Dive Site: Coastguard Wreck

About Coastguard Wreck

The Coastguard Wreck is a Fethiye boat dive, featuring a retired coast guard ship scuttled to form an artificial reef alongside a natural reef structure. This site is primarily accessed via a guided shot-line descent, allowing divers to circuit the hull. For appropriately trained wreck divers, optional penetration into the rear or engine bay is available, transforming parts of the interior into an overhead environment. Positioned in depths ranging from 27 to 30 meters, the wreck provides a predictable experience for experienced divers. The main dive route maintains depths on or just above the hull, with deeper excursions reserved for interior exploration. The site is known for typically mild currents and good visibility, though surface conditions can become choppier with wind. Marine life has begun to colonize the wreck, with sightings of groupers, basslets, and moray eels reported. As an artificial reef, it continues to evolve into a diverse underwater habitat. The dive requires a local Fethiye or Ölüdeniz dive boat for practical access and operation. Overall, the Coastguard Wreck offers a structured and engaging wreck dive experience. Its accessible depth profile and clear conditions make it an appealing site for experienced divers looking for a guided exploration with the possibility of advanced penetration dives.

Dive site facts: Coastguard Wreck

Depth

27–30 m

Current

Light to mild

Visibility

18–30 m

Entry

Shot-line descent

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, artificial reef

Region / port

Fethiye / Ölüdeniz, Turkey

Coordinates

36.9815° N, 27.5020° E

Conditions & Currents

The Coastguard Wreck typically experiences light to mild currents, creating generally favorable diving conditions. While the underwater environment is often calm, surface conditions can become choppy if the wind increases, potentially affecting entry and exit procedures. Divers should always stay on the descent line during the initial entry and ascent to manage any localized currents or surface chop. Visibility averages around 18 meters but can sometimes extend to 30 meters or more under optimal conditions, providing clear views of the wreck and surrounding marine life. As this is a boat-only dive from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz, briefings will cover current assessment and safe boat operations, emphasizing conservative gas planning due to the wreck's depth and potential overhead environments during penetration.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper / Basslets

common

Moray Eel

common

Octopus

occasional

Damselfish

occasional

Conger Eels

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Nudibranchs

occasional

Lobsters

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically initiate their descent via a shot-line, leading directly to the Coastguard Wreck. The primary dive plan involves an exterior circuit along the vessel's hull, maintaining depths in the 27 to 30-meter range. For divers with appropriate wreck training and equipment, optional penetration into the rear section or engine bay is possible, offering an overhead environment experience. The dive progresses around the wreck, allowing exploration of its features and the marine life that has colonized it. Given the depth and potential for penetration, gas planning must be conservative. The ascent follows the shot-line, with a mandatory decompression stop often performed on a chain at 5 meters, ensuring a controlled and safe return to the surface.

Underwater photography

The Coastguard Wreck, as an artificial reef and wreck site, presents excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For capturing the full structure of the ship or the wider reef scenery, a wide-angle lens is recommended, especially given the good visibility often encountered. For detailed shots of marine life like moray eels, groupers, or nudibranchs residing on the wreck, a macro lens will be more effective. External strobes are beneficial for color rendition and illuminating darker areas, particularly during hull circuits or if venturing into the more open interior sections. When considering penetration, be mindful of buoyancy to prevent silting and always prioritize safety in overhead environments. Patience is key to capturing marine inhabitants as they become accustomed to divers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Catermaran Wreck

  The Turkish coast, particularly the Riviera, offers diverse diving experiences, including a variety of wrecks.

• Ottoman Anchor

  Ottoman Anchor is a boat-accessible reef dive centered around a significant historical anchor.

• Lighthouse

  Lighthouse is a common name for two distinct dive sites in Turkey, both offering compelling underwater experiences.

• Abdi Reis

  Abdi Reis is a highly regarded dive site situated near the Datça Peninsula in Turkey's Aegean Sea, specifically located within Abdi Reis…

• Red Rock

  Red Rock is a challenging dive site situated in Turkey's Aegean Sea, close to the Datça Peninsula.

• Sari Mehmet

  Sari Mehmet is a challenging and rewarding dive site located near the Datça Peninsula in Turkey's Aegean Sea.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Coastguard Wreck is exclusively by boat, typically departing from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz. These towns serve as primary departure points for dive operators running trips to the site. Divers usually join day trips from local dive centers, which manage the boat logistics and provide guided dives. The Coastguard Wreck is often integrated into dive itineraries that may include other nearby sites, offering a comprehensive experience of the region's underwater attractions. There are no direct shore entries available for this site, making a local dive boat and guide essential for a visit. Divers should confirm any specific permits or fees with their chosen operator, though usually these are covered in the dive package.

Safety & environment

Safety at the Coastguard Wreck requires adherence to established protocols due to its nature as a wreck and potential overhead environment. Entanglement risks exist within the wreck, and interior spaces must be treated as overhead environments, demanding appropriate training and gear for penetration. Divers must plan gas conservatively, especially when considering deeper or interior exploration, and always stay on the descent/ascent line. The nearest recompression chamber is important to know for any dive in Turkey; however, specific chamber locations are not provided in the sources for Fethiye or Ölüdeniz. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering potential evacuation and recompression treatments. Following the local boat briefing is crucial for understanding site-specific restrictions and emergency procedures. Do not remove or disturb any wreck material.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Coastguard Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Coastguard Wreck

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$158/day