Three Must-See Highlights of Kenting Diving: Giant Trevally, Flame Scallop, and Endless Barracuda Tornadoes

Last time we shared Kenting's sharp-eyed dive guide Music Lin's Kenting Macro Must-See List, but if you're like the Editor and struggle with macro critters due to farsightedness, what's left to enjoy while scuba diving in Kenting? This time, the Editor follows in the footsteps of dive expert Coach Music Lin and Coach Lin Youping of 揪潛水同學會 to discover the must-see sights Kenting's waters have to offer!

Kenting's Must-See Fish-Feeding Zone — The Giant Trevally ("Big Bull"):

This dive site lies within the Houbihu Marine Resources Conservation Demonstration Zone. Head approximately 50 meters in the direction of 100 degrees from the entry point, and at 10 meters depth on a sandy bottom you'll find a vast expanse of peacock coral. A variety of fish species make their home among the coral, and since the site also serves as a training ground for discover scuba diving, the fish are well accustomed to being hand-fed and show no fear of humans.

Occasionally, a Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) nicknamed "Big Bull" by local divers makes an appearance here. Don't be intimidated by its enormous size — this notoriously food-driven fish is actually a great friend to divers. When you encounter it, try staying perfectly still and simply savoring the spectacle of this magnificent creature gliding past you. Adult Giant Trevally typically inhabit clear-water lagoons and coastal reef zones; the fish-feeding area's abundance of small fish and crustaceans makes it a prime hunting ground for them. As Giant Trevally have been associated with ciguatera poisoning, we sincerely hope that spearfishers will leave this star of the sea right where it belongs — on Kenting's seabed, playing its important role as an ambassador for underwater tourism.

Hejie Flame Scallop:

Located on the western side of Kenting facing the Taiwan Strait, this site takes its name from a road sign reading "Hejie" along Provincial Highway 153. It is a macro photographer's paradise, with many captivating nudibranch and miniature creatures to find. If your eyesight isn't the sharpest, the coral at 10 to 15 meters also makes an excellent photography subject, and butterflyfish will follow divers along the way. During your 6-meter safety stop on the return, you'll also find plenty of Clownfish in the area.

The undisputed highlight of this dive site is the famous Flame Scallop (Lima scabra). It hides inside a crevice in a reef ledge, its fringed tentacles writhing amid flashes of light — the source of its dramatic name. It does not actually produce its own light; rather, it reflects sunlight or other available light sources. So next time you want to film one, don't forget to shine your dive Flash Light directly on it first!

Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 Outlet — Barracuda Tornado:

The Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 outlet dive site is located in the artificial cove to the right of the plant's outlet. From the entry point, follow the gaps between the basalt rocks and you will soon reach an 8-meter-deep drop-off, below which lies a sandy bottom. In recent years, the school of barracuda here has grown steadily larger, with individual fish increasing in size as well. Given how rarely large fish tornadoes are seen in Taiwan, this has become one of the hottest dive destinations in the area. With its sandy bottom, artificial cove setting, and shallow depth, this site is perfectly suited for beginners and discover scuba divers. Next time you find yourself surrounded by a swirling barracuda tornado, don't forget to grab your camera and get a shot with them!

Wait... Is That Really All Kenting Has to Offer?

The experts also have a special bonus creature to share: a batfish with golden-edged fins has recently been spotted at Kenting's Shanhai dive site. Shy by nature, these fish dart back into their cave the moment divers approach. Word has it that the entrance to the cave where these batfish live has been "quietly" getting larger — a sign that the marine life is being disturbed. We hope that all ocean-loving divers will show greater respect for the natural habitats of underwater creatures.

Garden Eels at Shanhai:

garden eel can be found in many places, but the sandy expanse at Kenting's Shanhai dive site is home to a particularly large colony. Extremely shy, they retract at the mere sound of a diver's bubbles. Witnessing them stretching their necks and swaying gracefully with the current takes a little special technique — but it's well worth the effort!

Related links:

• Music Lin 林音樂 — Dive Instructor
• 揪潛水同學會
• Kenting Must-See Macro Underwater Photography Highlights – Music Lin