Dive Site: Sarıyarlar Bay

About Sarıyarlar Bay

Sarıyarlar Bay, nestled in Turkey's vibrant diving landscape, offers a distinctive underwater experience characterized by its remarkable topography. This site is particularly renowned for its intricate cave systems and deep caverns, providing divers with an opportunity to explore geological wonders beneath the surface. It stands out as a unique destination for those seeking more than just reef diving, offering a journey through natural underwater architecture. The dive site features a main cavern accessible at 29 meters, which transitions into a shallower cavern at 12 meters known as the 'Hammam'. Beyond these, a 100-meter-long wide tunnel leads to an enclosed freshwater cave that surfaces, presenting a surprisingly cool environment. The surrounding reef is rich in marine life, making it a captivating spot for both macro and wider-angle observations. Throughout the year, the clear waters of Sarıyarlar Bay host a variety of Mediterranean species. Groupers are frequently sighted within the cave systems, while octopus, various cephalopods, and moray eels inhabit the rocky structures. The site also boasts numerous types of resident shrimp, easily spotted with a dive light, adding to its biodiversity. Seasonal changes primarily influence water temperature, but the marine ecosystem remains consistently engaging. Diving at Sarıyarlar Bay typically involves exploring the fascinating caverns and swim-throughs, with natural light often penetrating the 'Hammam' cavern, creating stunning visual effects. Divers navigate through these spaces, encountering the site's unique geological features and observing the diverse marine inhabitants. The combination of its distinct underwater landscape and thriving ecosystem makes for a memorable and immersive dive.

Dive site facts: Sarıyarlar Bay

Depth

12–29 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

30–40 m

Water temperature

16–30°C (seasonal)

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Cavern, reef, cave

Region / port

Fethiye, Turkey

Coordinates

36.5509° N, 29.0875° E

Conditions & Currents

Information specifically detailing currents at Sarıyarlar Bay is not provided. However, generally in Turkey, water clarity frequently reaches up to 30 meters, with some exceptional spots extending to 40 meters. Typical beginner dives occur at depths of 18-30 meters for 30-40 minutes. Drift dives, which rely on currents, require careful attention to briefings, including entry procedures, descent timing, and exit plans, to ensure diver safety and effective boat tracking. Divers must understand current direction, depth limits, and communication signals to stay streamlined, conserve air, and respond to changing conditions, especially if any current is present at the site. A well-understood briefing allows divers to fully enjoy the experience while maintaining strong situational awareness and team safety.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Resident shrimp

common

Big-fin reef squid

occasional

Octopus

common

Cephalopods

common

Moray eel

occasional

Smelt

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Sarıyarlar Bay typically begins with a descent to the main cavern located at 29 meters. Inside, you'll encounter groupers and can use a torch to illuminate hundreds of resident shrimp. After exploring this deeper section, you'll gradually ascend to 12 meters to reach another cavern, known as the 'Hammam'. This shallower cavern is distinctive for the natural light filtering through two openings in its ceiling, creating a unique visual effect. From the 'Hammam', the dive continues with a fin for about 100 meters through a wide tunnel. This tunnel leads to an enclosed freshwater cave that surfaces, offering a surprisingly cool environment. The return route generally follows the same path back, allowing for a safety stop in the shallower areas before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Sarıyarlar Bay offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and resident marine life. For the expansive caverns and the unique 'Hammam' with its natural light shafts, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the formations and the interplay of light and shadow. Be mindful of your buoyancy in enclosed spaces. When focusing on the abundant resident shrimp or other smaller marine creatures like octopus and moray eels, a macro lens will allow for detailed close-up shots. Torches are essential for illuminating the darker corners of the caverns and highlighting subjects like the shrimp. Pay attention to ambient light levels when moving between open reef and cave environments, adjusting strobes or video lights accordingly to maintain consistent exposure. Ethical diving practices are crucial; avoid touching marine life or delicate rock formations to preserve the site's pristine condition.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK)

  A sunken C-47 Dakota plane offers an interesting wreck dive.

• TCSG-121 (Coastguard Wreck)

  An old 40-meter coastguard ship wreck, rich in marine life.

• Kızıl Island

  Features unique stone formations resembling Aztec pyramids, with a cave inside.

• Frenk Bay

  Known for its inner wall dive, offering diverse marine topography.

• Sari Mehmet

  A neighboring dive site often combined in itineraries.

Getting there & logistics

Sarıyarlar Bay is located near Fethiye, a significant hub for diving along Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Divers typically arrive via Dalaman Airport (DLM), which serves as the closest international gateway to the Fethiye region. From Dalaman, Fethiye is easily accessible by shuttle or taxi. Dive trips to Sarıyarlar Bay are generally organized by local dive centers operating out of Fethiye, often as part of day trips. These excursions may combine Sarıyarlar Bay with other nearby sites like the Coastguard Wreck or Kızıl Island. Most dive operations include transfers from local accommodations, boat travel, and guided dives. No specific national park fees are mentioned for this site, but general diving permits are required for recreational diving in Turkey, with a maximum depth limit of 40 meters.

Safety & environment

Diving at Sarıyarlar Bay, particularly within its cavern and cave systems, requires careful attention to safety protocols. It is essential to dive within your certification limits, especially when exploring deeper sections or overhead environments. Always dive with a reputable local guide who is familiar with the site's layout and conditions. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the silty bottoms within caverns and to protect delicate formations. The nearest recompression chamber facilities in Turkey are located in major diving centers such as Bodrum or Kaş, which could entail significant travel time in an emergency. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Always follow the dive briefing instructions regarding routes, depth limits, and buddy procedures, especially when navigating complex underwater topography. Carrying a dive light is crucial for illuminating darker areas and spotting resident shrimp.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Sarıyarlar Bay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Sarıyarlar Bay

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$158/day