About Ilyosta Island
Ilyosta Island, situated west of Ayvalık in Turkey, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse underwater environment, making it a favorite for both divers and photographers. This site features a rich array of marine life and striking underwater scenery, attracting enthusiasts of all skill levels. The topography includes Gavur Limanı, a popular diving spot on Ilyosta Island with depths ranging from 3 to 35 meters. Divers can navigate various underwater structures, including natural caverns and extensive reef systems, alongside a unique artificial reef. The island's diverse features cater to a wide range of diving experiences, from shallow exploratory dives to deeper excursions. While marine life is generally less abundant than in tropical regions, observant divers frequently encounter moray eels, various beetles, and sea hares. The site is also notable for its red corals and gorgonians, which add to the colorful underwater landscape. Conditions are typically favorable, with good visibility and comfortable water temperatures for much of the year. Diving at Ilyosta Island offers a multifaceted adventure, combining the exploration of natural reefs and caverns with the intrigue of an artificial reef. Its accessibility for all skill levels and proximity to Ayvalık make it a convenient and rewarding choice for experiencing Turkey's underwater world.
Highlights
Diverse marine lifeGavur Limanı dive spotArtificial reef (sunken airplane)Caverns and reef systemsRed corals and gorgoniansSuitable for all skill levels
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season
Jun – Sep (Peak)
Warmest Mediterranean waters up to 27°C, visibility up to 40m, calmest seas. Perfect for all dive types.
May & Oct (Shoulder)
Pleasant conditions, fewer crowds. Water 20-22°C. Good visibility. Best value for money.
Nov – Apr (Winter)
Cold water (15-17°C), reduced visibility, rougher seas. Most dive centers close seasonally.
Dive site facts: Ilyosta Island
- Depth
- 3–35 m
- Current
- Mild
- Visibility
- Up to 30 m
- Water temperature
- 18–26 °C (May-Nov)
- Entry
- Boat
- Level
- All levels
- Dive type
- Reef, Cavern, Wreck
- Region / port
- Ayvalık, Aegean Sea
- Coordinates
- 36.5380° N, 29.0979° E
Conditions & Currents
Information specifically detailing current strength and direction for Ilyosta Island is not provided, however, diving conditions in the Aegean region where Ayvalık is located are generally described as having excellent visibility and varying water temperatures. The presence of abundant underwater currents in the broader Saros Gulf region suggests that some currents may be encountered, particularly around islands. Divers should expect typical Mediterranean conditions, where currents can vary with location and local topography, especially around islands and reefs. Good buoyancy control and awareness are always important, particularly when exploring structures like caverns and reefs. It is advisable to consult local dive centers for real-time conditions and any specific current advisories before diving.
Marine life & sighting chances
Dive profile & how the dive runs
Dives at Ilyosta Island often start at Gavur Limanı, a popular spot with depths beginning at 3 meters and extending to 35 meters. The dive can progress to explore the island's diverse range of dive sites, which include natural caverns and vibrant reef systems. A notable feature is a sunken airplane, forming an artificial reef that adds an intriguing element to the dive profile. Divers of all levels can enjoy navigating through the varied underwater scenery, with shallower areas offering extensive reef exploration and deeper sections revealing unique geological formations and the wreck. The route typically involves exploring the reefs and caverns, with a turn point determined by air consumption and bottom time, allowing for a safety stop in the shallower, protected areas of the site.
Underwater photography
Ilyosta Island is highly inspiring for photographers, offering excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro shots. For capturing the scale of the underwater caverns, reef structures, and the sunken airplane, a wide-angle lens is ideal. The interplay of light filtering into the caverns can create dramatic visual effects. Macro enthusiasts will find subjects among the red corals, gorgonians, and smaller marine life such as moray eels, beetles, and sea hares. Careful buoyancy control is essential, especially within caverns or near delicate coral formations, to avoid stirring up sediment and to protect the environment. Using external strobes or video lights will enhance colors, particularly in deeper areas or inside the artificial reef and caverns.
Combine with nearby dive sites
- Deli Mehmet
Another popular dive spot near Ayvalık, consisting of two islands with varying depths for intermediate to professional divers.
Getting there & logistics
Diving at Ilyosta Island is typically arranged through local dive centers based in Ayvalık. Ayvalık is accessible from major Turkish airports, such as Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) or Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), with onward ground transportation. Dive trips are usually day excursions by boat, departing from Ayvalık harbor. While specific trip durations and park fees are not detailed, Turkey generally offers diverse resort-based and liveaboard options. Ilyosta Island can be part of a broader diving itinerary exploring the Aegean coast, known for its unique islands, reefs, and historical sites.
Safety & environment
Safety at Ilyosta Island, as with all Turkish dive sites, adheres to strict government regulations for registered dive centers and boats. Divers should ensure they have adequate dive insurance covering potential emergencies. While specific recompression chamber locations for Ayvalık are not listed, Turkey has medical facilities in major cities. Site-specific hazards are minimal for experienced divers, but good buoyancy is crucial, especially when exploring caverns or the artificial reef, to prevent contact with the environment. Divers of all levels are welcome, but those new to cavern or wreck environments should dive with experienced guides. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and conduct thorough pre-dive checks.
Who it suits, and who it doesn't
Suited for
- Divers of all skill levels
- Underwater photographers (macro and wide-angle)
- Explorers interested in unique geological features
- Those seeking diverse marine life
- Divers looking for accessible wreck and cavern experiences
Less suited for
- Divers expecting tropical coral reef abundance
- Those uninterested in Mediterranean marine life
- Divers seeking strong current drift dives
FAQ
Ilyosta Island FAQ
What is Gavur Limanı at Ilyosta Island?
Gavur Limanı is a well-known and popular diving spot located on Ilyosta Island. It offers a significant depth range, from 3 meters in its shallower parts down to 35 meters. This versatility makes it suitable for divers of varying skill levels, from beginners to more experienced enthusiasts.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Ilyosta Island?
At Ilyosta Island, you can observe a variety of marine creatures typical of the Aegean Sea. Common sightings include moray eels, various types of beetles, and sea hares. The site is also notable for its colorful red corals and gorgonian formations, which provide a vibrant backdrop for the marine ecosystem.
Is Ilyosta Island suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Ilyosta Island is well-suited for beginner divers. Dive sites like Gavur Limanı have accessible depths starting at 3 meters, allowing for easy exploration. The overall diversity of the site caters to all skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under proper guidance.
Are there any wrecks at Ilyosta Island?
Yes, Ilyosta Island is known to feature an artificial reef in the form of a sunken airplane. This provides a unique and interesting wreck diving experience, adding another layer of exploration to the island's natural caverns and reef systems.
What are the best months to dive Ilyosta Island?
The prime diving season for Ilyosta Island, and Turkey's Aegean coast generally, extends from May to November. During these months, water temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 18°C to 26°C, and visibility is typically excellent, often reaching up to 30 meters. The shoulder months of May and October also offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds.
Why dive Ilyosta Island from a liveaboard?
Ilyosta Island is one of Turkey's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Ilyosta Island on their Turkey itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Ilyosta Island
These liveaboards may visit Ilyosta Island on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Okyanus JD
Turkey
12 guests24 m
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