A diving-spot directory for comparing tide turns, waves and weather before entering the water.
How to read the dive timing table
Start with the hour before and after each high or low tide, when tidal flow may ease, then check wave height, wind, entry and exit routes, and local controls. Slack water is not guaranteed: channels, headlands, and the lee side of islands can still carry local currents.
Spring tides often occur near new and full moon, with a larger difference between high and low water and potentially stronger flow during the middle of the turn. Neap tides are more common near first and last quarter. Local current is not set by astronomical tide alone: wind, swell, seabed shape, and narrow harbor entrances all alter what divers encounter.
Once the Sun is higher, its light travels a shorter path through the water. In clear water with a settled surface, the hours around solar noon usually reveal terrain and color better. Low-angle light at dawn and dusk fades faster underwater. The table's daylight window is not a visibility forecast; suspended sediment, runoff, and waves remain decisive.
Longdong Bay Ocean Park dive service area is at No. 63-8 Longdong Street. Opening and admission are posted dynamically, so check the operator on the day before arriving with equipment rather than relying on a map status.
For public transport with gear, alight at Longdong Bay Ocean Park. Official information lists routes 856, 791, 886, F837, F839 and the holiday coastal line; confirm timetables and equipment rules with the operator.
2026-08-27 — Low Tide 00:57 (23:57–01:57) · High Tide 05:28 (04:28–06:28) · Low Tide 13:28 (12:28–14:28) · High Tide 19:21 (18:21–20:21) · Mid tide · 0.89 m
The recreation-area entrance is at No. 223 Nanwan Road. Its official paid lot operates all day with 130 car, 40 scooter and 20 coach spaces; arrive with heavy gear via the managed parking route.
Published recreation-area hours are 08:30–21:00 while parking is charged all day. For early or late equipment moves, do not interpret parking access as an open water service.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:45 (04:45–06:45) · Low Tide 13:13 (12:13–14:13) · High Tide 19:02 (18:02–20:02) · Low Tide 23:43 (22:43–00:43) · Mid tide · 1.17 m
The public lot is on the landward side of Houbihu Harbor. The official listing shows 113 car, 12 scooter and 24 coach spaces and currently marks it free; dive gear still has to follow the harbor-side pedestrian route.
The old shelter beside the parking lot is no longer a bus stop. With equipment, walk about 100 metres toward Chushuikou and use the stop on the left, as directed by the park authority.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:44 (04:44–06:44) · Low Tide 13:15 (12:15–14:15) · High Tide 19:01 (18:01–20:01) · Low Tide 23:45 (22:45–00:45) · Mid tide · 1.15 m
This Ludao Port page refers to Nanliao Harbor. The official crossing from Fugang takes about 50 minutes; confirm carriage restrictions with the ferry company before bringing tanks or oversized gear.
Nanliao is shared by fast ferries, leisure craft, glass-bottom boats and fishing vessels. The basin and berths are not general shore entries; distinguish harbor operations from nearby Shilang.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:21 (04:21–06:21) · Low Tide 12:01 (11:01–13:01) · High Tide 18:16 (17:16–19:16) · Low Tide 23:50 (22:50–00:50) · Mid tide · 1.38 m
Tofu Cape Recreation Area is south of Nanfangao Harbor and officially provides parking and toilets. Bring dive gear through the recreation-area lot rather than unloading beside the harbor channel.
Without a car, transfer from Suao New Station or Suao bus terminal, or use G28/1879 to Nanfangao. Confirm carriage of bulky dive gear with the bus operator first.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:07 (04:07–06:07) · Low Tide 11:59 (10:59–12:59) · High Tide 18:21 (17:21–19:21) · Low Tide 23:43 (22:43–00:43) · Mid tide · 1.43 m
Wanlitong village lies between Shizhu and Xunguangzui, and the coast from Wanlitong to Xunguangzui is officially designated an ecological protection area. Do not carry gear across its intertidal zone as a shortcut.
The current plan allows daytime shore scuba at Wanlitong within 200 metres of shore. That is an outer activity limit, not permission to trample or enter anywhere along the coast.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:47 (04:47–06:47) · Low Tide 13:35 (12:35–14:35) · High Tide 18:57 (17:57–19:57) · Low Tide 23:34 (22:34–00:34) · Mid tide · 0.9 m
Chushuikou West lies near the Houbihu-to-Maobitou road, and the authority explicitly describes its land area as narrow. Do not assume roadside space is available for prolonged gearing with tanks or long fins.
The old shelter by Houbihu parking is no longer a bus stop; the current stop is about 100 metres toward Chushuikou on the left. Include this equipment-carry segment when using public transport.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:45 (04:45–06:45) · Low Tide 13:12 (12:12–14:12) · High Tide 19:02 (18:02–20:02) · Low Tide 23:42 (22:42–00:42) · Mid tide · 1.14 m
Shilang adjoins Nanliao and is officially addressed as the Shilang Diving Area. Gear up at the marked dive area rather than treating the adjacent Nanliao quay as its entry.
Shilang is officially identified for scuba and snorkelling along a gently extending coral coast. Use established dive facilities to enter and avoid stepping on live coral or intertidal organisms.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:19 (04:19–06:19) · Low Tide 12:01 (11:01–13:01) · High Tide 18:14 (17:14–19:14) · Low Tide 23:50 (22:50–00:50) · Mid tide · 1.38 m
Chaikou’s official address is No. 61 Chaikou, with parking and toilets listed. Use the attraction lot with gear and continue via the marked dive walkway.
Chaikou lies on the north coast and is often sheltered during June–August southwest winds. Same-day sea conditions still govern; seasonal shelter is not a guarantee.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:22 (04:22–06:22) · Low Tide 12:01 (11:01–13:01) · High Tide 18:17 (17:17–19:17) · Low Tide 23:50 (22:50–00:50) · Mid tide · 1.39 m
Liuchiu Ocean Station at No. 5-10 Zhongshan Road has parking, but it is an education and support site—not a universal island entry. Confirm the actual dive site before moving gear there.
Most waters within 200 metres seaward of Xiaoliuqiu’s high-tide line are an aquatic propagation conservation area. Observation is allowed, but hand collection and habitat damage are prohibited.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 06:52 (05:52–07:52) · Low Tide 14:12 (13:12–15:12) · High Tide 19:54 (18:54–20:54) · Spring tide · 0.99 m
Ferries reach Kaiyuan Harbor in about 120 minutes from Fugang or 120–150 minutes from Houbihu. Confirm schedules and equipment carriage with the ferry company.
Ferries can carry scooters but vehicle space is limited and must be confirmed. Tank and gear transport around the island must still be secured and parked without obstructing village roads.
2026-08-27 — High Tide 05:29 (04:29–06:29) · Low Tide 12:11 (11:11–13:11) · High Tide 18:14 (17:14–19:14) · Low Tide 23:55 (22:55–00:55) · Mid tide · 1.41 m
FAQ
Should I dive on a rising or falling tide?
What matters is slack water, not rising vs falling — the current is weakest around high and low tide, which is best for shore diving and snorkelling. Mid-tide has the strongest, most dangerous current. Match your entry to that day’s tide times and aim for the slack window.
How do I know the best time to get in today?
Check today’s high and low tide times on this page; the roughly 1-hour window around each turning point is slack water with the weakest current. Still confirm the day’s wind, swell, visibility and weather, and defer to your dive shop and on-site notices.
Can I enter the water as soon as the table shows slack water?
No. Slack water is only an estimated period around an astronomical tide turn. Waves, local current, visibility, entry and exit conditions, and closures still require an on-site check. Use a qualified instructor or guide when your training or knowledge of the site is not sufficient.