Underwater Scenery of the Penghu South Islands｜Discover Coral Reefs and the Lavender Reef with Islands of Wave—No Deep Diving Required
- leisure time
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
When people think of Penghu, they often picture summer, sunshine, and vibrant water activities. But once you shift your gaze beneath the surface, you’ll discover that the true charm of this island chain lies underwater. The South Islands of Penghu are one of the best places to experience this hidden world.
Located to the south of Penghu’s main island, the South Penghu Marine National Park consists of Dongji Islet, Xiji Islet, Dongyuping, and Xiyuping. Compared to other more tourist-oriented coastal areas in Penghu, this region has remained relatively untouched, preserving its natural landscape and maintaining a low level of development. As a result, its marine ecosystem has been able to thrive in a stable and balanced way over time. With exceptional water clarity and extensive coral coverage, the South Islands are not only a scenic destination but also a living, breathing marine ecosystem.
No Deep Diving Needed to Experience the Full Beauty of the Underwater World
For many people, diving is often associated with depth. However, in the South Islands of Penghu, some of the most breathtaking scenery can actually be found in shallow waters. Because sunlight easily penetrates the sea, corals and their symbiotic algae are able to carry out photosynthesis, which helps sustain a more active and vibrant marine ecosystem. As a result, even at depths close to the surface, visitors can clearly observe expansive coral formations and schools of fish moving through them.
In other words, even without the ability to dive deep, it is still possible to witness the richness and layered beauty of the underwater landscape through snorkeling or shallow freediving.
The Underwater Lavender Reef: One of the Most Iconic Landscapes of the South Islands
Among the many dive sites in the South Islands, the area known as the “Underwater Lavender Reef” is one of the most unforgettable.
This seascape is formed by branching corals in shades of violet and blue. Under sunlight and shifting currents, they create a visual effect that resembles a field of lavender swaying beneath the sea. As schools of fish weave through the coral, the view becomes more than a still image of beauty—it turns into a living, flowing landscape shaped by movement and rhythm.
Because this reef is found at a relatively shallow depth, it is also highly accessible to snorkelers and beginners, making it one of the most approachable ways to experience the underwater beauty of the South Islands.
Shallow Waters: Where Marine Life Truly Thrives
In the shallow waters of the South Islands, visitors can observe a wide range of marine interactions. Schools of fish gather and disperse quickly in response to changes in their surroundings, while many species feed and seek shelter among the corals.
One of the most remarkable features of this area is that there is no need to dive deep in order to enjoy a complete underwater view. Even near the surface, sunlight filters through the water and reveals a richly layered scene shaped by coral formations, fish, and ocean currents. What might seem like a distant underwater world suddenly becomes far more accessible, lowering the barrier for travelers to connect with the sea.
These details make the underwater environment more than just a beautiful landscape. It becomes clear that this is a living ecosystem, shaped by balance, movement, and relationships between species. The longer you stay and observe, the more you realize that its beauty lies not only in its colors, but in the way life continues to unfold within it.
From Snorkeling to Freediving: Experiencing the Ocean from Different Distances
Another unique feature of the South Islands is that they offer different ways for people of all experience levels to connect with the sea.
Snorkeling is ideal for those who are new to the ocean, as simply placing your face in the water reveals the broader underwater landscape. Freediving, on the other hand, allows you to descend briefly beneath the surface, bringing you closer to the corals and schools of fish while offering a more detailed view of the environment.
These two experiences do not replace one another; rather, they represent different layers of understanding. Snorkeling lets you take in the full picture, while freediving invites you to notice the finer details.
Why the South Islands Are Ideal for Beginners to Explore the Ocean
Compared to many other dive destinations, the South Islands offer conditions that naturally lower the barrier to entry for those new to the ocean.
One of the key advantages is that even in shallow waters, the underwater scenery remains highly visible and engaging. The clarity of the water allows for excellent visibility, making it easier to observe marine life and underwater formations without needing advanced skills. In addition, the concentration of marine ecosystems in relatively accessible areas means that corals and fish are easy to find and appreciate.
Because of these conditions, beginners can explore the ocean without significant technical pressure, allowing them to build both interest and confidence in a more relaxed and enjoyable way. For this reason, the South Islands have increasingly become an important destination for both freediving beginners and those interested in experiencing marine ecosystems up close.
Penghu Is More Than Water Activities—It’s Also a Place to Learn Diving
As freediving continues to grow in popularity, Penghu has developed a well-rounded environment for both learning and experiencing the ocean. Beyond one-time activities like snorkeling or casual water tours, several local teams now offer structured freediving courses and certification programs, allowing travelers to move from simple experiences into deeper learning.
For example, local diving groups such as Islands of Wave (浪嶼潛行) not only provide guided water activities, but also offer open-water training and internationally recognized certification courses. This approach transforms a trip to Penghu from a one-time experience into the beginning of a more meaningful and lasting connection with the ocean.
浪嶼潛行 Islands of Wave
As one of Penghu’s local diving teams, Islands of Wave is dedicated to combining meaningful ocean experiences with professional instruction, allowing more people to approach the sea in a safe and steady way. Their programs are primarily conducted in open water, with an emphasis on building trust in the marine environment through real sea conditions, rather than focusing on technique alone.
The courses cover essential breath control, water adaptation, and diving skills, while also offering PADI freediver certification for those who wish to progress further. For travelers who hope to turn a one-time experience into a long-term passion, this style of learning not only improves safety, but also creates a deeper, more lasting connection with the ocean.
Before Entering the Ocean: Understanding and Respect
As part of a national marine park, the true value of the South Islands lies in the fact that their natural state has been preserved over a long period of time. For this reason, any water activity in the area should be approached with the principle of minimizing disturbance to the environment.
Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on or touching coral, refrain from chasing or disturbing marine life, and always follow the guidance of instructors and dive leaders. Although these actions may seem simple, they are essential to maintaining the balance of this fragile ecosystem.
To enter an environment like this is also to accept a certain level of responsibility. Basic principles include using ocean-friendly sunscreen, never stepping on coral—which grows extremely slowly—not touching or disturbing marine species, and observing wildlife from an appropriate distance. Respect for the ocean begins not only with admiration, but with the choices we make while moving through it.
Conclusion｜A Place Where the Ocean Becomes Understandable
The value of the South Islands lies in how they lower the barrier to experiencing the ocean.
You don’t need advanced diving skills or complex techniques to witness the interplay of coral, fish, and light in shallow waters. These accessible conditions allow more people to move beyond simply looking at the sea, and begin to truly understand it.
Perhaps for this reason, the South Islands are more than just a travel destination in Penghu—they are a place where people can rediscover and reconnect with the ocean.
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