Contents(5)
Last time we shared Kenting's sharp-eyed dive guide Music Lin's Kenting must-see macro list, but if you're like the Editor and struggle with macro critters due to farsightedness, what's left to enjoy diving in Kenting (knocking on the bowl in anticipation)? This time, the Editor follows in the footsteps of diving expert Coach Music Lin and Coach Lin Yu-ping of 揪潛水同學會 to discover the must-see sights that Kenting diving has to offer!
The entry point at Kenting's outlet discharge area. Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
Kenting's Must-See Fish Feeding Zone — The Giant Trevally ("Big Cow"):
The Giant Trevally at the Fish Feeding Zone dive site. Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
This dive site is located within the Houbihu Marine Resources Conservation Demonstration Zone. Head approximately 50 metres in the direction of 100° from the entry point. At a depth of 10 metres over a sandy bottom, you'll find a large expanse of peacock coral, home to a colourful variety of fish species. As this site also serves as a training ground for discover scuba diving, the fish are well accustomed to being fed by humans and show little fear of people.
Occasionally at this site, divers spot a Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) affectionately nicknamed "Big Cow" by the local diving community. Don't be intimidated by its impressive size — this greedy eater is actually a great friend to divers. When you encounter it, try staying perfectly still and enjoy the spectacle of this magnificent creature gliding past you. Adult Giant Trevally typically inhabit clear-water lagoons and coastal reef areas, and the Fish Feeding Zone's abundance of small fish and crustaceans makes it a perfect hunting ground. Giant Trevally have been known to carry ciguatera toxin, so we hope that fishing enthusiasts will leave this star of the sea where it belongs — on the Kenting seabed, doing its important job of drawing in visitors!
Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
Hejie Flame Scallop:
Located on the western side of Kenting, facing the Taiwan Strait, this site takes its name from the roadside sign reading "Hejie" along Provincial Highway 153. It is a paradise for macro photographers, with many captivating nudibranch and miniature creatures to discover. If your eyesight isn't great, the coral formations at 10 to 15 metres also make excellent photographic subjects, and butterflyfish will follow divers along the way. The 6-metre safety stop area on the way back is also populated with plenty of Clownfish.
At this site, the undisputed must-see creature is the legendary Flame Scallop (Lima scabra). It hides inside a crevice on a reef ledge, its flamboyant tentacles flickering like lightning — hence the name. It does not actually produce its own light; rather, it reflects ambient sunlight or other light sources. Next time you're filming one, don't forget to shine your dive Torch on it first for the best effect!
Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 Discharge Channel — Barracuda Tornado:
The Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 site is located in an artificial cove to the right of the plant's discharge outlet. From the entry point, follow the gaps between the coral rubble and you will arrive directly at a fault at 8 metres depth, below which lies a sandy bottom. In recent years, the school of barracuda here has grown significantly in number and the individual fish have become noticeably larger. In Taiwan, where large fish tornadoes are a rare sight, this has become a highly popular destination. The sandy bottom, artificial cove setting, and relatively shallow depth make this site ideal for beginners and discover scuba divers alike. Next time you find yourself surrounded by a swirling barracuda tornado, don't forget to grab your camera and get that shot!
Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
Wait... Is That Really All Kenting Has to Offer?
Our experts have one more special creature to share: pinnate batfish have recently been spotted at Kenting's Shanhai dive site. However, these shy creatures dart back into their holes the moment they sense a diver approaching. According to reports from the experts, the opening of the cave where the pinnate batfish reside has been "quietly" getting larger over time. We hope that ocean-loving divers will show greater respect for the natural habitats of marine life on the seabed.
Photo credit: 揪潛水同學會 https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
Shanhai Garden Eels:
garden eels can be found in many locations, but the sandy bottom of Kenting's Shanhai dive site is home to a particularly large colony. They are, however, incredibly shy — the sound of a diver's bubbles alone is enough to send them retreating back into their burrows. Catching a glimpse of them swaying gracefully in the current with their necks stretched out requires a few special techniques!
Related links:
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a BlueTrend dive trip different from an unknown, no-name dive group?
Choosing us means full peace-of-mind protection and a smooth experience from start to finish. Every trip we run holds to three things.
First, full legal protection and a professional dive leader: we strictly follow Taiwan's travel regulations and provide complete travel-agency liability insurance, travel insurance, trip-inconvenience insurance and dive insurance. Every group is accompanied by a certified, foreign-language dive leader who joins you on both the dives and the land itinerary, liaising seamlessly with local dive shops and operators on your behalf to keep things running smoothly — the person our travellers trust most.
Second, fully licensed with secure payments: every payment goes into a licensed travel agency's account, with multiple safe payment channels (bank transfer, credit card and more) and a legal collect-and-remit receipt, so every transaction is open, transparent and protected, avoiding the fraud and dispute risks of transferring money privately to an individual.
Third, hand-picked quality we vet in person: every trip, dive site and partner shop is scouted on the ground by our own team, from the guides' professionalism and safety standards to the food, lodging, environment and service details on land, all vetted by us so you don't get caught out.
I want to sign up for a dive trip. Are there certification-level or logged-dive requirements?
Each dive site is different, so the entry bar varies. 'Bali Tulamben', for instance, is relatively beginner-friendly. 'Malapascua in the Philippines' is also beginner-friendly, but since thresher sharks tend to cruise between 20 and 30 metres, we recommend AOW certification with 20+ logged dives to enjoy this trip comfortably. For 'the Maldives' or 'Palau', we suggest AOW with 50+ logged dives for a more relaxed experience. If you're not sure whether your experience fits the trip you want, message us and our dive editors will assess it and help you find the trip you'll feel safest on.
Can I join if I'm signing up alone? How are rooms arranged?
Plenty of our travellers sign up solo! For rooms and beds, we prioritise pairing you with a same-gender traveller, and if you'd rather have your own space you can pay the difference to upgrade to a single room. For the diving, our professional leader will pair you with a suitable buddy, and with the happy vibe on our trips you'll quickly make a great group of dive friends. Many people sign up alone, make new friends, and end up organising the next trip together!
Does the trip fee include dive insurance, gear rental, taxes and instructor tips?
It depends on the trip, the destination's regulations and the local operators. Every BlueTrend dive trip has a detailed web page with a clear 'included / not included' list, transparent and with no hidden charges. All payments are collected by a licensed travel agency, with a standard-form contract for your protection.
I'm a new diver / haven't dived in a long time — will I fall behind the group?
Before you complete your booking, our team assesses a suitable trip based on your certification level and experience. Before departure, we strongly recommend taking time to refresh in Taiwan with an instructor, or a fun dive to get your feel back. On the trip itself, our professional dive leader groups and pairs everyone by experience, keeps a close eye underwater on travellers who need extra care, and steps in to help right away.
Will the photos and videos taken during the trip be shared with us?
During the dives, 'safety' is always the leader's top priority, so whenever it's suitable and safe the leader will capture great shots and record the best moments. During or after the trip, we compile a cloud album for all travellers to download, so you go home loaded with memories!
Besides your scheduled trips, can you arrange a private group charter or independent travel for me and my friends?
Absolutely! Besides group trips, we also arrange private group charters and independent travel. We can communicate, enquire and coordinate services with local operators based on your needs, saving you time and effort and taking the language barrier off your plate, to tailor the smoothest, most reassuring dive trip just for you. Contact our LINE support and our editors will arrange it for you!
