Which are the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Taiwan? Professional photographer Howl recommends Orchid Island and Green Island

Reported by You T-Ru / Special Feature

As summer approaches, which are the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Taiwan? Howl, a professional diver specializing in underwater photography, often travels around Taiwan to capture marine life whenever he has time. Having visited well-known diving spots such as the Northeast Coast, Kenting, Green Island, and Orchid Island, Howl recommends that travelers looking to experience snorkeling this summer head to Orchid Island and Green Island, as these two locations still preserve their pristine underwater ecosystems and are well worth visiting.


▲ Underwater ecology of Green Island. (Photo / Provided by Howl Underwater Photography)

“It’s actually quite difficult to truly judge which snorkeling spot is more beautiful,” said Howl. Every diving spot in Taiwan has its own unique species and natural landscape features. Although snorkeling doesn’t offer as diverse a view of marine life as deep-sea diving, the two Taiwanese outlying islands of Orchid Island and Green Island, where snorkeling sites are managed by locals, still allow visitors to enjoy beautiful natural underwater marine scenes.

Howl explained that since Orchid Island and Green Island are popular among Taiwanese tourists, there are local operators who engage in marine area conservation planning and regularly maintain the environment. Though snorkeling here may not offer the diversity of marine landscapes seen in deep-sea diving, visitors can still observe underwater creatures up close. Take Green Island for example: to ensure visitors “have something to see,” local snorkeling operators moderately feed fish, so divers often feel surrounded by fish. Orchid Island, on the other hand, emphasizes natural coexistence and preserves its pristine scenery. Although fish may not swarm around visitors as they do in Green Island, beautiful underwater sights can still be enjoyed.


▲ Underwater scenery in southern Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by Howl Underwater Photography)

Howl believes that snorkeling in Green Island is relatively easier compared to Orchid Island, as the terrain there is less varied. Orchid Island is better suited for deep-sea diving due to its dramatic topography, with distinct shallow and deep zones, and even vertical fault landscapes visible underwater.However, Green Island has also seen more obvious underwater damage due to earlier tourism development compared to Orchid Island. “It’s not yet to the point where the seabed is full of trash, but domestic sewage discharge has indeed led to a decline in water quality,” said Howl. In addition to these two outlying islands, he also frequently dives in places like the Northeast Coast and Kenting. He feels that the Northeast Coast, due to lack of management, tends to be dirtier underwater, while some diving spots in Kenting are not as naturally pristine as those on the outlying islands.

“If you want to see the beautiful sights, you’d better go soon, because the environment is only going to get worse.” As summer arrives, marine sports will also see a surge in popularity. Howl reminds all travelers, whether they plan to snorkel or dive, to pay attention to ecological preservation—avoid touching marine life, be mindful of underwater terrain, and follow instructors’ advice to avoid danger.


▲ Underwater landscape of Orchid Island. (Photo / Provided by Howl Underwater Photography)