Dive Site: Oasis reef

About Oasis reef

Oasis Reef, also known as Oasis Banko, is a distinct dive site located south of Kaş, Turkey, accessible only by boat. This small reef rises from sandy bottoms and seagrass beds, presenting a rich ecosystem for marine life. Divers can explore the reef's top at a depth of 16 meters, where small creatures thrive. Adding to its unique appeal, the site features the remains of a wooden shipwreck to its east, alongside remarkable 2,000-year-old amphorae, offering a glimpse into ancient maritime history. The exceptional water clarity around Kaş, often reaching 30 to 40 meters, significantly enhances the diving experience at Oasis Reef, allowing for clear views of both marine inhabitants and historical artifacts. The dive offers a generally tranquil experience, suitable for various skill levels due to its limited currents. Friendly groupers, accustomed to divers, are a notable highlight, making this an engaging spot for observing marine behavior. Overall, Oasis Reef provides a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue in the clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Dive site facts: Oasis reef

Depth

16 m (top)–20 m (average)

Typical dive

16–20 m, 30–40 min

Current

Limited

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

16–30°C (seasonal)

Entry

Boat dive

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, historical, macro

Region / port

Kaş, Antalya, Turkey

Coordinates

36.4414° N, 29.1217° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Oasis Reef are typically limited, making it a comfortable dive for most experience levels. The site is located in open water south of Kaş, but does not experience the strong currents found at some other nearby sites. Entry is always from a boat, and divers descend directly along the anchor chain to the reef. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging between 20 to 30 meters, which allows for clear navigation and enjoyment of the site's features. Surface conditions are generally calm, but vigilance for pleasure boats is advised, particularly during ascent and descent. Divers should plan for a relaxed profile due to the mild conditions, ensuring ample bottom time to explore the amphorae and shipwreck remains.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Barracuda

common

Grey triggerfish

common

Sea turtle

occasional

Ray

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Moray eel

occasional

Schools of colorful fish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Oasis Reef begins with a boat entry, typically mooring directly at the site. You will descend along the anchor line, reaching the reef's top at approximately 16 meters. From there, explore the small reef, which is home to a variety of small marine life. Head towards the eastern side to discover the remnants of a wooden shipwreck and the historic 2,000-year-old amphorae scattered across the sandy and seagrass beds. The dive maintains a relatively shallow profile, with an average depth around 20 meters, allowing for extended bottom time. Friendly groupers are often encountered throughout the dive. After exploring the reef's features, you will ascend gradually, completing your safety stop back near the anchor line before surfacing to the boat.

Underwater photography

Oasis Reef offers excellent opportunities for macro and wide-angle photography due to its clear waters and diverse subjects. For capturing the small marine life thriving on the reef, a macro lens is highly recommended. The ancient amphorae and wooden shipwreck provide compelling wide-angle subjects, especially when visibility is at its peak, often 20-30 meters. Consider using external strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the reef and marine creatures, as natural light diminishes with depth. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the fragile historical artifacts and the surrounding seagrass beds. Patience is key when photographing the friendly groupers, allowing them to approach naturally.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  Kaş Canyon in Antalya, Turkey, offers a unique double-feature dive experience that combines a dramatic canyon with a historical shipwreck.

• Heybeli Ada Reef

  Heybeli Ada Reef offers an accessible and engaging dive experience located near Fethiye, off Turkey's Turquoise Coast.

• Adabanko Reef

  Adabanko Reef is an inviting dive site situated approximately two kilometers off the coast of Kuşadası in Turkey's Aegean Sea.

• Pina Reef

  Pina Reef, locally referred to as Pina Banko, is a popular dive site situated off the Turkish city of Kaş.

• Kovanli Island

  Kovanli Island, also referred to as Kovanli Adasi, is a prominent dive site located off the coast of Kaş in Turkey.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Oasis Reef is exclusively by boat, typically departing from the port of Kaş, which is approximately a 20-minute journey. Kaş is well-served by two main airports: Dalaman Airport (DLM), about a two-hour drive away, and Antalya Airport (AYT), roughly a three-hour drive. Both offer car rental services, which are highly recommended for exploring the Lycian coastline. Dive operators in Kaş offer daily boat trips that often combine Oasis Reef with other nearby sites. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving at Oasis Reef itself, beyond standard dive trip costs. Most dive packages from Kaş range from single-day excursions to multi-day dive safaris, exploring the region's rich underwater landscape.

Safety & environment

While Oasis Reef is generally suitable for all diver levels due to limited currents, vigilance is required due to surface boat traffic. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings and use a surface marker buoy during ascent. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Antalya, highlighting the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Divers should carry appropriate insurance and be familiar with their policy's terms. As with all boat dives, follow your dive guide's briefing carefully regarding entry and exit procedures. Always adhere to safe diving practices, including monitoring no-decompression limits and gas consumption.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Oasis reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Oasis reef

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day