Taiwan's best diving tends to be off the islands around the coast, where the water is clearer and strong sea currents have kept pollution to a minimum. The sites at Green Island to the east include Nanliao, with beautiful coral; Chungliao Submerged Reef (suitable only for advanced divers); and Tapaisha. Orchid Island is surrounded by coral reefs and features several recommended dive sites. The coral reefs of the south and the Pescadores Islands are considered good skindiving areas. Sharks and barracudas are rare in the waters around Taiwan. Rivers, lakes and the sea are ideal for swimming. The best time for swimming on the north coast is May to September; the south coast has warm waters all year round. The waters off the Hualien-Taitung coast are ideal for whale and dolphin watching, the best time to see them is March and April as they migrate thought the area or come to mate. Boats leave from Shitipung and Chenggong, the best time to go is early morning or late afternoon. Hot springs abound throughout the country. Some of the sites are easily accessible and provide baths, hot tubs and hotel facilities. Lakes, rivers, fish farms and the sea offer mainly unrestricted fishing. Near Taipei, there is good fishing at the Tamsui and Hsintien rivers, Green Lake and Shihmen Reservoir.

There are several year-round golf courses. Ten-pin bowling alleys and roller-skating rinks are quite common in major cities. Tapei also has two ice skating rinks. Hiking in the numerous parks is also popular.