Diving at Kaş – Antalya Province

Diving at Kaş – Antalya Province, Turkey

Tucked away on the Turquoise Coast of southwestern Turkey, Kaş is a charming seaside town in Antalya Province that has become a magnet for diving enthusiasts from around the globe. With its crystal-clear waters, stunning underwater topography, vibrant marine life, and rich historical wrecks, Kaş offers one of the best diving experiences in the entire Mediterranean region. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, diving at Kaş is an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.

Why Dive in Kaş?

Kaş boasts more than 30 dive sites, all within a short boat ride from the harbor. These range from shallow reefs ideal for novice divers to deep walls, underwater canyons, and shipwrecks suited for advanced explorers. The visibility is excellent, often reaching 30 meters or more, and the water temperature ranges from 18°C in early spring to a warm 29°C in summer.

But beyond its clear waters and agreeable conditions, Kaş is famous for the diversity of its underwater attractions. Here, divers encounter ancient ruins, plane wrecks, caves, tunnels, amphoras, and even a submerged tank – all set against a backdrop of rocky reefs and colorful marine life. The blend of history and nature makes each dive not just a sport, but a journey through time.

Top Dive Sites in Kaş

1. The Canyon

Located just a few minutes from Kaş Harbor, The Canyon is one of the most iconic dive sites in the region. The dive starts around 5 meters and descends down a stunning underwater canyon to 20–25 meters. This site is known for its dramatic rock formations and abundance of marine life, including moray eels, lionfish, and barracudas. It’s an ideal site for intermediate divers seeking both scenic beauty and biological diversity.

2. Flying Fish Reef

Named after the small flying fish occasionally seen darting over the surface, this dive site is home to a unique rock formation and a drop-off wall that goes down to 65 meters. The site attracts larger pelagic species and is known for its fantastic visibility and macro life. It’s a favorite among experienced divers and underwater photographers.

3. Dimitri Shipwreck

This cargo ship sank in 1968 and now rests between 18 to 30 meters. The Dimitri Wreck is a spectacular dive, giving divers the chance to explore the vessel’s structure, which has become an artificial reef teeming with life. You can expect to see nudibranchs, octopus, and groupers around the wreck. It's a captivating dive for those interested in maritime history and underwater archeology.

4. The Underwater Tank

One of the more unusual dive sites in Kaş is the deliberately sunken tank, which was placed underwater by the Turkish Army to create an artificial reef. Resting at 20 meters, this dive offers an extraordinary photo opportunity and a reminder of how military history can take on a peaceful purpose in an underwater world.

5. Aslanlı Cave

Translated as “Cave with a Lion,” this cave dive features a lion statue placed inside the cave’s chamber, adding a mystical touch. The cave entrance lies at around 14 meters, and the dive is relatively easy, making it accessible to Open Water divers. The interior of the cave shimmers with light, and the surrounding reef hosts sponges, sea slugs, and small fish.

Marine Life in Kaş

Although the Mediterranean doesn’t boast the same biodiversity as tropical seas, Kaş is known for its surprisingly rich marine life. Divers frequently encounter turtles, including the endangered Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle), rays, groupers, jacks, and even the occasional monk seal. Macro enthusiasts will enjoy spotting nudibranchs, seahorses, and various crustaceans.

The reefs are adorned with sponges and soft corals, creating a colorful contrast to the deep blues of the sea. Night dives often reveal a different side of this underwater world, with hunting cuttlefish, sleeping fish, and glowing bioluminescence.

Dive Centers and Certification

Kaş is home to numerous professional dive centers, many of which offer training through PADI, CMAS, SSI, and other recognized certification agencies. Whether you're looking to complete your Open Water Diver course, pursue advanced or specialty training like wreck or cave diving, or simply join fun dives, Kaş is well-equipped to accommodate.

The dive centers in Kaş are known for their safety standards, experienced instructors, and friendly atmosphere. Equipment is well-maintained, and most centers offer multilingual support, including English, German, French, and Russian.

When to Visit

The diving season in Kaş typically runs from April to November, with the peak season being between June and September. During this time, the sea is warm, and the town is bustling with activity, festivals, and cultural events. However, visiting in spring or early autumn offers quieter dive sites and more personal service, while still enjoying good underwater conditions.

Beyond Diving

While diving is a major draw, Kaş has much more to offer. The town itself is a laid-back haven of whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming cafes. The waterfront is dotted with restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes. Sunset at the ancient amphitheater overlooking the sea is a must-see.

Adventure lovers can also enjoy paragliding, sea kayaking, hiking the Lycian Way, or taking a boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova. With its rich blend of culture, nature, and history, Kaş is a perfect base for exploring both above and below the surface.

Final Thoughts

Diving in Kaş is not just an activity – it’s an experience that combines the thrill of exploration with the serenity of the underwater world. From ancient ruins and eerie wrecks to caves and sea turtles, the variety and accessibility of dive sites make Kaş a true gem for divers in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re discovering the deep blue for the first time or adding a new destination to your logbook, Kaş is guaranteed to leave you breathless – in the best way possible.