Dive Site: Tunnels bay

About Tunnels bay

Tunnels Bay, also known as Small Reef/Three Tunnels, offers a distinctive underwater landscape just two miles from Fethiye harbor in Turkey. 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. Divers can navigate a series of natural cavities and extended passages, contrasting shallow reef areas with deeper structural elements. The topography includes a reef sloping gradually from the shallows of Aziz Aga bay, leading to a prominent wall. Depths increase as you move westward, reaching the main wall structure where several distinct tunnels are found. These passages guide divers through natural rock formations, providing an engaging experience suitable for exploring. While marine life is generally less abundant than in tropical seas, observant divers may encounter groupers, moray eels, and stingrays on the sandy bottom. 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 at Tunnels Bay 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.

Dive site facts: Tunnels bay

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Mild (implied)

Visibility

Up to 30 m

Water temperature

18–30 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Cavern, Reef, Wall

Region / port

Fethiye, Turkey

Coordinates

36.5974° N, 29.0280° E

Conditions & Currents

Current information for Tunnels Bay is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, however, excellent dive conditions during peak season suggest generally settled waters. Divers should anticipate that navigation through intricate tunnels and along walls requires good buoyancy control to avoid contact with formations. Visibility generally remains excellent during periods of settled weather, which is crucial for safety and enjoyment when exploring confined passages. The presence of calm sea states during the best diving months implies minimal surge, contributing to a comfortable diving experience. Divers should always be attentive to boat briefings for any site-specific current advisories or entry/exit protocols, especially given the site's proximity to a harbor.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Seahorse

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Tunnels Bay typically commence in the shallows near Aziz Aga bay, where a reef gradually slopes downwards. Divers then proceed westwards, following the reef as it gives way to 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 measures 7-8 meters long with an entrance around 30 meters, while an inverted V-shaped tunnel extends about 10-12 meters. Two additional shorter tunnels are found at shallower depths, around 17-19 meters. Beyond these passages, the deep wall continues, featuring two narrow cavities at approximately 35 meters that are suitable for single-person entry. The safety stop is usually conducted in the shallower sections of the reef or along the wall, depending on remaining bottom time and air consumption.

Underwater photography

Tunnels Bay offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle and macro photography, especially given its distinct geological features and the potential for observing specific marine life. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the submerged tunnels, the extensive wall, and the overall underwater architecture, allowing you to show the scale of the environment. For the narrower cavities and swim-throughs, careful buoyancy control is essential to avoid stirring up sediment and to maintain a clear shot. Macro enthusiasts can focus on the diverse smaller species, such as nudibranchs and invertebrates, found clinging to the walls and within crevices. Utilizing strobes will enhance color and detail, particularly in deeper sections and within the tunnels where natural light diminishes. Be mindful of subject etiquette, especially when photographing shy creatures like moray eels or stingrays, giving them ample space and avoiding disruptive behavior.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Frenk Bay

  Frenk Bay is a highly sheltered boat dive site located off the Turkish coast near Kalkan, known for its calm conditions and suitability for…

• Ilyosta Island

  Offers caverns, reefs, and a sunken airplane.

• Sivriada Island

  Features octopuses and colorful fish.

Getting there & logistics

Tunnels Bay is situated just two miles from Fethiye harbor, making it easily accessible via boat trips from Fethiye. Fethiye, located on Turkey's southern coast, is a popular hub for diving, with numerous high-quality dive centers available. Divers typically arrive in the region by flying into Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is the nearest international airport to Fethiye. From Dalaman, transfers to Fethiye are readily available. Dive trips to Tunnels Bay are usually day excursions from Fethiye, often combined with other local sites. The main diving season stretches from April to November, with comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility throughout. Costs for two-dive boat trips in the region typically range from $70-120 USD.

Safety & environment

While diving in Turkey is generally well-regulated, adherence to established safety protocols is paramount at Tunnels Bay. The nearest recompression chamber would typically be located in a major medical center, likely in a larger city like Antalya, requiring land or air evacuation in an emergency. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Site-specific hazards at Tunnels Bay include navigating narrow tunnels and cavities, which demand excellent buoyancy control and awareness of overhead environments. Divers should avoid venturing into passages that exceed their training or comfort level. Always dive with a reputable, registered dive center whose boats meet high safety standards, and pay close attention to the pre-dive briefing for specific entry, exit, and emergency procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tunnels bay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tunnels bay

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$158/day