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    Guangdong – Shantou & Nan’ao Island: Nanao Deep Wall Dive Site – China

    32m Max
    8-25m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Nanao Deep Wall is a advanced-level wall dive site located in the Guangdong – Shantou & Nan’ao Island region of China, offering an extraordinary combination of marine biodiversity and underwater scenery in one of the country most celebrated diving areas. The site reaches a maximum depth of 32 meters with the most productive diving occurring in the upper sections where the reef structures and formations provide shelter and feeding grounds for a remarkable diversity of marine species. The underwater topography features dramatic formations including walls, pinnacles, coral gardens, and sandy channels that create a mosaic of distinct ecological zones supporting rich marine communities. Marine life encounters commonly include Abalone, Octopus, Spider Crab, Blenny, Jellyfish along with numerous endemic and resident species that inhabit the diverse substrate types found throughout the site. Water temperatures range seasonally from cooler winter lows to warm summer highs, with visibility typically between 10 and 25 meters depending on conditions and plankton activity. The Guangdong – Shantou & Nan’ao Island region is increasingly recognized as one of China finest diving destinations, offering the perfect combination of world-class marine life, good infrastructure, and reliable year-round diving conditions. The site accessible from Shantou provides an outstanding diving experience for certified divers seeking memorable underwater encounters in China growing diving tourism sector.

    Dive Briefing

    "The dive at Nanao Deep Wall begins with entry from the boat or shore with a short surface swim to the descent point marked by the reef edge or wall. After a controlled descent to approximately 19 meters, divers explore the main reef structure where the current-facing sections offer the best marine life encounters in the nutrient-rich waters. Abalone are frequently observed patrolling the reef at depth, while Octopus inhabit the coral gardens, overhangs, and ledges throughout the mid-section of the dive profile. The site features a variety of bottom compositions and structural elements that support diverse marine communities and provide excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro observation. Your guide leads you progressively shallower along the reef contour, ensuring adequate bottom time for the safety stop at five meters. Abalone, Octopus, Spider Crab, Blenny are commonly encountered throughout the dive at various depths and habitats. The final portion of the dive is spent exploring the shallow reef area at 8 to 16 meters where biodiversity is highest and sunlight creates ideal conditions for photography. The safety stop is conducted along the upper reef before surfacing for a total dive time of approximately 45 to 55 minutes. Nanao Deep Wall consistently delivers memorable diving experiences for visitors to Shantou."

    Signature Marine Life

    Abalone

    low

    Haliotis discus

    Best: May, June, July

    Octopus

    high

    Octopus vulgaris

    Best: May, June, July

    Spider Crab

    low

    Macrocheira kaempferi

    Best: May, June, July

    Blenny

    medium

    Salarias fasciatus

    Best: May, June, July

    Jellyfish

    medium

    Rhopilema esculentum

    Best: July, August, September

    Rockfish

    high

    Sebastes schlegelii

    Best: May, June, July

    Safety & Hazards

    • Sudden thermoclines causing rapid temperature drops at depth
    • Venomous lionfish and scorpionfish on ledges requiring careful hand placement
    • Typhoon season bringing unpredictable weather and rough seas
    • Strong currents around reef edges requiring reef hook and SMB deployment
    • Fire coral and sharp coral formations requiring careful buoyancy and fin placement
    • Jellyfish blooms in summer months potentially causing stings
    Nearest Chamber
    Shantou Central Hospital
    25km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Nanao Deep Wall is ideal for advanced-level divers with Advanced Open Water certification or higher who are seeking rewarding underwater experiences in China marine environments. The site presents conditions appropriate for the certification level including moderate depth profiles, manageable currents, and generally predictable conditions that allow divers to focus on marine life encounters and photography. Divers with good buoyancy control and comfortable navigation skills will get the most from this site. The rewards for properly certified divers include healthy reef ecosystems, diverse marine species, good visibility, and the satisfaction of exploring one of China growing number of quality dive sites. Beginners should dive with a guide while more experienced divers can explore the deeper and more exposed sections of the site.

    wall
    deep
    advanced
    remote

    For Non-Divers

    Beach relaxation

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyadvanced
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmoderate to strong
    Water Temp22-29°C
    Best TimeMay - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Shantou Dive Center
    • Nanao Island Dive Club
    • Shantou Marine Sports
    Pricing Guide
    $60 - $110
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    wide_angle_zoom
    fisheye
    torch

    Best for: wide_angle, low_light

    Nearby Stay

    Shantou Dive Hotel

    Shantou2km away

    Check Availability

    Guangdong – Shantou & Nan’ao Island Resort

    Shantou3km away

    Check Availability