Dive Site: Three Tunnels

About Three Tunnels

Three Tunnels, also known as Small Reef, is a captivating dive site situated just two miles from Fethiye harbor. This site is renowned for its network of submerged tunnels and an extensive wall that plunges to over 40 meters, creating a captivating journey through marine geology. It offers a distinctive underwater landscape with natural rock formations creating swim-through tunnels, providing an overhead environment diving experience within a natural reef setting. The topography includes a reef sloping gradually from the shallows near Aziz Aga Bay, leading to a prominent wall. Depths increase as you move westwards, reaching the main wall structure where several distinct tunnels are found. These passages, carved by millennia of wave action, guide divers through natural rock formations, ranging from wide, light-filled corridors to narrower sections, creating an engaging experience suitable for exploration. While marine life is generally less abundant than in tropical seas, observant divers may encounter groupers, moray eels, octopus, and stingrays on the sandy bottom, particularly in shaded areas or crevices. The site's complex formations also provide shelter for a variety of smaller species, enhancing the exploratory nature of the dive. Conditions are often excellent, with optimal visibility and comfortable water temperatures from June to October. Diving here typically begins in the shallows before progressing to deeper sections, where the tunnels and wall offer varied exploration. The site combines elements of reef diving with cavern exploration, making it a multifaceted underwater adventure that appeals to divers interested in unique geological features and diverse depth profiles, though it is considered advanced due to depth and overhead environment aspects.

Dive site facts: Three Tunnels

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

12–30 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

18–30 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Cavern, Reef, Wall

Region / port

Fethiye, Turkey

Coordinates

36.5383° N, 29.1059° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Three Tunnels are typically mild, with the offshore position and regular water flow helping to maintain clear conditions throughout the diving season. While explicitly detailed current information is scarce, the general calm sea states during peak months suggest predictable and manageable water movement. Excellent buoyancy control is essential for navigating the intricate tunnels and wall structures to avoid contact and disturbing sediment. Divers should anticipate that entry and exit are exclusively by boat. Visibility is consistently very good, often reaching up to 30 meters, which ensures ample natural light penetration into the tunnel interiors, though a dive torch is always recommended for revealing colors. While general boat traffic is present given the site's proximity to Fethiye, specific concerns regarding surface boat traffic near the safety stop should be addressed

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Cardinalfish

occasional

Bream

occasional

Wrasse

occasional

Damselfish

occasional

Conger eel

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Sea fan

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Three Tunnels typically begin with a boat entry in the shallows near Aziz Aga Bay, where the reef gradually slopes downwards. Divers then proceed westwards, following the reef as it transitions into a prominent wall, with depths increasing from around 12-15 meters. The main attraction involves navigating through a series of natural tunnels at various depths: one tunnel is 7-8 meters long with an entrance around 30 meters, and an inverted V-shaped tunnel extends about 10-12 meters. Two additional shorter tunnels are found at shallower depths, approximately 17-19 meters. Beyond these passages, the deep wall continues, featuring two narrow cavities at roughly 35 meters that are suitable for single-person entry. The route often involves a return along the wall and reef top, passing sandy patches. Safety stops are generally conducted in the shallower sections of the reef or along the wall, depending on remaining bottom time and air consumption.

Underwater photography

Three Tunnels offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, thanks to its distinct geological features and diverse marine life. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the submerged tunnels, the extensive wall, and the overall underwater architecture, effectively conveying the scale of this unique environment. When navigating the narrower cavities and swim-throughs, precise buoyancy control is crucial to prevent stirring up sediment and to ensure clear shots. Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to focus on with diverse smaller species such as nudibranchs, cardinalfish, and other reef inhabitants, especially on the encrusted walls and crevices. A dive torch is highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the marine growth within the tunnels and to enhance detail in darker areas.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Dalyan Bay

  A well-sheltered bay suitable for diver training.

• Afkule

  Also known as Aladdin's Cave, a highly-rated dive site with caves.

• Mexican Hat Cold Water Cave

  A specific cold water cave past Afkule.

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  One of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean.

• Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck

  A wreck in the Kas region.

• Iblis Reef

  An offshore rocky reef circuit near Oludeniz.

Getting there & logistics

Three Tunnels is conveniently located just two miles from Fethiye harbor, making it easily accessible by day boat from various dive centers in the region. Fethiye is well-connected through Dalaman Airport (DLM), which serves as the primary international gateway. Typically, this site is part of single-day dive trips or shorter excursions from Fethiye, allowing divers to return to shore accommodations each evening. Permits and fees are generally handled by local dive operators and are usually included in the dive package costs. This site is frequently combined with other local Fethiye dive spots like Dalyan Bay or Afkule, offering a varied itinerary of reef, wall, and cavern diving. Liveaboard options are also available in Turkey, though specific itineraries for Three Tunnels may vary.

Safety & environment

For diving at Three Tunnels, it is imperative to maintain excellent buoyancy control due to the overhead environment and narrow passages, preventing contact with delicate marine growth or stirring up sediment. While the tunnels are natural formations, they share considerations with cave diving, requiring comfort in enclosed spaces and continuous awareness of air consumption and proximity to open water. Local dive guides provide essential briefings on specific routes, exit strategies, and protocols for reduced visibility. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Izmir, which means emergency evacuation for severe decompression sickness would be complex and time-consuming. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is strongly recommended. Surface intervals should account for potential boat traffic in the vicinity, and divers should follow the instructions of their dive guide meticulously.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Three Tunnels FAQ

Liveaboards diving Three Tunnels

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day