Quick-reference facts about Turkey for liveaboard divers.
Overview
Where other destinations offer reefs, Turkey presents a submerged timeline of civilization. A Turkey liveaboard along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts is a journey through history, with an underwater landscape showcasing ancient amphorae fields, sunken city ruins, and wrecks from the Bronze Age to WWII. This fusion of clear water and tangible history defines the compelling experience of diving in this region.
The heart of the action is the Turquoise Coast, with Kaş reigning as the country's diving hub. Here you'll find some of the best dive sites Turkey has to offer, from dramatic canyons to famous wrecks like the C-47 Dakota aircraft. The Bodrum peninsula provides its own collection of vibrant sites. Encounters with large dusky groupers, schools of barracuda, and loggerhead turtles are common, with moray eels and octopus frequently spotted in the rocky reefs.
The prime season for Turkey diving runs from May through October. Water temperatures climb from 20°C (68°F) in spring to a peak of 28°C (82°F) in August, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. These calm, clear conditions are ideal for exploring historical wrecks and appreciating the Mediterranean's unique marine ecosystems.
This destination is perfectly suited for divers of all levels, but it holds a particular allure for those with a passion for history, underwater photography, and wreck exploration. For divers seeking a trip that combines exceptional underwater exploration with a deep sense of culture and discovery, a Turkey liveaboard is an unparalleled choice, offering the most efficient and immersive way to experience it all.
- Region
- EMEA
- Country
- Republic of Turkey
- Best time to dive
- May to October
- Language
- Turkish, English in tourist areas
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Visa
- E-visa required for most nationalities, available online. Valid for 90 days within 180-day period. Some EU citizens exempt. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond stay.
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
- Price range (per day)
- N/A
- Dive sites
- 90
- Liveaboards
- 1
- Coordinates
- 36.204, 29.639
Top marine life
- Parrotfish
- ✓
- Octopus
- ✓
- Yellowtail Kingfish
- ✓
- Sperm Whale
- ✓
- Smelt
- ✓
- Spiny Dogfish
- ✓
- Soft Coral
- ✓
- Sandbar Shark
- ✓
Notable dive sites
- Abdi Reis
- ✓
- Adabanko Reef
- ✓
- Adakule Cave
- ✓
- Afkule Cave
- ✓
- Afkule Monastery Reef
- ✓
- Air cave
- ✓
- Airplane C-47 Dakota
- ✓
- Akyar Reef
- ✓
- Aladin's Cavern
- ✓
- Amphora Reef
- ✓
Getting there
AIRPORT|Antalya Airport|Antalya|AYT|Main gateway for the Turkish Riviera diving coast, direct flights from across Europe and Middle East
AIRPORT|Dalaman Airport|Dalaman|DLM|Gateway for Fethiye and Kaş diving areas, 3 hours drive to Kaş
AIRPORT|Milas–Bodrum Airport|Bodrum|BJV|Gateway for Bodrum and Aegean Sea diving
TRANSFER|Regular bus services (Kamil Koç, Metro) connect airports to coastal towns. Kaş is approximately 3 hours from both Antalya and Dalaman airports. Local dolmuş (minibuses) run along the coast. Dive operators arrange boat transfers to sites.
Budget & costs
Turkey offers exceptional value for Mediterranean diving
Book directly with local dive centers for best rates
Visit Kaş for the best quality-to-price ratio in the Mediterranean
Stay in pensions (pansiyons) for affordable accommodation
Eat at local restaurants for delicious, cheap meals
Consider May or October for lower prices with good conditions