Dive Site: Flying Fish

About Flying Fish

The Flying Fish dive site, located off the coast of Kaş, Turkey, is celebrated as one of the country's premier underwater destinations. It centers around an impressive underwater mountain whose peak lies just six meters below the surface. This site is particularly renowned for its historical wreck, an Italian WWII Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 "Sparviero" bomber, which adds a unique historical dimension to the dive experience. The topography transitions from the shallow peak down to deeper sections, with large rock formations providing shelter and interesting swim-throughs below 10 meters. The wreck itself rests at deeper levels, extending down to 70 meters, making it accessible for advanced and technical divers. The site is characterized by its incredible visibility, often exceeding 40 meters, which allows divers to fully appreciate the vast underwater landscape and the details of the wreck. While the Mediterranean is not always known for its dense biomass, Flying Fish frequently delivers sightings of larger pelagic species such as jacks, groupers, and tuna, especially where currents are present. Smaller reef fish, sea bream, and octopuses are also common in the calmer areas. The best time to experience this vibrant marine life is during the warmer months when water temperatures are comfortable and pelagic activity increases. Diving here often involves navigating currents, particularly during the descent. However, once below 10 meters, divers can find more sheltered areas to explore. This site offers a rich blend of history, diverse marine encounters, and dramatic underwater scenery, suitable for divers with varying experience levels who are comfortable with potential currents and deeper dives.

Dive site facts: Flying Fish

Depth

6–70 m

Typical dive

20–40 m

Current

Moderate to strong (surface), mild (below 10m)

Visibility

40+ m

Water temperature

20–28 °C

Entry

Boat / negative entry often required

Level

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) recommended

Dive type

Wreck, reef, deep

Night dive

Possible (check with operator)

Region / port

Kaş, Antalya

Coordinates

36.19, 29.61

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Flying Fish are a significant factor, especially at the surface and during the initial descent to the main reef. While often strong at the surface, they tend to diminish or become more manageable below six meters. Divers should be prepared for potential drift and plan their entry and descent accordingly. Below 10 meters, large rock formations offer sheltered areas where divers can rest and observe marine life without battling strong flows. Visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 40 meters, even with currents, allowing for clear views of the wreck and surrounding topography. This makes current experience beneficial for fully enjoying the dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Jacks

Summer, Autumn · common

Groupers

Year-round · common

Tuna

Summer, Autumn · occasional

Sea Bream

Year-round · common

Octopus

Year-round · occasional

Wrasse

Year-round · common

Mediterranean Monk Seal

Year-round · rare

Caretta caretta (Loggerhead sea turtle)

Summer · occasional

Green Sea Turtle

Summer · occasional

Moray Eels

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically begin their descent at the pinnacle of the underwater mountain, located about six meters below the surface. Due to potential currents, a swift, controlled descent is often recommended. The dive route generally follows the contours of the mountain, exploring rock formations and quieter areas between 10 and 30 meters. From 20 to 30 meters, divers can begin to see parts of the Italian aircraft wreck. For those wishing to explore the deeper sections of the wreck, which lie at 70 meters, specific planning and appropriate certification are required. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, with the ascent usually made along the reef wall back towards the shallower sections. Safety stops are conducted in the clear, shallow water of the reef top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding blue.

Underwater photography

Flying Fish offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, thanks to its outstanding visibility and diverse subjects. For the Italian WWII bomber wreck, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture its scale and the dramatic underwater topography, especially given the abundant natural light penetration. For marine life such as jacks, groupers, and sea bream, a wide-angle or fisheye lens will perform well in the clear water. Macro lenses are suitable for capturing smaller critters like octopuses or nudibranchs found in the reef's crevices. Given the potential for currents, maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial for sharp images and to avoid stirring up sediment. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors, particularly on the deeper parts of the wreck and any remaining coral growth.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  Famous for its underwater canyon and wreck

• SAS Wreck (Kaş)

  Another significant wreck dive in the Kaş area

• Fener Adası (Kaş)

  Known for diverse marine life and interesting topography

• Italian WWII Plane Wreck (Kaş)

  The deeper parts of the Flying Fish wreck itself

• Amphora Reef

  Features ancient amphorae and rich history

Getting there & logistics

The primary gateway to Flying Fish is through Kaş, a well-known diving hub in Turkey. Travelers typically fly into Antalya Airport (AYT) or Dalaman Airport (DLM), then take a transfer to Kaş, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from either. Dive trips are usually day excursions from Kaş, involving a short boat ride to the site. Most dive centers in Kaş offer packages including equipment, guides, and boat trips. There are no specific park fees for diving at Flying Fish, but dive center costs vary. Liveaboards occasionally visit this site as part of broader itineraries along the Turkish coast, combining it with other notable wrecks and reefs.

Safety & environment

Diving at Flying Fish requires careful attention to safety protocols, particularly due to the potential for strong currents and the depth of the wreck. It is essential to dive with a reputable, PADI-certified operator from Kaş. Divers must hold appropriate certifications, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, and be comfortable with deeper profiles. The nearest recompression chamber is in Antalya, emphasizing the importance of conservative dive planning and strict adherence to no-decompression limits. Divers should always carry valid dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Respecting the historical nature of the wreck by not touching or removing artifacts is also a crucial conduct rule at this site.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Flying Fish FAQ

Liveaboards diving Flying Fish

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day