Dive Site: Kaş Tunnel

About Kaş Tunnel

Kaş Tunnel, located off the coast of Kaş in Antalya, Turkey, offers a distinctive boat-access dive experience. This site is renowned for its prominent underwater tunnel, a natural formation that beckons advanced divers. The dive typically begins with a descent to approximately 20 meters, followed by a westward swim through a landscape characterized by intricate rock formations and canyons, leading to the tunnel entrance. The unique topography of the Kaş region, a hidden gem on Turkey's southwest coast, provides exceptional underwater visibility, often extending up to 40 meters. While the main attraction is the tunnel itself, the surrounding environment boasts a rich biodiversity. Divers can anticipate encountering various Mediterranean species, though the primary allure remains the geological features rather than abundant fish life. Optimal diving conditions for the Kaş Tunnel are usually found in the mornings when the sea is calm, mitigating surge and making the approach to the tunnel safer. This dive site is an excellent example of the historical and geological wonders that make Kaş a top-tier Mediterranean diving destination, suitable for those seeking a unique challenge and an appreciation for underwater architecture. While marine life is present, the focus here is truly on the geological marvel. Expect to navigate through narrow passages and an overhead environment, requiring good buoyancy control and advanced diving skills. The blend of natural beauty and the thrill of tunnel exploration makes it a highly sought-after dive.

Dive site facts: Kaş Tunnel

Depth

20–28 m

Typical dive

20–28 m, 40–50 min

Current

Mild to none (underwater), strong surge possible at entrance

Visibility

18–40 m

Water temperature

16–28°C

Entry

Boat / negative entry

Level

Advanced, overhead environment experience recommended

Dive type

Tunnel, cavern, historical

Region / port

Kaş, Antalya

Coordinates

36.197, 29.63

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Kaş Tunnel are generally not a primary concern, as sources do not describe significant underwater current within the tunnel or approach. However, strong surge is a common factor, particularly at the tunnel entrance, and requires careful management. Divers must plan their entry and exit during calm morning windows to avoid challenging surface conditions and surge, which can make navigating the overhead environment difficult. Visibility remains excellent year-round, often reaching up to 40 meters, though thermoclines can be present, especially outside the peak summer months. Good buoyancy control is crucial, especially within the narrow passages, to prevent contact with the fragile formations. Boat traffic is managed by local dive operators, who typically schedule dives for optimal conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Loggerhead Turtle

occasional

Grouper

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Mediterranean Monk Seal

rare

Octopus

occasional

Seahorse

June-October · rare

Stingray

occasional

Trumpetfish

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Access to Kaş Tunnel is exclusively by boat, requiring a calm sea for safe entry. The dive commences with a controlled descent to approximately 20 meters, where you then proceed westward through a varied landscape of rock formations and canyons. The entrance to the tunnel is situated at about 20 meters, leading into an overhead environment. Divers navigate through the tunnel, maintaining precise buoyancy to avoid contact with the delicate walls and floor. The route involves exploring the intricate passages and seeking out any hidden alcoves. Maximum depths reported for the area around the tunnel can reach 28 meters. The turn point is determined by air consumption and the limits of an overhead environment dive plan. The safety stop is typically conducted at shallower depths near the tunnel exit or along the boat's anchor line, depending on current and surface conditions.

Underwater photography

Kaş Tunnel presents unique photographic challenges and rewards for advanced underwater photographers. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the dramatic scale of the tunnel and canyon formations. For the internal tunnel shots, a powerful strobe or video light is crucial to illuminate the dark spaces and bring out the textures of the rock. Pay close attention to buoyancy to avoid disturbing silt or making contact with the fragile environment, which is paramount for both safety and clear shots. Given the overhead environment, it's vital to streamline your gear and minimize snagging hazards. Patience is key; wait for clear water and minimal surge to achieve the best compositions. Capturing ambient light filtering through cracks in the tunnel ceiling can also create stunning visual effects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  A classic canyon and wreck dive, often combined with the Dimitri wreck.

• Lighthouse Reef (Kaş)

  Accessible boat dive known for marine life and reef structures.

• Flying Fish

  A deep wreck dive, suitable only for very experienced divers due to depth and currents.

• SAS Wreck (Kaş)

  A popular wreck dive in the Kaş region.

• Pina Reef

  A boat-access reef with turtles, pen shells, and a wall.

• Amphora Reef

  Known for scattered ancient amphorae across the seabed.

Getting there & logistics

Kaş is situated on the southwest coast of Turkey, in the Antalya province. The most common access points are Antalya Airport (AYT) or Dalaman Airport (DLM), both approximately 2.5 to 3 hours' drive from Kaş. Divers typically stay in Kaş itself, which offers numerous dive centers for boat excursions. Dive trips to Kaş Tunnel are generally day trips, often combined with other local sites. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for this particular dive site beyond standard dive tour costs. It's common for liveaboards or dive packages to include multiple days of diving around Kaş, exploring various reefs, wrecks, and geological formations like the tunnel. Transport to the dive site is always by boat from Kaş harbor, emphasizing the need for calm morning conditions.

Safety & environment

Diving the Kaş Tunnel demands adherence to strict safety protocols due to its overhead environment and potential for strong surge. Divers must be advanced certified and proficient in buoyancy control. Always dive with a reputable local operator who understands the site's unique conditions, especially the timing for calm morning windows. An emergency oxygen kit should be readily available on the dive boat, and all divers should carry personal signaling devices. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Antalya, approximately 2-3 hours away, necessitating robust dive planning and conservative profiles. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation and recompression treatment, is strongly recommended. Divers should strictly follow the dive briefing, never exceed their training limits, and prioritize buddy communication throughout the dive, especially within the tunnel.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Kaş Tunnel FAQ

Liveaboards diving Kaş Tunnel

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day