Green Island (Ludao)

Taitung · Taitung County · Taiwan

Green Island, known locally as Ludao, is a small volcanic island lying 33 kilometres off Taiwan's southeastern coast in Taitung County. Energised by the warm Kuroshio Current that sweeps up from the Philippines, it boasts some of Taiwan's most pristine coral reefs, exceptional underwater visibility, and year-round warm water temperatures that rarely dip below 22 degrees Celsius. For Taiwanese divers and an increasing number of international visitors, Green Island represents the pinnacle of scuba diving in the country. The island offers predominantly shore-based diving, with over a dozen established dive sites encircling the coastline. Chaikou, on the northwest side, is the most popular entry point, with a gentle coral slope descending from the shallows to beyond 20 metres, carpeted in healthy hard corals and teeming with tropical reef fish. Dabaisha features dramatic coral boulder formations and varied currents that create interesting underwater topography. The Kuroshio Current energises these reefs, delivering nutrients that sustain coral coverage rates significantly higher than Taiwan's main island. Marine life is abundant and diverse. Green sea turtles are regular residents, often encountered resting under coral overhangs or grazing in the shallows. Schools of barracuda patrol the deeper reef edges, moray eels peer from crevices, and the colourful parade of butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish is constant. The macro life is equally compelling, with nudibranchs, pipefish, and cleaning shrimp stations providing endless interest for photographers. Visibility routinely exceeds 30 metres during peak season and can reach 40 metres on exceptional days. Beyond the diving, Green Island offers a unique above-water attraction: the Zhaori Hot Spring, one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. Soaking in naturally heated seawater while gazing at the Pacific sunrise is an experience that perfectly complements a diving holiday. The island is compact and laid-back, circled by a single road best explored by scooter. A growing number of dive shops offer equipment rental, guided dives, and certification courses in Mandarin and English. Green Island is reached by ferry or short flight from Taitung, itself accessible by train from Taipei in around four hours.