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Dive centre · Hengchun · Taiwan

5.0991 Google reviews

半島海人 Beyond The Surface, Harry Ding

Explore the diverse marine ecosystems of southern Taiwan with an SSI-affiliated team based in Hengchun.

What sets this centre apart

  • SSI affiliated training centre established in 2018
  • Nitrox available for all qualifying divers
  • Full equipment hire available on-site
  • On-site ocean-themed guesthouse with ten rooms
  • Instruction available in both English and Chinese
  • Wide range of courses from Open Water to Instructor Training
  • Specialised mermaid and freediving programmes offered
  • Access to diverse sites including reefs, rocks, and wrecks
Plongeur nageant au milieu d'un banc de poissons argentés en mer

半島海人 Beyond The Surface, Harry Ding about the centre

Based in Hengchun at the southern tip of Taiwan, Beyond the Surface (半島海人) has been operating since 2018. The centre focuses on a lifestyle deeply connected to the sea, providing a base for divers to explore the varied marine environments influenced by the Kuroshio Current.

Whether you are looking to start your journey with an Open Water Diver course or are looking to advance your skills in technical or specialty areas, the centre provides a structured environment. The location allows for easy access to both shallow reef flats and more challenging offshore sites.

The club and its team

The team consists of professional instructors who provide instruction in both English and Chinese. Their expertise covers a wide range of disciplines, from recreational scuba and freediving to specialised mermaid training.

Beyond standard scuba instruction, the centre offers training in underwater photography, videography, and Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) operation. They also cater to those looking to move into professional roles through Instructor Training and Dive Guide programmes.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
SSI
Certification level
Instructor Training Center
Operating since
2018
Languages spoken
Chinese · English
Website available in
Chinese
Management
English
Equipment rental
complete
Nitrox
Yes
Night diving
Yes
Accommodation
Ocean-themed guesthouse with 10 rooms and 6 different configurations, including communal spaces such as lounges.

Courses on offer

As an SSI affiliated centre, Beyond the Surface offers a comprehensive catalogue of courses. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications, while those looking to refine their skills can take Peak Performance Buoyancy or Underwater Navigation.

For more advanced divers, the curriculum includes Deep Diver, Nitrox Diver, Dive Science, and Extended Range. The centre also provides specialised training in recreational sidemount, night and low visibility diving, and stress and rescue. Freediving is taught from beginner to advanced levels, alongside unique mermaid training programmes.

Equipment and gases

The centre provides full equipment hire for divers, ensuring you have the necessary kit for your sessions. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. For those interested in night diving, torches are provided as part of the equipment options.

Dive sites with 半島海人 Beyond The Surface, Harry Ding

Seven Stars Rock is an offshore site located approximately 8.6 nautical miles from Hengchun. It features large cliffs and sea fans, with visibility often exceeding 30 metres.

Chuanfan Rock is a massive reef located on the Eluanbi road. It offers a peaceful and isolated diving experience for all levels.

Houbihu, situated on the right side of Chu Shui Kou, is a reef site that remains calm during the summer months. It is located less than 30 metres from the shore and is accessible to all levels.

Hejie is a destination on the west coast of Hengchun that includes wreck diving. It is a diverse site where you can find everything from nudibranchs to giant moray eels.

And some of the dive sites the centre runs.

Seven Stars RockChuanfan RockHoubihu (Right Side of Chu Shui Kou)Hejie

Marine life around Hengchun

The marine life in this region is heavily influenced by the Kuroshio Current, bringing a variety of pelagic species. You can regularly encounter whitetip sharks, great barracuda, and sea turtles. Larger fish such as tuna, jackfish, and schools of fusiliers are also common in the area.

For those interested in macro life, the reefs and wrecks provide plenty of interest. You can find various species of nudibranchs, boxfish, and giant moray eels.

Seasonally, the area can host large schools of sardines, providing a significant spectacle for divers.

Diving conditions

The area benefits from the influence of the Kuroshio Current, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the reefs. Visibility is generally good, typically ranging between 20 and 30 metres.

The best periods to visit for diving are between April and June, and again from October to December.

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