Turkey

Dive Site: Tank Wreck

21–21 mIntermediate Wreck
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Tank Wreck?

About Tank Wreck

The Güvercin Ada / Tank Wreck dive site, located near Kaş, Turkey, combines a calm reef with a unique blend of sunken elements, including a sculpture and various wreck components. This location is recognized for its sheltered conditions, making it an excellent choice when southerly winds disrupt more exposed dive spots. It serves as a gentle introduction to wreck diving, particularly appealing to new divers and those seeking a relaxed underwater experience. The topography features a reef environment with structures that contribute to an artificial reef, supporting diverse marine life. While specific depth details for the Tank Wreck itself are not extensively detailed, general Kaş diving conditions suggest a range suitable for various certification levels, often combining shallower reef areas with deeper wreck sections. Marine inhabitants typically include species common to the Mediterranean, such as moray eels and octopuses, often found congregating around the wreck structures. The calm, clear waters enhance visibility, allowing for good observation of the artificial reef and its residents. Diving here offers a tranquil experience due to the sheltered nature of the bay. Divers can expect to explore the various parts of the wreck and reef structures, observing marine life in a relatively current-free environment. This site is frequently visited as part of local dive itineraries, particularly from Kaş.

Highlights

Güvercin Ada locationCalm, sheltered conditionsArtificial reef componentsBeginner-friendly wreck diveGood visibilityMix of reef and wreckAccessible from Kaş

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season

Jun – Sep (Peak)

Warmest Mediterranean waters up to 27°C, visibility up to 40m, calmest seas. Perfect for all dive types.

May & Oct (Shoulder)

Pleasant conditions, fewer crowds. Water 20-22°C. Good visibility. Best value for money.

Nov – Apr (Winter)

Cold water (15-17°C), reduced visibility, rougher seas. Most dive centers close seasonally.

Dive site facts: Tank Wreck

Depth
5-20 m (estimated from nearby sites)
Current
No current
Visibility
25 m
Entry
Boat access
Level
Beginner
Dive type
Wreck, Reef, Artificial Reef
Region / port
Kaş, Turkey
Coordinates
36.1842° N, 29.6105° E

Conditions & Currents

The Güvercin Ada / Tank Wreck is characterized by flat calm conditions with no reported current. This makes it a highly accessible and relaxed dive site, particularly favorable for less experienced divers or those honing their skills. Its sheltered position also means it remains calm even when southerly winds create rougher conditions at other sites, providing a reliable alternative for dive operators. Divers can anticipate minimal water movement, allowing for unhurried exploration of the wreck and reef structures. Entry and exit procedures are typically straightforward due to the lack of surge, contributing to an overall comfortable experience and reducing the physical demands on divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper at the dive site Tank Wreck

Grouper

common
Basslets at the dive site Tank Wreck

Basslets

common
Moray Eel at the dive site Tank Wreck

Moray Eel

occasional
Octopus at the dive site Tank Wreck

Octopus

occasional
Stingrays at the dive site Tank Wreck

Stingrays

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically access the Tank Wreck via boat, as it is a boat-accessible site. Given its calm nature, a straightforward entry allows for an unhurried descent. The dive then proceeds along the wreck and associated reef structures, which are described as a beginner-friendly area with a sculpture and other wreck components. Depths at the site are generally suitable for newer divers, likely ranging from a shallow top to a moderate maximum, in line with other beginner sites in the region. The absence of current allows for flexible route planning around the wreck, observing marine life that congregates in and around the structures. The safety stop is typically conducted in the shallower parts of the reef or during a controlled ascent with the boat waiting nearby, facilitating a comfortable and easy exit.

Underwater photography

The Tank Wreck, with its clear, calm waters and moderate depths, offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For capturing the wreck's structure and the artificial reef, a wide-angle lens is ideal, especially given the visibility often reaching 25 meters. The gentle ambient light penetration in these depths can create appealing conditions. For marine life, which includes octopuses, moray eels, and various reef fish, a macro lens will be beneficial to capture intricate details. Ensure good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the seabed or wreck, maintaining clear shots. External strobes are recommended to bring out true colors and minimize backscatter, enhancing both wide-angle scenes and macro subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Tank Wreck is typically arranged through dive operators in Kaş, which is considered Turkey's premier diving destination. Travelers usually fly into nearby airports such as Dalaman (DLM) or Antalya (AYT), then transfer to Kaş. Day trips from Kaş are common, combining this site with other local attractions. While specific permit fees for this individual site are not usually mentioned, standard dive operator packages include boat access. The duration of trips to this site is generally a single dive, often part of a two-dive excursion.

Safety & environment

Diving at the Tank Wreck benefits from its sheltered and calm conditions, which inherently reduce certain risks. However, standard safety protocols remain paramount. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control, particularly near the wreck and any delicate structures, to prevent accidental contact. Always adhere to dive computer limits, especially when exploring deeper sections of the wreck. The nearest recompression chamber would likely be found in larger medical centers in cities like Antalya, indicating that evacuation for severe cases could be lengthy. It is strongly advised that all divers possess comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Always follow the dive brief instructions and maintain buddy contact throughout the dive.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

  • Beginner divers seeking an easy wreck experience
  • Divers preferring calm, current-free conditions
  • Underwater photographers due to good visibility
  • Divers looking for sheltered alternatives during windy conditions
  • Those interested in artificial reef environments

Less suited for

  • Experienced divers seeking challenging currents
  • Divers interested in deep technical wreck penetration
  • Those looking for large pelagic encounters
  • Divers who prefer pristine natural coral reefs

FAQ

Tank Wreck FAQ

What kind of wreck is the Tank Wreck?
The Tank Wreck is part of the Güvercin Ada site, featuring a blend of artificial reef elements, including a sculpture and other wreck components. It offers an accessible and gentle wreck diving experience, suitable for beginners rather than deep, complex wreck exploration.
Is the Tank Wreck suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, the Tank Wreck is highly suitable for beginner divers. It is known for its calm conditions, lack of current, and moderate depths, making it an excellent site to gain experience in wreck and reef diving without significant challenges.
What is the visibility like at the Tank Wreck?
The visibility at the Tank Wreck is generally excellent, often reaching up to 25 meters. This clear water, combined with calm conditions, provides great opportunities for observing marine life and appreciating the wreck structures.
Are there strong currents at the Tank Wreck?
No, the Tank Wreck is characterized by flat calm conditions with no reported current. This sheltered environment makes it a comfortable and easy dive, even when other more exposed sites in the region might experience stronger water movement.
What marine life can I expect to see at the Tank Wreck?
While the Tank Wreck is not primarily known for large pelagic encounters, you can commonly observe groupers and basslets. Moray eels, octopuses, and stingrays are also occasionally sighted around the wreck and reef structures, making it an interesting site for macro life.

Why dive Tank Wreck from a liveaboard?

Tank Wreck is one of Turkey's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Tank Wreck on their Turkey itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Tank Wreck

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

Okyanus JD liveaboard at Tank Wreck

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

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Dive Tank Wreck from a liveaboard.

Three to four guided dives a day on Tank Wreck and the other signature sites in Turkey, sleeping right above the reef.