Dive Site: Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği)

About Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği)

The Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği) offers a distinctive diving experience in Turkey, situated around active aquaculture facilities. Divers here can observe how the presence of the farm attracts a diverse array of marine life, including schools of large fish, creating an active ecosystem. The dive site is centered around the tuna nets, with diving typically occurring outside these structures. The topography is influenced by the farm's operations, with the surrounding waters potentially offering opportunities to observe both pelagic and reef species drawn to the nutrient-rich environment. The depth varies in the area surrounding the farm, accommodating different diver levels, though specific depth bands are not detailed in the available sources. The constant presence of tuna within the pens, and the feeding activity, acts as a magnet for other marine creatures. While specific seasonality for species is not detailed, the activity around the farm is likely consistent, making it an interesting site for observing behavior and interactions. Divers can expect to see fish drawn to the periphery of the nets, alongside other opportunistic feeders. Diving at the Tuna Farm requires coordination and respect for the active commercial operation. Access is typically by boat, and divers must adhere to guidelines regarding proximity to the nets. The experience provides a rare insight into the intersection of marine aquaculture and the natural underwater world.

Dive site facts: Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği)

Depth

32 m

Current

Moderate

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Big_animals, reef

Region / port

Turkey

Coordinates

36.4654° N, 29.0780° E

Conditions & Currents

Information specific to currents at the Tuna Farm is not detailed in the sources. However, the presence of tuna farms, especially those holding large, fast-moving fish like tuna, often indicates areas with good water flow. Divers should generally expect conditions that support healthy marine life, which can include mild to moderate currents depending on location and local hydrography. In areas with significant aquaculture, careful boat handling and entry/exit procedures are paramount to avoid interference with operations. Divers should always be prepared for potential currents, even if they are not explicitly mentioned for this specific site, as marine farms often choose locations with good water exchange.

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at the Tuna Farm involves approaching the vicinity of the active farm by boat. Divers generally enter the water and explore the areas just outside the large, active tuna nets. The route is often guided by the location of the farm and the distribution of marine life it attracts, with divers observing the periphery of the pens. Depth progression will depend on the local underwater topography, but the focus remains on the interactions around the farm. The turn point is determined by air consumption and bottom time, with the safety stop conducted in open water before surfacing near the dive boat.

Underwater photography

While sources don't offer specific photography advice for the Tuna Farm, the presence of large fish aggregations suggests opportunities for wide-angle photography. A wide-angle lens would be suitable for capturing the scale of the tuna pens and the schools of fish around them. Since the subjects are often pelagic or free-swimming, fast shutter speeds and appropriate strobe positioning can help freeze motion and bring out color. Given the unique setting, capturing the interaction between the natural environment and the aquaculture structures could make for compelling images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  A popular site known for its dramatic topography and underwater cave.

• Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck

  A historical wreck site, often combined with other local dives.

• Aladin's Cavern

  A famous cavern dive that allows divers to surface inside a cave to see the sky.

• Adakule Cave

  A notable cave site in the region, offering unique geological formations.

Getting there & logistics

Diving in Turkey typically begins from coastal towns like Kaş or Fethiye, which serve as popular departure ports. Divers can fly into major international airports like Dalaman (DLM) or Antalya (AYT), then transfer to their chosen coastal base. Trips can be resort-based or liveaboard-based, with liveaboards offering opportunities to visit more remote sites. The Tuna Farm is usually accessed via day boat trips. No specific permits or fees for this site are mentioned, but dive operators will handle necessary arrangements. Turkey offers diverse itineraries, combining reefs, wrecks, and caverns, often extending to multiple days of diving.

Safety & environment

For diving in Turkey, general safety precautions apply, including carrying personal dive insurance that covers recompression. While no specific chamber locations are mentioned, reputable dive centers typically have emergency action plans. Site-specific hazards at the Tuna Farm involve operating near active aquaculture; divers must respect boundaries and avoid interfering with farm operations. Always follow the dive brief, stay with your buddy, and adhere to depth and time limits. Evacuation reality in remote areas could be complex, emphasizing the importance of preventative safety measures and comprehensive insurance.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği)

These liveaboards may visit Tuna Farm (Orkinos Çiftliği) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$154/day