Dive Site: Aladin's Cavern

Dive site facts: Aladin's Cavern

Depth

5–30 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

16–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Cavern, Reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Fethiye

Coordinates

36.5336° N, 29.0800° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Aladin's Cavern itself are generally mild, especially inside the cavern, creating a calm environment for exploration and surfacing. However, the surrounding Fethiye area, particularly at sites like Dalyan Reef which can be part of the same itinerary, can experience mild to moderate currents. Entry into the water is typically via boat, with a negative entry sometimes required due to potential surface currents at nearby sites. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 20-30 meters, offering clear views inside and outside the cavern. Divers should be comfortable with boat entries and maintaining buoyancy in potentially variable currents outside the immediate cavern area. Proper gas management is always important, especially given the maximum depth of 30 meters for the cavern approach.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Moray Eel

common

Octopus

occasional

Barracuda

common

Nudibranch

common

Crab

common

Stingray

occasional

Lionfish

common

Gorgonian Sea Fan

common

Bream

common

Wrasse

common

Damselfish

common

Chromis

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Aladin's Cavern typically begin with a boat drop, often requiring a negative buoyancy entry. The initial descent targets the main drop-off, which starts around 5-10 meters and continues along a pale, sheer rock face. Divers trace this wall down to an approximate depth of 30 meters, where the cavern entrance becomes apparent. Once inside, the dive involves an ascent to about 12 meters, leading to an open-air chamber known as the 'Turkish Bath,' where divers can surface and observe the sky overhead. After exploring this unique feature, divers exit the cavern and make a controlled ascent back towards the surface, completing the required 5-meter safety stop before being picked up by the boat.

Underwater photography

Aladin's Cavern offers distinct photographic opportunities, focusing on architectural light play and ambient light in the 'Turkish Bath' chamber. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the cavern's expansive entrance and the dramatic rock formations inside. External strobes can help illuminate details on the sheer rock face during the approach, but inside the cavern, rely on ambient light and careful white balance for dramatic effects. When surfacing in the 'Turkish Bath,' consider exposing for the sky to create a silhouette effect or use a small amount of fill flash to bring out diver details against the bright opening. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the cavern floor and maintaining composure in the confined space. Documenting the unique experience of surfacing within the cave is a primary objective here.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Dalyan Reef

  Dalyan Bay is a small, exceptionally well-sheltered bay located on the southwest coast of Turkey, nestled between Fethiye and Marmaris.

• Three Tunnels

  Three Tunnels, also known as Small Reef, is a captivating dive site situated just two miles from Fethiye harbor.

• Kovanli Island

  Kovanli Island, also referred to as Kovanli Adasi, is a prominent dive site located off the coast of Kaş in Turkey.

Getting there & logistics

Aladin's Cavern is primarily accessed via day boats departing from Fethiye. Fethiye is well-connected by Dalaman Airport (DLM), which serves numerous domestic and international flights, particularly from European hubs. Dive trips to Aladin's Cavern are usually part of a full-day excursion that may include a second dive site like Aquarium Reef or Dalyan Reef and a lunch break on the boat. Typical dive durations are around 40-50 minutes. There are no specific marine park fees for this site, but dive packages will include boat transport and guide services. Liveaboards operating in the Fethiye region might also incorporate this site into their itineraries, offering a more extended exploration of the Turkish Riviera's dive offerings.

Safety & environment

For diving Aladin's Cavern, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Antalya, which could be a significant distance by ground transport, making air evacuation a potential necessity in severe cases. Site-specific hazards include the maximum depth of 30 meters for the approach, which requires appropriate certification, and the overhead environment of the cavern itself. While the 'Turkish Bath' chamber allows surfacing, divers must be comfortable with limited direct ascent to the surface. Always dive with a reputable dive center, adhere to guide instructions, and maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially inside the cavern, to prevent contact with rock formations and ensure diver safety.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Aladin's Cavern FAQ

Liveaboards diving Aladin's Cavern

These liveaboards may visit Aladin's Cavern on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m