As more and more enthusiasts discover it, Taiwan is an ideal place for diving, although it is probably not the island that is mentioned first when talking about this underwater sport with frogman equipment.
Divided into two by the Tropic of Cancer, Taiwan has many islets dotted around it. And, although it has hundreds of sites where diving can be as enjoyable as in the most frequented places in Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, it is still the unknown gem in the crown of pristine areas for him in Asia . In fact, Taiwan offers an experience in this sport that often exceeds its rivals.
Diving is one of the fastest growing sports, to which thousands of new entrants are integrated every year. The key that opens the doors to the underwater universe is a certification card issued by any of the agencies in the world. Among them are the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI, acronym in English), the National Association of Underwater Instructors and International Diving Schools.
In Taipei, other options are the International Association of Diving Friends, and the Diving Association of China.
The most popular is the PADI, which delivers the certification after a short course in the room, on topics of physical education, physiology and underwater swimming techniques. Then, there are four sessions of diving training under the supervision of an instructor, in the open sea.
Next, the new diver can buy or lease the specialized equipment necessary to maintain life under the sea.
To obtain diving certification in Taiwan, basic courses can be found for up to US $ 185. But, many stores specialized in the sale of articles for this sport, which offer these courses, also require that you buy a diving mask, fins, snorkel and frogman costume.
Of course, diving is not as cheap as other sports. But, the diver's feeling of jubilation that comes to the surface after his first immersion experience, makes every sacrifice worthwhile. In addition, it is often just to get the air tanks and get into the water at any of the various points along the coasts of Taiwan.
In most places, the waters are clear and relatively warm. The main places to dive are close to the coast and easily reached from the big cities.
The first time it is good to rely on the experienced hands of the diver who acts as a guide in the trips offered by the dive shops. After gaining enough experience, the divers claim that Taiwan is one of those places where you can experience the thrill of going alone.
The southern tip of the island is the logical starting point because almost the entire area has been designated a national park.
In addition, you do not need a boat to enjoy an excellent dive; there are many splendid places near almost each of the coastal strips that allow a reasonable entry into the water.
However, you have to be careful. The southern coasts are rocky and there are great waves. In addition, strong and unpredictable currents must be faced by divers who are not familiar with the area, so the guides are highly recommended.
The landscapes on the ground in the National Park of Kenting, undoubtedly spectacular, rival the wonderful underwater views. The cliffs of the coast end in coral reefs where the underwater life bustles. Underwater visibility is excellent, with an average of 40 to 80 feet on good days.
All forms of marine life are mixed in the coral canyons. Sometimes it is possible to find turtles, parsnips with blue specks, lobsters and, of course, a huge variety of fish.
Apart from the reefs, which provide an almost unlimited area for exploration, divers can find extensive caverns and corridors to satisfy their craving for discoveries.
Isla Verde, located less than 50 kilometers off the east coast of Taiwan, offers some of the best diving spots. Unfortunately, it can be a bit expensive because you need to take a plane or travel by ferry from the coast of the island of Taiwan.
Tapaisha - large white sands, in Chinese - is a beach at the southern tip of the island and is a diving center. The remoteness of its location guarantees excellent visibility and the possibility of observing a wide range of marine life.
Another excellent place is Penghu, an archipelago of 64 islets located in the Taiwan Strait. Here, diving is characterized by strong marine currents that make it more suitable for experienced divers and bring from the depths of the sea those fish that athletes like to see.
Although these places are the best for scuba diving, Taipei's inhabitants often do not have enough time to fight traffic to get to those coastal places or to fly to nearby islands.
Fortunately, the northeast coast also offers good sites where divers can meet their needs to explore the world beneath the waves. In fact, many divers often talk about the northern places, but when they are asked for the exact locations, they simply wink to keep their secrets from being revealed.
However, scuba diving with frogmen is still in its infancy in Taiwan: there are only 4,000 local divers and 400 foreigners. Compared to Japan, where there are millions of enthusiasts, the number of divers in Taiwan is minuscule.
In any case, opportunities abound. Some more developed places, such as Kenting, regularly reveal new locations suitable for this sport.
Long coastal routes of the island remain unexplored. For many of the local divers there is enough to see in the known areas, to keep them busy for a long time.
Each new diving diver becomes a traveler, eager to occupy his money, to resist tiring trips - by plane, by bus or by boat - loaded with heavy equipment of rather rare appearance, towards the most remote beaches, in search of the lonely pleasure of jumping into the depths.
The truth is that it is not strange to observe such behavior. Once it has been tested, diving has an irresistible appeal. To go diving is to enjoy the beauties of another world, a new one in which the only sound is the rhythmic rhythm of breathing itself.