Dive Site: Stonehedge

About Stonehedge

Stonehedge is a distinctive boat-access archaeological dive site located in Kaş, Turkey, distinguishing itself as a protected in-water park. Its main attraction is a carefully placed replica of the ancient Uluburun wreck, providing a historical focal point for divers. The site's layout combines a sheltered bay edge with rocky structures and expansive sand patches, encouraging divers to explore at a leisurely pace rather than focusing on covering large distances. Depths at Stonehedge range from approximately 5 meters near the bay's edge, where shallower park elements are found, extending down to about 36 meters. This varied topography supports a range of Mediterranean marine species, making it a rewarding destination for observing local fish and turtles, even if vivid coral colors are not the primary draw. While visibility is consistently good in Kaş, often exceeding 20 meters, conditions at Stonehedge are typically calm with limited currents due to its sheltered bay location. It is best enjoyed on settled days, making it particularly suitable for relaxed, guided dives. The site is accessed via dive boats from Kaş, requiring guided entry rather than independent shore access, ensuring divers can fully appreciate its unique features under professional supervision.

Dive site facts: Stonehedge

Depth

5–36 m

Current

No current / Limited

Visibility

25 m

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, artificial reef, archaeological

Region / port

Kaş, Turkey

Coordinates

36.5296° N, 29.1188° E

Conditions & Currents

Stonehedge is located in a sheltered bay, typically experiencing calm conditions with limited current, making it an accessible dive for many. While Kaş generally boasts good visibility, often over 20 meters, Stonehedge benefits from its calm waters, enhancing the clarity. This lack of strong currents and surge allows for relaxed diving, where buoyancy control around the wreck replica and other submerged features is key. Divers should prioritize maintaining stable neutral buoyancy, especially when exploring closer to the archaeological park elements. The site is best experienced on settled days, as conditions can vary, though its sheltered nature generally mitigates extreme changes. Entry is typically from a boat, and the calm environment simplifies both descent and ascent procedures.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green Turtle

common

Loggerhead Turtle

common

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Grouper

common

Basslets

common

Lionfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Stonehedge are typically guided boat dives, focusing on the replica wreck and the archaeological park. Entry is usually directly from the dive boat into the calm waters of the sheltered bay. The dive begins by descending towards the main features, with divers maintaining tight buoyancy control to navigate around the wreck replica and other submerged structures. The site allows for a controlled depth progression, with shallower park elements near the bay edge and the site continuing down to approximately 36 meters. Divers are encouraged to explore slowly, appreciating the details of the artificial reef and looking for resident marine life. The turn point is determined by air consumption or dive time, with the ascent being gradual. The safety stop typically occurs at 5 meters for 3-5 minutes, with neutral buoyancy maintained, before surfacing to the waiting boat.

Underwater photography

Stonehedge, with its clear Mediterranean visibility and unique artificial wreck, offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography. The replica of the Uluburun wreck and the archaeological park elements make compelling subjects, especially when illuminated by natural light in the shallower sections. Divers should consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the wreck and surrounding structures. While the marine life includes turtles and various fish, the site is less about macro subjects and more about the historical atmosphere and topography. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing any archaeological elements and to achieve stable shots. Given the often calm conditions, external strobes can help bring out colors and add depth to images, particularly on cloudy days or at deeper points of the wreck.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Güvercin Ada / Tank Wreck

  A calm, beginner-friendly reef site nearby featuring a sculpture and wrecks.

• Kaş Neptün

  An exposed reef and wreck site with amphorae, starting shallow.

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  One of Kaş's most famous sites known for its dramatic underwater canyon.

Getting there & logistics

To dive Stonehedge, you will typically depart from Kaş, which is accessible via Dalaman (DLM) or Antalya (AYT) airports, followed by a transfer. Dive centers in Kaş are the primary means of accessing this site, as independent shore entry is not feasible or recommended. Most dive trips are day-boat excursions. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Stonehedge, but standard dive package costs from local operators apply. Stonehedge is often combined with other Kaş dive sites on daily itineraries, allowing divers to experience a range of underwater environments in the region. The season generally runs from April to November, with peak conditions for comfort in summer and early autumn.

Safety & environment

For safety at Stonehedge, divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control, particularly around the replica wreck and archaeological features, to prevent accidental contact. Always adhere to local archaeological site rules and your operator's briefing, which includes a strict prohibition against removing or disturbing artifacts. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in a major medical facility in Antalya, though emergency evacuation routes and times should be confirmed with your dive operator. Comprehensive dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and emergency evacuation is highly recommended for all divers. While currents are generally limited, staying with your guide and buddy is essential. Given the site's guided boat access, ensure all equipment is well-maintained and that you are familiar with your dive plan before entering the water.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Stonehedge FAQ

Liveaboards diving Stonehedge

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day