Dive Site: Amphora Reef

About Amphora Reef

Amphora Reef, located near Kaş on Turkey's southwestern coast, is a distinguished dive site renowned for its historical artifacts and diverse marine ecosystem. This reef gained its name from the numerous ancient amphorae, pottery fragments, and other archaeological remains scattered across its seabed, indicative of past maritime trade and shipwrecks in the area. It provides a captivating experience for divers interested in both natural reef formations and underwater history. The topography of Amphora Reef typically features gentle slopes transitioning into deeper sections, with depths ranging from shallow areas suitable for beginners to more profound depths reaching up to 30 meters. The reef comprises rocky outcrops, sandy patches, and small caves, creating varied habitats for marine organisms. Visibility here is consistently excellent, often exceeding 20 meters, allowing for clear views of both the historical finds and the vibrant underwater scenery. The marine life at Amphora Reef is characteristic of the Mediterranean, with frequent sightings of moray eels, groupers, octopuses, and various species of nudibranchs. Button coral adorns many of the rocky surfaces, adding bursts of color. While specific seasonality is less pronounced for these resident species, summer months offer warmer waters and the highest comfort levels for prolonged dives. Diving at Amphora Reef typically involves boat entry from Kaş harbor. The site offers a relatively relaxed dive profile, making it accessible to a range of experience levels. Divers can explore the reef at various depth bands, observing the historical fragments while enjoying the rich biodiversity. The excellent visibility and abundant light penetration make it a rewarding location for underwater photography.

Dive site facts: Amphora Reef

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

10–25 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

17–29°C

Entry

Boat / Descent line

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Reef, archaeological, topography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Kaş, Antalya, Turkey

Coordinates

36.2, 29.64

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Amphora Reef are generally mild, making it a suitable site for divers of varying experience levels. However, as with many open-water sites, occasional localized currents can occur, particularly in deeper sections or around prominent reef structures. Entry is typically from a dive boat, with divers descending along a mooring line or natural reef contour. Visibility is consistently high, usually exceeding 20 meters, due to minimal river inflow and a rapidly dropping seabed near the Kaş coastline. Water temperatures range from approximately 17-18°C in spring and autumn to 25-29°C during the peak summer months, influencing wetsuit choice but generally offering comfortable diving. Surges are uncommon given the protected nature of many dive sites in the region.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eel

Year-round · occasional

Grouper

Year-round · common

Octopus

Year-round · occasional

Nudibranch

Year-round · occasional

Wrasse

Year-round · common

Button coral

Year-round · common

Red shrimp

Year-round · occasional

Loggerhead turtle

Summer · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Amphora Reef typically begins with a boat entry from Kaş harbor, followed by a descent to the reef. The dive plan often involves exploring the main reef structure, which gradually slopes from shallower depths down to about 30 meters. You will navigate along rocky formations and sandy patches, observing the scattered ancient amphorae and pottery fragments that give the site its name. Keep an eye out for resident marine life, such as moray eels and groupers, hiding within the reef's crevices. The route allows for a multi-level dive, conserving bottom time while providing ample opportunity to appreciate both the natural topography and archaeological findings. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which you will begin a gradual ascent, conducting your safety stop in the shallower, sunlit areas of the reef before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Amphora Reef offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive reef formations, the clear water visibility, and the broader context of the archaeological remains like the scattered amphorae. For the smaller, more intricate subjects, such as nudibranchs, button coral, and red shrimp, a macro lens will allow you to highlight the details of the reef's delicate ecosystems. External strobes are highly recommended to restore natural colors that are lost at depth and to minimize backscatter, especially when photographing in the clearer Mediterranean water. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the historical artifacts or stirring up sediment from the seabed, ensuring clear shots and preserving the site. Always photograph marine life responsibly, without harassment or contact.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  A dramatic canyon and wreck dive.

• Lighthouse Reef (Kaş)

  Known for reef exploration.

• Italian WWII Plane Wreck (Kaş)

  A historical aircraft wreck.

• Kaş Tunnel

  Offers cavern diving experiences.

• Fener Adası (Kaş)

  Another popular reef dive.

Getting there & logistics

Kaş is situated on Turkey's southwest coast, with the closest major international airports being Antalya (AYT) and Dalaman (DLM), both approximately 2.5 hours' drive away. Transfers or rental cars are readily available from these airports to Kaş. Dive trips to Amphora Reef typically depart from Kaş harbor via daily boat excursions. Most local dive operators combine Amphora Reef with other nearby sites in their daily itineraries, offering multi-dive packages. There are no specific marine park fees for diving in Kaş; dive package costs usually cover boat transport, guide services, and equipment rental. The prime diving season in Kaş runs from May to November, with September and October offering ideal conditions for combining diving with local exploration of Lycian historical sites.

Safety & environment

For divers exploring Amphora Reef and other sites around Kaş, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Antalya. In the unlikely event of a dive emergency, initial evacuation would involve boat transfer back to Kaş, followed by overland transport to Antalya. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering emergency medical care and evacuation, is strongly recommended for all divers. Site-specific hazards at Amphora Reef are minimal due to generally mild currents and clear visibility, but adherence to safe diving practices and respecting depth limits is always advised. Divers should also be mindful of the historical artifacts on the seabed, avoiding contact to preserve them. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Amphora Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Amphora Reef

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

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day