Dive Site: Airplane C-47 Dakota

About Airplane C-47 Dakota

The Airplane C-47 Dakota is a significant wreck dive located off Turkey's coast, presenting a deliberately sunk Douglas C-47 military transport aircraft. This iconic wreck creates an artificial reef, serving both ecological and recreational purposes, making it a highly photogenic and historically rich site in Turkish waters. The aircraft was carefully prepared before sinking, with hazardous materials removed and access points designed for marine colonization and safe diver exploration. Although sources conflict on exact location, one places it near Kemer and another in the Kaş harbor area, both describe a purpose-sunk aircraft. This artificial reef features a distinctive twin-engine configuration, broad wings, and a rounded fuselage, instantly recognizable beneath the marine growth. The engines now act as artificial caves, sheltering various fish, while the cockpit retains its instrument panel, offering a glimpse into the aircraft's past. The cargo door, once used for paratroopers and supplies, now provides entry for schools of fish residing within the fuselage. Marine colonization on the Dakota is well-advanced, showcasing the effectiveness of artificial reefs in the Mediterranean. Vibrant orange and purple sponges coat the wings and fuselage, with gorgonian fans established on the tail section. Resident species include grouper, moray eels, and octopus, and the fish populations are notably denser than on the surrounding natural seabed. Visibility here is typically excellent, often exceeding 25 meters, which is ideal for wide-angle photography. Depending on its specific location, the wreck can be found on a sandy bottom, with depths varying from 14 to 35 meters. This depth demands careful planning for bottom time, especially for no-decompression limits, adding an intense focus to the dive experience. The reduced ambient light at depth gives the wreck a haunting appearance, as it seems to hover in the perpetual twilight of the deep Mediterranean.

Dive site facts: Airplane C-47 Dakota

Depth

14–35 m

Typical dive

14–35 m, 45 min

Current

Mild to moderate, up to 2 knots

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

18–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, artificial reef, deep

Region / port

Kaş / Kemer

Coordinates

36.5260° N, 29.1039° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the C-47 Dakota wreck are generally described as mild to moderate, though one source notes 1-2 knots in July. Conditions can vary, especially with depth. Divers should be prepared for potential current fluctuations and plan their dive accordingly, particularly given the advanced nature of this deep wreck dive. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom, which can reduce visibility for subsequent divers. Entry is typically boat-based, and careful management of bottom time is crucial due to the depth, which limits no-decompression limits. Visibility is consistently very good, often exceeding 25-30 meters, contributing to excellent photographic opportunities and safe navigation around the wreck.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Moray eels

common

Octopus

common

Sponges

common

Gorgonian sea fans

common

Lionfish

occasional

Sea urchins

occasional

Stingrays

occasional

Blind shrimp

occasional

Turtles

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives to the C-47 Dakota typically involve a boat entry and a descent directly to the wreck, which rests on a sandy bottom. Depending on the exact location, the wreck can be found between 14 to 35 meters. Divers usually explore the fuselage, wings, and cockpit area, paying attention to details like the instrument panel and the engines, which now serve as fish habitats. The route often involves circumnavigating the aircraft to observe the extensive marine growth and resident species. Due to the depth, careful monitoring of no-decompression limits and gas consumption is essential. The turn point is determined by air supply and NDLs, followed by a slow ascent along the wreck or an ascent line. Safety stops are conducted in shallower water, typically around 5 meters, before resurfacing for boat pick-up. Maintaining good buoyancy is critical to avoid stirring up the sandy bottom and reducing visibility.

Underwater photography

The C-47 Dakota offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography due to its recognizable form, significant size, and the clarity of the water. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the entire aircraft, the deep blue backdrop, and its haunting silhouette. Macro photography is also rewarding for capturing the vibrant sponges, gorgonian fans, and smaller marine life that colonize the wreck. Pay attention to lighting at depth; external strobes are beneficial for bringing out the true colors of the marine growth. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom, which can quickly degrade visibility for shots. The contrast between the aircraft's structure and the organic marine life provides compelling compositions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Three Islands

  A complex of rocky islands known for walls, channels, and pelagic action, requiring advanced skills due to depth and currents.

• Pyramide Reef

  Features a distinctive pyramid-shaped rock formation, excellent topography, and rich marine life down to 35 meters.

• Deep cave

  A cave dive reaching depths of 30 meters, with groupers and moray eels reported.

• Air cave

  A shallower cave dive at 12 meters, also hosting groupers and moray eels.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the C-47 Dakota typically departs from dive centers in Kemer or Kaş, depending on the wreck's specific location, often accessed via day boats. Trips usually last half a day, combining one or two dives. Kemer Marina is a common departure point. Divers can fly into Antalya Airport (AYT) or Dalaman Airport (DLM) and travel to their chosen coastal town. No specific permits or park fees beyond standard dive operator costs are usually mentioned for this site. Operators pride themselves on small group approaches and well-equipped dive boats. Liveaboard itineraries might also include this wreck as part of a broader tour of Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

Safety & environment

For the C-47 Dakota, especially at its deeper points (35m), thorough dive planning is critical, including conservative gas management and careful monitoring of no-decompression limits. Divers should have advanced training and experience with deep and wreck diving. The nearest recompression chambers would typically be in larger cities like Antalya. Evacuation procedures rely on local emergency services and dive centers, so adequate dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. Site-specific hazards include potential currents, reduced ambient light at depth, and potential entanglement in parts of the wreck, though the aircraft was prepared for safe exploration. Always dive with a reputable center and follow your guide's instructions, especially regarding buoyancy to avoid silt-out.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Airplane C-47 Dakota FAQ

Liveaboards diving Airplane C-47 Dakota

These liveaboards may visit Airplane C-47 Dakota on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$155/day