Shilang Diving Area Introduction
Green Island is an internationally recognized paradise for diving. The Shilang waters, located along the west coast, are the most popular diving site on the island, alongside Chaikou and Dabaisha, forming the three major diving areas of Green Island. It is conveniently close to Nanliao Village, where many local businesses are gathered; it only takes a ten-minute walk after snorkeling to find dining options. Nanliao Fishing Port is also not far away! The Shilang waters are surrounded by a ring-shaped coral reef and benefit from the warm Pacific Kuroshio Current flowing north, with upwellings nearby. Under these favorable conditions, a rich marine ecosystem thrives, supporting numerous rare soft and hard corals as well as various tropical fish, such as white branch soft coral, umbrella soft coral, pygmy butterflyfish, longfin butterflyfish, barrel sponges, and large barnacles, with the types of coral exceeding 200 species. The coastline here is gently sloping and extends continuously, connecting the shore's coral reefs with the shallow bay's reefs. The relatively stable currents make it suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving, as there is no need to carry heavy tanks; simple equipment is sufficient, and with guidance from instructors, one can dive into the colorful underwater world to admire the stunning coral landscapes. This area nurtures a wealth of intertidal organisms, attracting many water birds to stop and forage; during low tide, vast fields of seaweed growing on the rocks become exposed, displaying their vibrant green and translucent appearance beautifully under the sun. For deep diving enthusiasts, the most famous "Big Mushroom Coral" here is a must-see! This living coral is located 20 meters deep in Nanliao Bay and is the largest pillar coral in the world, standing 12 meters tall. Based on the growth rate of coral, it is estimated to be over 1200 years old, making it extremely rare and precious. In April each year, it is also possible to witness flying fish leaping across the surface of the sea. At sunset, the orange-red glow paints the entire sky, and the silhouettes of flying fish reflect on the deep blue sea, creating a tranquil beauty that lingers in the memory.
