Big Blue

Tucked into Taipei's bustling Xinyi District, Big Blue is a PADI Five Star IDC dive centre where the air carries the smell of the sea. A team of eight PADI instructors runs a full education system alongside a lively crowd of members and students, welcoming everyone from first-timers with zero experience to seasoned divers looking for a relaxed home base any season, day or night.

Courses and what it's known for

Learners can start with the PADI Open Water Diver Course, from USD 555 over roughly three days, then build skills with the PADI Enriched Air Diver course, from USD 186 in about a day. Big Blue is especially known for underwater photography, encouraging divers to capture every moment on activities and sharing works across screens large and small.

Facilities include an onsite classroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a retail shop, onsite accommodation and parking. Instruction is offered in English, Mandarin and Chinese, and the surrounding waters bring encounters with sharks, whales, turtles and ocean fish.