Dive Site: Kargı Island

About Kargı Island

Kargı Island is a prominent dive site situated off the Bodrum Peninsula, offering a rugged reef environment characterized by stunning vertical walls. This island dive provides an exciting experience for divers who enjoy dynamic conditions and dramatic underwater topography. The dive site features walls that drop significantly, covered in a rich tapestry of colorful sponges. The depths here can be considerable, making it suitable for divers comfortable with deeper profiles. The site's exposed location means that currents are a defining feature, often necessitating drift diving techniques. While specific marine life details are somewhat limited, the vertical walls create a habitat for various reef fish. Notably, Kargı Island is known for frequent sightings of loggerhead turtles, adding a significant draw for marine enthusiasts. The nutrient-rich waters often contribute to good visibility, enhancing the overall experience. Diving at Kargı Island typically involves boat access due to its offshore location. The presence of strong currents indicates that this site is best approached by divers with experience in such conditions, offering an exhilarating and rewarding dive along its impressive underwater landscapes.

Dive site facts: Kargı Island

Depth

7–40 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

20 m

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to advanced

Dive type

Wall, drift, reef

Region / port

Bodrum Peninsula, Aegean Coast

Coordinates

36.5434° N, 29.0995° E

Conditions & Currents

Kargı Island is specifically known as a boat-only dive site characterized by strong currents, making it primarily a drift dive. These currents are a significant factor at the site due to its exposed island location and rugged reef structure. Divers should anticipate a dynamic environment that requires good buoyancy control and experience in current diving. While overall visibility in the region can reach up to 20 meters, the strong currents mean that precise entry and exit strategies are crucial, typically managed from a dive boat. Planning for the dive should account for the current strength, which can influence dive duration and gas consumption, ensuring a safe and enjoyable drift along its impressive walls.

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Access to Kargı Island is exclusively by boat, usually involving a backroll entry. Upon descending, divers immediately encounter the impressive vertical walls of the island, which extend into deeper waters. The dive typically proceeds as a drift along these walls, carried by the prevailing strong currents, allowing divers to observe the vibrant sponge growth and seek out marine life. The route is often dictated by the current's direction, with the dive boat following the divers. Turn points are generally based on air consumption or planned dive time, accounting for the drift. Safety stops are conducted in the blue, managed by the dive boat, which collects divers as they surface after their three-minute, five-meter stop.

Underwater photography

Kargı Island, with its dramatic vertical walls and colorful sponge coverage, offers excellent wide-angle photography opportunities. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive topography and the impressive scale of the walls, especially when combined with natural light from above. Given the potential for strong currents, maintaining stable buoyancy is paramount for sharp images. While loggerhead turtles are frequently sighted, be prepared for quick framing as they pass by. Strobes will enhance the vibrant colors of the sponges and highlight any smaller subjects found on the wall. Focus on capturing the sense of scale and the vibrant, healthy ecosystem thriving in the currents.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Big Reef

  Big Reef is a highly renowned dive site located off the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey, often combined with a holiday in the area.

• Small Reef

  Small Reef, situated near Bodrum on Turkey's Aegean coast, is a long-established and frequently visited dive site, known for its contained…

• Orak Island

  Orak Island, nestled in Turkey's Aegean region near Bodrum, stands out as a top diving destination celebrated for its unique underwater…

Getting there & logistics

Kargı Island is located off the Bodrum Peninsula, a popular diving hub in Turkey. Divers typically reach Bodrum via Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV), which offers seasonal international flights and year-round domestic connections. From Bodrum, numerous local dive operators offer day trips by boat to sites like Kargı Island. These trips usually last a full day, including multiple dives at various locations. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving Kargı Island itself beyond the standard dive excursion costs. This site is frequently combined with other Bodrum-area dives such as Orak Island or nearby reef sites, forming part of a varied itinerary showcasing the region's diverse underwater landscape.

Safety & environment

For diving at Kargı Island, experienced divers are recommended due to strong currents. Divers should carry adequate safety equipment, including a surface marker buoy (SMB) and audible signaling device, as the boat will follow the drift. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Izmir, requiring significant travel time in case of an emergency, necessitating comprehensive dive insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment and emergency evacuation. Divers must strictly adhere to depth and no-decompression limits. Given the boat-only access and potential for offshore conditions, divers should be aware of and follow all instructions from the dive guide regarding entry, exit, and emergency procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Kargı Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Kargı Island

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$179/day