Dive Site: Lighthouse Reef (Kaş)

About Lighthouse Reef (Kaş)

Lighthouse Reef is a prominent dive site near Kaş, Turkey, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and diverse underwater landscape. As one of over 30 accessible dive sites from Kaş, it draws divers seeking both natural beauty and historical elements beneath the surface. The area is renowned for its excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, providing optimal conditions for exploration. The topography of Lighthouse Reef features impressive rock formations, walls, and slopes that descend to varying depths. These structures create habitats for a wide array of marine life, from small invertebrates to larger pelagic species. The site is particularly noted for regular sightings of turtles, which are accustomed to divers and can often be observed feeding among the bottom vegetation. Water temperatures range from a cool 16°C in winter to a warm 28°C in summer, supporting a dynamic marine environment throughout the long diving season from April to November. Divers can expect to encounter barracudas, groupers, rays, and various nudibranchs, with occasional glimpses of seahorses. This blend of marine diversity and inviting conditions makes Lighthouse Reef a captivating destination. For divers, the experience at Lighthouse Reef is typically relaxed, with dive boats departing from Kaş harbor for short trips. The calm, clear waters make it suitable for a wide range of skill levels, while the abundance of marine life ensures a rewarding dive each time. The site often involves gentle currents, which can make for an enjoyable drift dive experience, allowing divers to cover more ground with less effort.

Dive site facts: Lighthouse Reef (Kaş)

Depth

10–30 m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 40–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate drift

Visibility

30–40 m

Water temperature

16–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift

Region / port

Kaş, Turkey

Coordinates

36.195, 29.62

Conditions & Currents

Lighthouse Reef experiences currents that are generally mild, making it suitable for many divers. However, some areas might have noticeable drift, offering opportunities for relaxed drift dives where the current carries divers along the reef. Dive guides typically plan entry points upstream to allow for a gentle descent with the current, enabling divers to cover more area with less effort. While the currents are manageable, maintaining good buoyancy control and staying aware of your buddy's position are essential skills. The exceptional visibility, often up to 40 meters, allows for clear observation of current flow around formations, aiding in navigation and preventing surprises. Divers should always follow the dive brief regarding entry, exit, and group procedures, as the boat tracks divers and picks them up down-current.

Marine life & sighting chances

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

common

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Barracuda

common

Grouper

common

Ray

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Octopus

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Seahorse

June to October · rare

Bream

common

Dentex

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Lighthouse Reef typically begin with a boat entry, often upstream of any mild currents, allowing for a gentle drift over the reef. Divers descend along a sloping reef or wall, exploring depths between 15 to 25 meters, where much of the diverse marine life resides. The route follows the natural contours of the reef, with opportunities to observe turtles feeding on bottom vegetation and schools of fish. Turn points are often guided by air consumption and depth limits, with the dive guide managing the group's progression. The ascent usually involves a slow, controlled rise, with safety stops conducted at 5 meters, often utilizing a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) to signal the boat for pick-up, as the boat tracks divers with the current.

Underwater photography

Lighthouse Reef's exceptional visibility, frequently reaching 40 meters, makes it an excellent site for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive reef formations and schooling fish. For capturing the numerous turtles, barracudas, and groupers, a mid-range zoom lens is highly effective. Macro enthusiasts will find subjects among the nudibranchs and potentially elusive seahorses, requiring a dedicated macro lens. Due to the clear water, natural light is often sufficient in shallower areas, but strobes can enhance colors and bring out details on deeper sections of the wall. Maintaining good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile marine life, especially when getting close for macro shots. Always ensure subject comfort and avoid chasing or harassing marine animals.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  Iconic dive with two towering walls, home to large groupers and barracudas.

• Kaş Tunnel

  A safe swim-through for intermediate divers, located near The Canyon.

• SAS Wreck (Kaş)

  A purpose-sunk wreck, great for divers interested in artificial reefs.

• Italian WWII Plane Wreck (Kaş)

  A historical Italian bomber wreck for advanced divers at deeper depths.

• Fener Adası (Kaş)

  Another reef dive in the Kaş area known for its vibrant marine life.

Getting there & logistics

Kaş is the primary departure point for diving Lighthouse Reef. The nearest airports are Antalya (AYT) and Dalaman (DLM), both approximately 2.5 hours' drive away. Dive trips typically involve daily boat excursions from Kaş harbor, usually lasting a half-day with one or two dives, returning to port for lunch. Many divers opt for 3-5 day dedicated diving holidays to explore multiple sites around Kaş. There are no specific permits or park fees for diving Lighthouse Reef itself, but dive operators include all necessary costs in their package prices. It is common for divers to combine their underwater adventures with exploring Kaş's charming town, ancient Lycian ruins, and local cuisine, making for a comprehensive holiday experience.

Safety & environment

Diving at Lighthouse Reef is generally considered safe, but divers should always carry appropriate insurance, including coverage for diving-related incidents and emergency evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Antalya. In case of a diving emergency, evacuation would typically involve transport by boat to Kaş, followed by road transport to the nearest medical facility. Divers are advised to adhere strictly to their dive guide's instructions, especially concerning any mild currents, and to maintain good buddy contact. It's recommended to deploy a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) during safety stops to ensure surface visibility for the boat crew. Always ensure your equipment is well-maintained and that you dive within your certified limits to maximize safety and enjoyment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Lighthouse Reef (Kaş) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Lighthouse Reef (Kaş)

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day