
Xiaoliuqiu · Taiwan · Sand slope · Reef
Sanfu
Garden eels and sea turtles on a shallow harbour reef
Area photo: Jay Paroline · CC BY 4.0
Sanfu is a shore dive from Sanfu Fishing Harbor, reaching 12 m over a sandy area and a reef formation. Sea turtles use a large reef at 12 m, and garden eels, stingrays and flounders lie on the sand. Gentle current and shallow depth make it a site for those new to scuba diving.
Also known as 杉福, 衫福漁港, 杉福漁港, Shanfu Fishing Harbor.
Where it is and how deep
22.3392° N, 120.3615° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The dive follows a buoy line reached by swimming out to 6 m. To the right of the line lies a vast sandy area extending outwards to 8 m deep, while to the left is a reef formation.
The bottom deepens to 12 m, where a large reef serves as a habitat for many sea turtles. Flounders and stingrays rest on the sand, and garden eels may be spotted. Current is usually gentle with only an occasional light flow.
Marine life and season
- Sea turtles
- Stingrays
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Good | Good |
Season follows Xiaoliuqiu: Divable year-round; Apr–Jun and October are calmest, while typhoons disrupt Jul–Sep and winter winds raise swell.
Dive videos
20191012 - Dive at SanFu harbor, Liuqiu, Taiwan · Huang Kevin on YouTube
Sources
- Your ultimate guide to Xiaoliuqiu dive sites — Twosevenths
- 小琉球-潛點介紹 — Ming Diving
More dive sites in Xiaoliuqiu
Reef
15 resident sea turtles in a calm abandoned harbour
Large sea turtles beside one of the island's most famous landmarks
Artificial reef
Intact hull with small penetrable cabins at 27-30 m
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A pool-like training bay from 1 to 8 m
Reef
Igaya
Miyakejima · Japan
Harbour-sheltered dive with red frogfish and juvenile butterflyfish
Sand flats east of Herrvik crowded with flounder and turbot



