Shilang Diving Area Introduction
Green Island is an internationally renowned diving paradise, with the Shilang sea area on the west coast being the most popular diving destination on the island. Along with Chaikou and Dabaisha, it is one of the three major diving areas in Green Island. This area is close to Nansiao Village, which is bustling with local businesses, and it only takes about ten minutes to walk to dining options after snorkeling; Nansiao Fishing Port is also not far away! The Shilang sea area is surrounded by a ring of coral reefs, benefiting from the warm Kuroshio Current flowing northward and nearby upwelling currents. Under these favorable conditions, it supports a rich marine ecosystem, nurturing a large number of precious and rare hard and soft corals, as well as a variety of tropical fish such as soft corals like white tuft soft coral, umbrella soft coral, butterfly fish, angelfish, barrel sponge, and great feather duster worms, with more than 200 species of corals present. The coastline here is gently sloping and extends continuously, with onshore coral reefs closely connected to the shallow bay reefs. The relatively stable currents also make it suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving; no need for heavy tanks, just simple equipment under the guidance of a coach allows one to dive into the colorful underwater world to admire the stunning coral landscapes. This area is home to a rich intertidal ecosystem, attracting many water birds to rest and forage. When the tide recedes, large stretches of stoneweed growing on the rocks are revealed, showing a lush green and translucent appearance, beautiful under the sunlight. When visiting Shilang, diving enthusiasts should not miss the most famous "Big Mushroom Coral"! This live coral, located 20 meters deep in Nansiao Bay, is the largest boulder coral in the world, standing 12 meters tall. By calculating its growth rate, it is estimated to be over 1,200 years old, making it quite rare and precious. In April each year, there is also the opportunity to see schools of flying fish leaping and dancing on the ocean surface. As the sun sets, the orange-red glow paints the entire sky, with silhouettes of flying fish reflected on the deep blue sea, creating a tranquil beauty that is truly enchanting.
