the deep blue. So grab your gear, dive in, and let Orchid Island’s aquatic wonders take your breath away. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!