Dive Site: Afkule Cave

About Afkule Cave

Afkule Cave, also referred to by some as Aladdin's Cave, is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in Turkey, particularly renowned for its cave diving opportunities. Located in the Fethiye Bay region, it presents a technically challenging dive primarily for experienced divers, characterized by its impressive vertical wall structure and deep interior. The topography features a massive cave system that extends to significant depths. Divers explore dramatic rock formations and walls adorned with diverse marine life. A notable nearby feature is the Turkish Bath (Türk Hamamı), an open-top cavern with an entrance between 7–10 meters, allowing divers to surface inside and observe the sky, making it accessible for a wider range of divers. The cave's interior reveals soft corals, trumpet anemones, and colorful sea cucumbers, with light beams creating a spiritual atmosphere as they filter through openings. While specific seasonality for species isn't detailed, the Mediterranean climate generally supports this marine life throughout the dive season. Schools of barracuda and various fish species are seen in the broader region, and loggerhead turtles are also present. Undertaking a dive at Afkule involves navigating a deep cave system. Divers spiral down inside the main cave, exploring its walls and formations. Due to its depth and the need for a flashlight to fully appreciate its features, it requires careful planning and advanced skills. The site offers unique photographic moments, especially with the interplay of light and shadow.

Dive site facts: Afkule Cave

Depth

Up to 50 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

30-40 m

Water temperature

18-26°C (May-Nov), up to 28°C (Aug)

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Cave, wall

Region / port

Fethiye Bay

Coordinates

36.5428° N, 29.1139° E

Conditions & Currents

Information about specific currents at Afkule Cave is limited, but divers should generally be prepared for variable conditions common in large marine environments. The site involves a deep descent within a cave system, which inherently requires precise buoyancy control and awareness of potential water movement. Entry and exit techniques would typically involve boat diving, given its location. Visibility in the Fethiye area is often exceptional, frequently reaching 30 to 40 meters, which greatly aids navigation within the cave. While thermoclines are noted in other parts of Turkey, specific details for Afkule are not provided. The dive's technical nature and depth necessitate careful gas planning and advanced diving skills.

Marine life & sighting chances

Soft corals

common

Trumpet anemones

common

Colorful sea cucumbers

common

Groupers

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Loggerhead turtles

occasional

Nudibranchs

occasional

Octopuses

occasional

Moray eels

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Afkule Cave typically begins by boat, positioning near the steep walls that mark the entrance to the cave system. The dive profile involves spiraling down inside the cave, following its impressive vertical structure, which descends to a maximum depth of 50 meters. Divers will navigate through expansive sections of the cave, observing soft corals and other marine life on the walls, often requiring a flashlight to illuminate the deeper, darker areas. The light beams filtering from above create a visually stunning effect in certain parts. After exploring the main cave, the ascent follows the same structure, with safety stops performed along the wall or in the shallower areas as dictated by dive computers and gas planning. A nearby alternative, the Turkish Bath, offers an open-top cavern at 7-10 meters depth, providing a unique surfacing experience inside the cavern.

Underwater photography

Afkule Cave offers exceptional wide-angle photography opportunities due to its massive cave structure and the dramatic light beams filtering through openings. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the scale of the cave and the interplay of light and shadow. Strobes are necessary to properly light the subjects and bring out the vibrant colors of soft corals and anemones found on the cave walls, especially in deeper, darker sections. Precise buoyancy control is critical to avoid stirring up sediment and to maintain a stable position for shots within the confined cave environment. When photographing marine life, maintain a respectful distance and avoid touching or disturbing the delicate cave ecosystem. The nearby Turkish Bath with its open-top cavern also provides unique chances for ambient light photography showing divers silhouetted against the surface.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Turkish Bath

  Open-top cavern near Afkule, suitable for all levels.

• Mexican Hat Cold Water Cave

  Located 300 meters past Afkule, requires knowledge of exact entrance.

• Coast Guard Wreck

  A purpose-sunk artificial reef lying at 18 to 28 meters.

• Dalyan Bay

  Calm, shallow bay ideal for beginner training and night diving.

• Three Tunnels

  Advanced site with natural tunnel passages from 19 to 30 meters.

• Aquarium Bay

  Shallow, fish-rich bay ideal for snorkeling and discovery dives.

Getting there & logistics

Afkule Cave is located in the Fethiye Bay area of Turkey, a popular hub for diving. Divers typically fly into Dalaman Airport (DLM), which serves the Fethiye region. From there, transfers to Fethiye town or Göcek are readily available. Dive trips to Afkule are generally organized by local dive centers operating from Fethiye or Göcek, often as part of a day trip including other sites like the nearby Turkish Bath. A typical dive excursion would be a boat trip from one of these departure ports. There are no specific permits or park fees mentioned for Afkule Cave itself, but divers should confirm with their chosen dive operator. Given its technical nature, Afkule is usually combined with other advanced sites for experienced divers, while beginners might explore the Turkish Bath or other calmer Fethiye Bay locations.

Safety & environment

Diving at Afkule Cave requires advanced diving skills due to its depth (up to 50 meters) and cave environment. Divers must carry a flashlight and possess excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the cave floor or walls. The nearest recompression chamber is important information for any diving in Turkey, and divers should confirm its location and accessibility with their dive operator. It is strongly recommended that all divers have comprehensive dive insurance that covers recompression treatment and emergency evacuation. Adherence to dive plans, buddy procedures, and maximum depth limits is critical. Given the technical challenges, diving with experienced local guides familiar with the cave's layout is essential. Always ensure your equipment is in excellent working order before attempting such a dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Afkule Cave FAQ

Liveaboards diving Afkule Cave

These liveaboards may visit Afkule Cave on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day