Enjoy a Scuba Diving Vacation on Green Island, Taiwan
A story about scuba diving on Green Island
In March 2006 a group of us went to Green Island on a Green Island
Adventures! package. All our train tickets were pre-booked by Eddie
( GreenIslandDiving.com) , and on Friday morning we boarded the
6:15 am train from Taichung to Taitung on a scenic 5 hour journey
round Southern Taiwan. After a short wait (allowing time to freshen
up at the new and clean bathrooms at Taitung station), we were greeted
by Eddie’s pick-up service, and were taken to the harbor where
we boarded the ferry on a 45 minute cruise to Green Island.
Green Island greeted us with a blanket of greenery and crystal
clear waters. A mini-bus transported us to the hotel and after checking
in our scooters were delivered ( 1 scooter per couple). The 2 night
3 day package allows a lot of flexibility time wise and we decided
to explore the island ( 17 km circumference) and its very special
rock formations, old villages, white beaches and hiking trails;
and one of only three salt water hot springs in the world –
overlooking the ocean!.
The evening kicked off with a lovely seafood meal at the “Fisherman”
restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The fish and vegetables
were super fresh and the beers ice cold…
The next morning Eddie arranged our SCUBA dives. We followed on
scooter to the dive shop, kitted up, and were transported as a group
to the first dive site.
“Having lived and dived in Taiwan for 4 years, this is the
best diving I’ve experienced so far”: (PADI Instructor).
The underwater topography abounds with coral
(hard and soft) and reef fish.
[ Click here for scuba packages and tours ]
Our second dive took us to some of the oldest coral formations
known on the planet
( verified by National Geographic). Spectacular underwater scenes
greeted us….
While we were diving, Eddie took the non-divers for a guided tour
of the island and all the interesting places like the prison exhibition
center ( depicting the modern history of Taiwan and the reign of
the White Terror) as well as the original little settlement village
of the first Taiwanese Chinese that inhabited the island. The Sleeping
Beauty- and Pekinese Dog rock formations provided excellent photo
opportunities.
[CLICK here for diving movie ]
The afternoon was spent taking the non-SCUBA divers for a guided
snorkeling excursion, which proved to be a momentous occasion for
two people who have never been in the ocean before, let alone snorkeling
– and they loved it ! The rest of us joined the guided snorkeling
excursion and free dived with our friends. Even snorkeling at very
shallow depths was not disappointing i t o sea life. Coral and reef
fish abounded!
The second evening was spent in an open-air table barbeque restaurant
( eat as much as you like NT 250) on the quiet northern side of
the island. In addition Eddie surprised with a few kilos of Boerewors
(South African sausage).The food was good and the beers ice cold…
[click here for clown fish movie]
Sunday morning was spent having a hearty breakfast after some went
to their favorite spots on the island and others went shopping in
the many little shops of which the “Green Island Story”
shop proved to be most popular. Little coves with little white beaches
and beautiful rock pools are to be found everywhere on the island
and shell gathering is allowed.
Due to train schedules we boarded the 11:30 ferry and killed time
waiting for our train, wandering around Taitung city and having
lunch.
Points to note:
General
- Sea sickness tablets ( well advised to take some)
- Beach Towels
- Favorite drinks
- Snacks etc for the trip getting there
Divers
-Take your favorite mask or fins if you can (optical masks can be
rented at dive shop)
-Remember SCUBA Certification card!
Scuba and fun trips to Green Island can be arranged by contacting
Eddie : greenislandreservations@yahoo.com ; www.greenislanddiving.com
If you have any questions or need to know more information about
scuba diving vacations, Green Island, accomodation, or anything
else you need to plan your trip, don't hesitate to contact
us.
Green Island SCUBA Diving Prices
Wetsuit NT 150
Mask&snorkel NT 100
Fins NT 100
Boots NT 50
BCD NT 400
Regulator NT 400
Weight belt NT 50
Tank:air NT 250
Flash light NT 100 Batteries not included
Boat dive charge
Click here for scuba packages and tours
(Here is another article about us in the newspaper: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/travel/2007/08/09/117694/The-Secret.htm)
Click below to get on-line insurance.
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Green
Island Diving.com
