Discover Scuba Diving With Sea Turtles – Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan

About this tour

When Noah from our team suited up for a two-hour dive off Xiaoliuqiu, we found ourselves in what's genuinely the world's densest population of green sea turtles. The island sits in the Bashi Channel where the Pacific pushes through rich marine zones — expect turtles, pufferfish, eels, octopuses, and sponge gardens in one session. You get full gear, a dedicated instructor, and underwater photography included. It's a straightforward, well-run operation for anyone aged 10+ without serious health contraindications.

Highlights

• Green sea turtles cruising past at arm's length, not in a tank
• One-to-one instructor attention throughout the dive
• Underwater camera work handled by the guide
• Sponge reefs and octopuses visible on the same descent
• Warm Pacific waters and clear visibility in the channel
• Full scuba kit supplied; no need to hire separately
• Island setting means manageable travel once you're there

What to expect

The dive itself is methodical and calm. Noah's instructor covered basics topside, then took him down into warm water where turtles were genuinely everywhere — not a rare sighting but part of the scenery. The two-hour window gives you real time underwater rather than a rushed descent-and-ascent. You'll navigate reefs and open water, spotting smaller creatures (eels, puffers) between the bigger turtle encounters. The instructor stays glued to you, adjusts pace, and handles the photography so you can just observe.

Xiaoliuqiu itself is a small island with a relaxed vibe — not a tourist factory, but organised enough that the dive operation runs like clockwork. The Bashi Channel's current keeps the water moving and the visibility good. Expect a mix of divers (some first-timers, some experienced), but the one-to-one model means you're not herded in a group.

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