About Kovanli Island
Kovanli Island, also referred to as Kovanli Adasi, is a prominent dive site located off the coast of Kaş in Turkey. This site is particularly significant for its rich display of underwater archaeological artifacts, making it a unique destination in the region. The island itself is known for its beehives, which contribute to the local Sercüven honey produced from island flowers, lending a distinctive character to the area. Diving at Kovanli Island involves exploring a seabed covered with numerous ancient artifacts. Divers will encounter a plentiful collection of amphorae, both intact and fragmented, alongside various stone and metal anchors. These historical relics are scattered across the dive site, primarily found between 7 and 40 meters, offering a glimpse into ancient maritime history. The topography includes a sandy and rocky bottom. Marine life at Kovanli Island includes species such as hornet fish, which are often seen hunting in the Posidonia seagrass meadows, and abundant red mullets. While there's no specific seasonality mentioned for these species, the overall Mediterranean diving season sees an increase in activity. Large sea turtles are known to migrate through these waters during the warmer summer months. Access to Kovanli Island is exclusively by boat from Kaş port, a journey that typically takes about 15 minutes. The site is suitable for all certification levels, though strong currents can occur, suggesting an intermediate to advanced skill set might be more comfortable, particularly for exploring deeper areas or managing potential drift dives. Visibility generally ranges from 20 to 30 meters, with an average of 25 meters, providing clear views of the underwater landscape and artifacts.
Highlights
Abundant ancient amphoraeHistoric stone and metal anchorsHornet fish hunting on seagrassNumerous red mulletsPotential turtle sightings
Best Season
The peak diving season runs from June to September, offering the warmest Mediterranean waters, up to 27°C, and exceptional visibility, often reaching 40 meters, coupled with the calmest sea conditions. Shoulder months in May and October also provide pleasant diving with fewer crowds, water temperatures between 20-22°C, and good visibility.
Dive site facts: Kovanli Island
- Depth
- 7–40 m
- Current
- Strong
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Intermediate
- Dive type
- Reef, Drift, Muck diving, Reef
- Region / port
- Turkey
- Coordinates
- 36.5334° N, 29.0758° E
Conditions & Currents
Currents at Kovanli Island can range from mild to sometimes strong, making drift diving a common practice. Divers often begin the dive by swimming against the current along the island's exterior before drifting eastward with the flow, making a controlled entry and exit vital. Visibility at the site is generally excellent, averaging around 25 meters and potentially reaching 30 meters. While thermoclines are not specifically noted, Mediterranean waters can experience temperature stratification. Given the potential for strong currents, divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and consider carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) or reef hook for safety. This site is generally suitable for all levels, but those encountering stronger currents might find an intermediate certification more appropriate for comfort and safety.
Why dive Kovanli Island from a liveaboard?
Kovanli 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 Kovanli Island on their Turkey itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Kovanli Island
These liveaboards may visit Kovanli Island on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Okyanus JD
Turkey
12 guests24 m
$157/day
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