Kaş
Kaş, a charming town on Türkiye's stunning Turquoise Coast, is a premier Mediterranean diving destination. It's renowned for its crystal-clear waters, remarkable underwater topography featuring canyons and caves, and a fascinating blend of natural reefs and historical wrecks. Divers can explore ancient amphorae fields, modern-day shipwrecks, and vibrant ecosystems, making it a unique location where history and marine life converge beneath the waves. The area boasts over a dozen distinct dive sites accessible by a short boat ride from the harbour.
With warm water temperatures and visibility often exceeding 30 meters, diving conditions in Kaş are exceptional, especially from April to November. The diverse range of sites, from shallow, calm bays perfect for beginners to deeper wrecks and challenging drift dives for advanced divers, ensures there's something for everyone. The combination of excellent conditions, rich biodiversity including turtles and groupers, and the chance to dive amongst remnants of ancient civilizations makes Kaş a must-visit destination for any scuba enthusiast exploring the Mediterranean.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Kaş, Türkiye?
The "Canyon" is arguably the most popular and iconic dive site in Kaş, Türkiye. It features a dramatic underwater passage between two towering walls, starting shallow and dropping deeper. Divers are drawn to the stunning light effects filtering through the canyon, the swim-throughs, and the chance to spot marine life like moray eels and groupers hiding in the crevices. Its unique topography makes it a memorable experience for intermediate and advanced divers.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Kaş, Türkiye?
Well-known sites in Kaş, Türkiye include the "Canyon" for its dramatic topography and the "Dimitri Wreck" (Cotton Wreck). For a less crowded but equally rewarding dive, seek out "Oasis Reef," a vibrant site with plentiful fish life, or "Neptune Reef" (Three Rocks), which offers interesting rock formations and is great for spotting octopus and crustaceans. These hidden gems provide a more tranquil diving experience away from the main crowds.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Kaş, Türkiye?
Water temperatures in Kaş, Türkiye vary significantly by season. In peak summer (July-September), temperatures reach a warm 26-29°C (79-84°F). During the shoulder seasons (May-June and October-November), expect temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F). In the winter (December-April), the water cools down to 16-19°C (61-66°F), making diving possible year-round for those with appropriate exposure protection.
When is the best time to visit Kaş, Türkiye?
The best time for diving in Kaş, Türkiye is from May to October. During these months, you'll experience the warmest water, excellent visibility, and calm sea conditions. The peak season is July and August, which offers the best weather but also larger crowds. For a balance of great conditions and fewer tourists, consider visiting in June or September. The diving season extends from April through November for those who don't mind slightly cooler water.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Kaş, Türkiye?
Visibility in Kaş, Türkiye is generally excellent throughout the main dive season (April to November). It typically ranges from 20 to 30 meters (65-100 feet) and can even exceed 40 meters (130 feet) on particularly clear days. While there can be slight variations due to weather or plankton blooms, consistently clear water is one of the key attractions for divers visiting this part of the Mediterranean coast.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Kaş, Türkiye?
Kaş, Türkiye is not known for large-scale migrations of species like manta rays or whale sharks. However, there are seasonal highlights. Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green sea turtles are very common, especially during the summer nesting season (May-August), offering frequent encounters. The summer months also bring warmer waters and an increase in the general abundance of fish life, making it a more vibrant time to dive.
What marine life can I expect to see in Kaş, Türkiye?
Divers in Kaş, Türkiye can encounter a diverse range of Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include loggerhead and green sea turtles, large dusky groupers, moray eels, octopus, and barracuda. You'll also find vibrant schools of damselfish, saddled seabream, and parrotfish. Nudibranchs, shrimp, and other macro life are abundant for keen-eyed divers. Lucky divers might even spot a Mediterranean monk seal, although sightings are rare.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Kaş, Türkiye?
Wetsuit choice for Kaş, Türkiye depends on the season. In the peak summer (July-August), a 3mm shorty or full suit is usually sufficient with water at 26-29°C. For the shoulder seasons (May-June, Sep-Oct), a 5mm full suit is recommended as temperatures drop to 20-25°C. During the cooler months from November to April, a 7mm semi-dry or even a dry suit is advisable for comfort in water temperatures of 16-19°C.
How do I get to Kaş, Türkiye?
The most common way to get to Kaş, Türkiye is to fly into either Dalaman Airport (DLM), about a 2-hour drive away, or Antalya Airport (AYT), a 3-hour drive. From either airport, you can arrange a private transfer, take a shared shuttle, or rent a car. The drive along the D400 coastal highway is very scenic. There are also intercity buses that connect Kaş with major Turkish cities like Antalya and Fethiye.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Kaş, Türkiye?
Kaş, Türkiye is primarily a shore-based diving destination. All dive sites are easily accessible via daily boat trips from the central harbor, with journeys typically lasting only 20-40 minutes. This setup allows divers to enjoy the charming town, its restaurants, and culture after diving. While some Turkish gulet cruises may pass through, dedicated diving liveaboards are not the standard here, making shore-based diving the most practical and popular option.