Dive Site: Saint Efstathios Cave

About Saint Efstathios Cave

Saint Efstathios Cave is a historical dive site located directly beneath the Kaleiçi cliffs in Antalya, specifically towards Konyaaltı from Kaleiçi Port. This cave holds historical significance, dating back to the Byzantine period and dedicated to Saint Efstathios, a revered figure in Orthodox Christian tradition. The dive site is characterized by its cave environment, providing an immersive experience for divers. While specific depth details for the cave itself are not explicitly provided, it is described as an "Antalya cave dive under the Kaleiçi cliffs," suggesting a profile that allows for exploration within the rock formations. The waters here are known for a great variety of marine life. Divers can frequently encounter species such as Mediterranean monk seals, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), octopuses, and moray eels. Grouper, grida, and lepidoptera are also present, adding to the biological diversity within and around the cave. Access to the site typically involves a guided boat trip from Antalya Marina, making it a moderately accessible dive. The dive itself is designed as a guided cave exploration, suitable for certified divers comfortable with overhead environments and good buoyancy control. It offers an opportunity to combine historical exploration with vibrant marine encounters.

Dive site facts: Saint Efstathios Cave

Depth

15 m

Current

none to mild

Visibility

20 m

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Cave

Region / port

Antalya

Coordinates

36.5060° N, 29.0689° E

Conditions & Currents

Saint Efstathios Cave is primarily characterized by its protected cave environment, indicating that significant strong currents are generally not a concern within the cave itself. However, surrounding waters may experience occasional surge, particularly depending on surface conditions and predominant winds, which can influence boat entry and exit. Visibility around the cave is noted as excellent, typically reaching 20 meters, which is crucial for navigation in an overhead environment. Divers should expect boat access and will need to manage buoyancy carefully within the cave to avoid disturbing the sediment or damaging delicate formations, making good trim and finning techniques essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Mediterranean Monk Seal

occasional

Caretta Caretta

occasional

Octopus

common

Moray Eel

common

Grouper

common

Grida

occasional

Lepidoptera

occasional

Lionfish

April, July, August, November · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Saint Efstathios Cave typically begins with a boat entry from Antalya Marina, reaching the site located under the Kaleiçi cliffs. The dive involves exploring the historical cave, which dates back to the Byzantine period. Divers will navigate through the cave formations, paying close attention to buoyancy due to the overhead environment. While specific depths inside the cave are not detailed, divers can expect to follow a guided path, observing the natural rock structures and resident marine life. The clear visibility of 20 meters assists in navigation. The dive concludes with a safety stop typically performed near the cave entrance or in the immediate vicinity before ascending back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Capturing the unique ambiance of Saint Efstathios Cave requires specific photographic considerations due to the cave's overhead environment and potential light variations. A wide-angle lens is recommended to encompass the grand cave formations and the feeling of the entrance, as well as to capture any large marine life like seals or turtles. External strobes are essential to properly illuminate the cave interior and bring out the natural colors of the rock and any sessile organisms, as natural light diminishes quickly. When photographing marine life such as octopus or moray eels within the cave, a macro lens might also be useful for close-up detail. Excellent buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up sediment, which can quickly ruin visibility for photos and other divers. Divers should be mindful of their position and finning technique to preserve the pristine conditions of the cave for photography.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• St. Didier Wreck

  A boat wreck with swim-throughs and a deep profile, located 0.2 km from Saint Efstathios Cave.

• Kaleiçi Diving Center Private Site

  A city-center harbor dive with cave potential, 0.4 km away.

• Oriza Park Beach

  A boat-access wreck dive off Antalya with rich hull life, located 9.5 km away.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Saint Efstathios Cave is primarily facilitated through local dive centers operating out of Antalya, such as Deep Walker Diving or Kaleiçi Diving Center. Divers typically depart from Antalya Marina by boat for day trips. Antalya is well-served by Antalya Airport (AYT), offering international and domestic connections. Standard dive trip durations often involve a single or double tank dive, combined with other nearby sites. No specific permits or fees beyond the dive trip cost are mentioned, but guided dives are the standard for this site. Trips usually operate during the main dive season from May to October, taking advantage of optimal conditions. Divers should plan for a boat journey from the port to the site, which is located under the Kaleiçi cliffs.

Safety & environment

For diving at Saint Efstathios Cave, adhering to standard cave diving safety protocols is crucial, as it involves an overhead environment. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control to prevent disturbing the cave floor and impacting visibility, which could disorient them. Carrying appropriate lighting is essential, including primary and backup lights. While no specific recompression chamber location is provided in the sources, Antalya is a major city where medical facilities, including potential hyperbaric services, would be expected. Divers should ensure their dive insurance covers cave diving activities. Always dive with a certified guide experienced with the site and follow their briefing on entry, navigation, and exit procedures, keeping gas management conservative given the cave environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Saint Efstathios Cave FAQ

Liveaboards diving Saint Efstathios Cave

These liveaboards may visit Saint Efstathios Cave on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day