Scuba Diving – Kaş, Antalya Province

Scuba Diving in Kaş: Discovering Turkey’s Underwater Paradise

Tucked away on Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, the small town of Kaş in the Antalya Province is a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts. With crystal-clear waters, dramatic underwater landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Kaş has quietly built a reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Whether you're an experienced diver or a curious beginner, the waters around Kaş promise an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Why Kaş?

Kaş is far removed from the crowded beaches and high-rise hotels that characterize many popular resort towns. Instead, it offers a more authentic and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the Taurus Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The town itself is charming, with whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and a laid-back, bohemian vibe.

But what truly sets Kaş apart is its underwater world. With over 25 dive sites, Kaş offers something for every level of diver — from calm, shallow reefs perfect for beginners to deep wrecks and dramatic drop-offs that thrill advanced divers. The water is warm (ranging from 20°C to 29°C), visibility is excellent (often exceeding 30 meters), and the dive season stretches from April to November.

A Diverse Underwater World

The marine life around Kaş is surprisingly diverse. Divers regularly encounter sea turtles, Mediterranean moray eels, groupers, octopuses, and schools of barracuda. Macro life is also abundant, making the area a haven for underwater photographers. Nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and seahorses can often be spotted hiding among the rocky reefs.

One of the reasons marine biodiversity thrives here is the area's status as a protected marine park. Conservation efforts have helped maintain the balance of the ecosystem, ensuring that dive sites remain vibrant and healthy for years to come.

Notable Dive Sites in Kaş

1. Flying Fish Reef (Uçanbalık Resifi)

A favorite among advanced divers, this reef features a steep wall that descends to more than 60 meters. The wall is covered in coral and sponge life, and larger pelagic fish often cruise by in the blue. The name comes from the flying fish that are occasionally spotted gliding over the surface in summer.

2. The Canyon (Kanyon)

The Canyon is one of Kaş’s most iconic dive sites. Starting at a shallow depth of 5 meters, a narrow passage descends to 18 meters and opens up into a dramatic underwater canyon. Along the way, you'll see a mix of geological features, small caves, and rich marine life including grouper and lionfish.

3. The Shipwreck “Duchess of York”

This is a sunken cargo ship that lies at around 30 meters. It’s become an artificial reef, teeming with life. Exploring the wreck is an adventure — you’ll swim through sections of the ship, peer into cabins, and possibly spot a turtle gliding by.

4. Underwater Archaeology Park

Kaş is rich in history, and this extends beneath the waves. Some dive sites include ancient amphorae, stone anchors, and ruins dating back to Lycian and Roman times. These are not staged or artificial attractions but authentic archaeological features protected by local law. Diving here feels like time-travel.

5. The Airplane Wreck

One of the most popular newer dive sites is the wreck of a Douglas C-47 military aircraft, intentionally sunk in 2009 as an artificial reef. It sits at 21 meters and is safe to explore, offering a unique, eerie, and photogenic dive experience.

Dive Schools and Training

Kaş is home to numerous PADI and CMAS-certified dive centers, most of which offer training from beginner to advanced levels. If you’ve never dived before, the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs are a perfect introduction. You’ll receive a basic briefing, do a shallow dive with an instructor, and get a taste of the magic below.

For those looking to get certified, Kaş is an ideal place to complete your Open Water Diver course. The calm conditions, warm water, and experienced instructors make learning both fun and safe.

Advanced divers can pursue specialty courses, such as wreck diving, deep diving, night diving, and underwater photography. Nitrox and technical diving options are also available for those seeking more complex dives.

A Cultural and Culinary Bonus

The diving may be what draws you to Kaş, but the town itself will make you want to stay. After a day underwater, stroll along the harbor promenade, sip a Turkish coffee, or enjoy a traditional meze spread at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea.

Kaş also has a rich cultural side. The town is near ancient Lycian sites such as Xanthos and Patara, and you can explore well-preserved tombs and ruins scattered throughout the region. Day trips to the nearby Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) are also popular and just a short boat ride away.

Sustainability and Responsible Diving

Diving in Kaş is not just about adventure — it’s about respecting the marine environment. Many local dive centers are involved in marine conservation projects, including underwater cleanups, marine life monitoring, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Divers are encouraged to practice good buoyancy control, avoid touching marine life, and minimize their impact on the fragile ecosystems.

By diving with responsible operators and respecting the ocean, you’re helping preserve this underwater paradise for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving in Kaş is more than just a sport — it’s a complete sensory experience. The stunning scenery above and below the water, the rich culture, and the friendly community of divers create an environment that’s both exciting and deeply peaceful.

Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping wreck dives or tranquil encounters with sea turtles, Kaş delivers. It’s no wonder so many divers return year after year, drawn back by the unique charm of this Turkish coastal treasure.

So if you’re dreaming of your next dive holiday, let the sun-drenched shores of Kaş be your launch point into the deep blue.