This dive site takes its name from the 82.5 K marker on the Northeast Coast highway. Underwater, it is an extension of the headland on land, with depths that can exceed 25 m offshore. However, due to tidal patterns, longshore currents, and the rugged topography, strong currents can develop quickly — when they do, divers sometimes have to claw along the bottom to make it back. On top of that, entering and exiting at 82.5 K requires climbing a nearly 70-degree handrail ladder in full gear, and the rocky shoreline demands extra care on foot. Despite these minor inconveniences, parking spots at 82.5 K are nearly impossible to find on weekends, and underwater photographers arrive in a steady stream — because this is the most celebrated macro paradise on the Northeast Coast.
Underwater Photography Instructor: Robin
Robin has won numerous domestic and international underwater photography awards and generously shares stunning underwater scenery and remarkable creature behaviors through his lens. Many of his most celebrated works were created right here at 82.5 K.
When Robin first got into macro photography, he heard that 82.5 K was teeming with subjects to shoot. He came to check it out with a dive buddy, and it has been one of his favorite dive sites ever since.
Underwater Photography Instructor: Robin
Robin's recommended dive route starts from the entry point noted in the site reference data. Head out on a compass bearing of 330° and you will quickly encounter a steep cliff / large fault wall. From there, search along the cliff face in the 16–24 m range, where you can find a wealth of macro subjects.
Near the gorgonian / sea fans, look carefully for the Razorfish (commonly known as the "cross ghost dragon" / Solenostomus paradoxus); along the cliff, follow the filamentous macroalgae to discover skeleton shrimp — a perennial favorite of underwater photographers; scan the sea fans and gorgonians and you may spot a hairy frogfish (Scorpaenopsis sp.) or various small commensal shrimp and crabs.
If you want to find the endearing Pikachu family — the horned/ceratosoma nudibranch — head toward the base of the reef at around 20 m depth and search for tiny branching bryozoans; find those and you stand a good chance of spotting the nudibranch feeding on them.
Once you reach the end of the cliff at roughly 26–28 m, it is time to turn around and retrace your route. Diving further out is not recommended, as it is easy to lose your bearings.
A rare photo of a Razorfish (Solenostomus paradoxus) brooding eggs, captured at 82.5 K in 2020. Photo credit: Robin
Why This Is a Macro Paradise
Going further out, you encounter what divers call the "Three Reefs," surrounded by an expanse of sandy seabed. Not only are there no reference points for navigation, but 82.5 K is also prone to sudden currents that stir up silt and sand, causing visibility to plummet in an instant — sometimes to the point where you cannot see your hand in front of your face.
Without the cliff to shelter you from the current, the force of the flow can be fierce enough that even if it does not sweep you away entirely, the kick back to the cliff will seriously test your legs. So, if you really want to shoot on the sandy bottom, the strong recommendation is this: the moment a current picks up, do not hesitate for even a second — turn around immediately and head back to safety.
Speaking of the return journey, during your 3-minute safety stop at 5 m, take a moment to look carefully around you — you will likely spot blennies (Plagiotremus sp.) and naked-head blennies (Neoclinus nudus) peeking out from holes in the coral, showing just their heads while watching the world go by. They are incredibly charming. In shallower water, damselfish guarding their egg clutches are also a common sight in summer.
Just as you would pick the right season to catch damselfish eggs, here is a seasonal guide to the marine life at 82.5 K:
- April to May is when the "swan" nudibranchs — such as Pteraeolidia species — make their grand appearance in large numbers.
- May to July is the best time to observe cardinalfish mouthbrooding their eggs.
- July to August is when the adorable Pikachu family takes center stage.
The Plagiotremus blenny & Neoclinus nudus are affectionately nicknamed "Britney" by divers. Photo credit: Wox Lee
A cardinalfish mouthbrooding its eggs. Photo credit: Robin
Robin says the reason 82.5 K has become a macro paradise for underwater photographers is that within just over 100 m from shore, there is an extraordinary variety of rare subjects to shoot. Take the hairy frogfish, for example — a species rarely seen at places like Green Island or Xiaoliuqiu — five individuals were found at 82.5 K last year alone, in purple, yellow, and even pink.
Compared to other dive sites along the Northeast Coast, the ecosystem here is considerably richer. Photographers can use the gorgonians, coral, and other background elements to make their subjects pop — more vivid, more unique. These are exactly the reasons underwater photographers simply cannot get enough of this place.
A purple hairy frogfish — a rare and special visitor at 82.5 K. Photo credit: 陳致維
Because the site is so popular, you will often find other photographers already shooting the subject you had in mind. Robin's advice: stay 3–5 m back and wait, using the time to observe how they are shooting while thinking through your own approach. This patience will serve you far better than rushing straight in the moment you spot something — and will almost always produce a stronger image.
82.5 K is a fantastic dive site for photography, as long as you dive it safely. Come with a solid grasp of compass navigation, always dive with a suitable dive guide or dive buddy, and turn back the moment a current picks up. Do that, and you are sure to have a great time and come away with some fantastic shots!
Recommended Species to Look For
Species recommended by Wox Lee:
- Horned nudibranchs (Ceratosoma / Hermissenda spp.): The "Pikachu family" — the most beloved nudibranchs on the Northeast Coast — love feeding on bryozoans. The group encompasses many species and is a popular photographic target that many divers love to collect.
- Blennies (Plagiotremus sp.) & naked-head blennies (Neoclinus nudus): These little fish love to take up residence in holes left behind by sea urchins or mollusks, hiding within the coral with just their heads sticking out to survey their surroundings — incredibly cute.
- Hairy frogfish (Scorpaenopsis sp.): An oddly shaped scorpionfish that mimics algae, swaying on the seafloor to imitate fronds drifting in the current while waiting for prey to wander past. Two species are found in Taiwan.
Special thanks to the biological consultant for this article — Wox Lee
Editor: Jenny Tsai
References:
- Marine Encyclopedia of Northern Taiwan (Li Cheng-lu & Zhao Jian-shun, 2020)
- Taiwan Reef Coast Map (Zhao Shi-min, 2003)
- Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation Official Website
- Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Official Website
- National Museum of Marine Science and Technology Official Website
- 82.5K Dive Site Map
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