Dive Site: PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK)

About PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK)

Pacoz Bay, near Bodrum in the Aegean Sea, hosts the remarkable C-47 Dakota Plane Wreck, an advanced dive site featuring the remains of a military transport aircraft. This unique site combines aviation history with vibrant marine colonization, providing a distinct underwater experience unlike conventional reefs or shipwrecks. The C-47 Dakota, a workhorse from World War II, rests on the sandy seabed, its distinctive twin-engine silhouette still recognizable despite the marine growth that now softens its lines. It was purposely sunk in 2007 by BOSAD to serve as an artificial reef, and by 2010, the wreck had broken into two pieces, with the body and tail drifting deeper. Divers typically begin in a shallow bay at 3 meters, gradually descending to 18 meters along a wall. The engine and propeller, detached from the wing, are visible around 17 meters, while the cockpit sits on the seabed at 23 meters. The fuselage extends to approximately 34 meters, about 20 meters from the wings. Adjacent to the wreck is the Paçoz Wall, which descends to a maximum depth of 36 meters, offering a rich wall dive experience with minimal current and clear visibility. Marine life has enthusiastically colonized the aircraft's metal surfaces, supporting sponges, algae, and encrusting organisms. Groupers often hover near the engines, sea bream school around the tail section, and Mediterranean invertebrates inhabit the various crevices of the airframe. Along the Paçoz Wall, divers can encounter schools of dentex and leerfish, moray eels, lionfish, crabs, lobsters, tritons, and vibrant nudibranchs, with large groupers and bream also frequently seen around the wreck itself. The site is accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from Bodrum, offering two distinct dive routes. The C-47 Dakota wreck provides an exciting wreck dive, while the Paçoz Wall offers a rich wall dive. The clear water and typically calm conditions make it an engaging dive for advanced divers, though open water divers can also exper

Dive site facts: PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK)

Depth

17–34 m

Typical dive

18–25 m

Current

Mild to absent

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

27°C (July)

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced recommended (Open Water for some parts)

Dive type

Wreck, Artificial Reef, Wall

Night dive

Possible (at nearby reef)

Region / port

Kaş / Bodrum, Turkey

Coordinates

36.1828° N, 29.6429° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the C-47 Dakota plane wreck are generally mild or absent, particularly within Pacoz Bay, which offers protected conditions. However, advanced divers should be prepared for moderate currents, especially in November, as noted in some reports. The site's protected location on the east side of Cape İnce Burun helps mitigate choppier conditions experienced elsewhere. Entry is typically by boat, allowing for direct access to the wreck. Visibility can be exceptional, often reaching 25 to 30 meters, providing clear views of the aircraft structure and marine life. While conditions are generally calm, divers should always monitor local reports, especially for deeper dives where conditions can subtly change, ensuring proper gas planning for the 17-34 meter depth range.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Sea Bream

common

Moray Eel

common

Green Turtle

common

Shrimp Goby

common

Octopus

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Conger Eel

occasional

Damselfish

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Dentex

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the C-47 Dakota plane wreck typically begins with a boat entry into Pacoz Bay. From a starting depth of around 3 meters, you'll follow a gradual descent along the left wall, reaching approximately 18 meters after 10-12 minutes of swimming, where the wreck first comes into view. The engine and propeller, detached from the wing, are visible at 17 meters. You will then explore the aircraft's impressive 20-meter length and 29-meter wingspan, descending to the cockpit at 23 meters. The fuselage extends deeper, resting at about 34 meters, roughly 20 meters from the wings. While mostly external, you can observe the rear cabin door at 29 meters. Marine life, including large groupers and schools of bream, will surround you throughout the exploration. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop near the shallower reef or ascent line, before returning to the boat.

Underwater photography

The C-47 Dakota plane wreck offers exceptional photographic opportunities, especially for wide-angle lenses to capture the entire 20-meter fuselage and 29-meter wingspan. The wreck's silhouette against the clear Aegean water, often with visibility up to 30 meters, makes for dramatic shots. Utilize strobes to bring out the colors of the marine growth and highlight the details of the plane's structure. Schools of sea bream and large groupers around the wreck provide excellent photo subjects, making for good composition. Macro enthusiasts will also find interest along the nearby sloping wall, which is rich in macro critters. Ensure good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile marine life. Consider shooting at different angles to emphasize the plane's impressive scale and the contrast with the marine environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• SG-115 TURKISH NAVY SHIPWRECK

  Located adjacent to the C-47 Dakota

• Lighthouse

  A nearby reef that goes to 30m, ideal for night dives

• Smugglers Bay

  Another site listed nearby on dive maps

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  A popular advanced dive further from this site but offered on day trips from Kaş

• Flying Fish

  A reef and advanced wreck site accessible via boat trips

• Black Island (Bodrum)

  Area where the C-47 Dakota wreck is located

Getting there & logistics

The C-47 Dakota plane wreck is accessible from both Bodrum and Kaş, Turkey, primarily via boat trips. For divers originating from Bodrum, the site is a short 30-minute boat ride, often combined with other dives around Black Island. In Kaş, it's considered the closest site to the harbor and is typically part of a full-day, two-dive program. Nearest international airports include Bodrum (BJV) for Bodrum departures and Dalaman (DLM) for Kaş. Dive centers in both locations offer guided trips. While the dive itself doesn't require specific permits beyond standard diving practices, it's essential to book with certified dive operators who arrange all logistical aspects. Trip lengths can vary from single-day excursions to multi-day liveaboard itineraries that visit various sites in the region.

Safety & environment

For diving the C-47 Dakota plane wreck, it is highly recommended that divers hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification due to the depths involved, reaching up to 34 meters. Open Water Divers may access shallower parts, but deep dive experience is beneficial. Always dive with a certified guide and maintain good buoyancy control to avoid entanglement or disturbing the wreck. While currents are generally mild, conditions can change, particularly for deeper sections, so always follow your dive leader's instructions. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Izmir. In case of a diving emergency, evacuation procedures involve local dive boats for initial transport to shore, followed by road transport to a medical facility. Comprehensive dive insurance is mandatory for all divers exploring this site, covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Always conduct thorough buddy checks and plan your dive, including gas management, based on your certification and experience level.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK) FAQ

Liveaboards diving PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK)

These liveaboards may visit PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$156/day