Dive Site: Wreck Airbus A300 Plane

About Wreck Airbus A300 Plane

The Wreck Airbus A300 Plane is an artificial reef deliberately sunk off the coast of Kuşadası in Turkey's Aegean Sea. This former passenger aircraft, measuring 54 meters in length, was scuttled in 2016 to create a significant diving attraction and foster marine life in the region. It rests on the seabed at a depth of 25 meters. The aircraft's large fuselage and wings provide ample structure for exploration. Divers can navigate around the exterior, observing how marine life has begun to colonize the wreck. Its design allows for easy penetration into some areas, including cockpit swim-throughs, offering a distinctive wreck diving experience. While specific marine life data for this exact wreck is still developing, artificial reefs generally attract various Mediterranean species. The structures are expected to become home to reef fish, invertebrates, and potentially pelagic visitors over time. The surrounding Aegean waters are known for good visibility, which enhances the appreciation of the wreck's scale and detail. Access to the Airbus A300 is exclusively by boat from Kuşadası, making it a popular day trip for local dive operators. Its relatively shallow depth and intact structure make it accessible for a range of certified divers, promising a unique underwater adventure on one of the world's largest purpose-sunk aircraft.

Dive site facts: Wreck Airbus A300 Plane

Depth

25 m

Current

No current

Visibility

15 m

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Artificial Reef

Region / port

Kuşadası, Turkey

Coordinates

36.4760° N, 29.0747° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents around the Airbus A300 wreck are generally mild, contributing to a relaxed dive experience. However, divers should always be aware of the possibility of light currents, especially in open water environments. Entry is typically a simple boat entry, followed by a descent to the wreck at 25 meters. Visibility is often good in the Aegean Sea, but can vary, so maintaining situational awareness is key. Given the potential for boat traffic near dive sites off Kuşadası, careful planning for ascent and safety stops is advisable. While there are no strong thermoclines typically reported for this specific site, general Aegean conditions apply.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eel

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Sea bream

occasional

Wrasse

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Sponges

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives on the Airbus A300 wreck typically begin with a boat entry, positioning divers directly above the site. A controlled descent leads straight to the plane, which rests at a depth of 25 meters. Divers usually circumnavigate the impressive 54-meter-long fuselage, exploring the exterior for developing marine life and structural details. The wings and tail section offer great photographic opportunities. For qualified divers, penetration into the cockpit area is often possible. The dive route focuses on exploring the entire wreck, managing bottom time and air consumption carefully at this depth. The turn point is determined by planned limits or air supply. The ascent is gradual, with a safety stop conducted either over the wreck or in the open water column, depending on conditions and boat positioning.

Underwater photography

The Airbus A300 wreck provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, depending on your focus. For capturing the immense scale of the 54-meter aircraft and its dramatic silhouette, a wide-angle lens is essential. External strobes or video lights are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the wreck and any marine growth, especially at 25 meters. When focusing on the developing macro life, such as nudibranchs or small crustaceans colonizing the plane, a macro lens will yield detailed shots. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing sediment or damaging fragile marine life on the wreck. Pay attention to ambient light, which can create striking effects when shooting from inside the plane or against the surface.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Adabanko Reef

  Adabanko Reef is an inviting dive site situated approximately two kilometers off the coast of Kuşadası in Turkey's Aegean Sea.

• Mustafa Reef

  Mustafa Reef is a prominent Aegean dive site located off the coast of Kuşadası, Turkey, offering an engaging exploration of a reef with a…

• Adakule Cave

  Adakule Cave is a notable boat-access dive site located near Kuşadası, Turkey, offering an engaging experience centered around two distinct…

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Airbus A300 wreck is exclusively via boat, with dive trips arranged through local operators in Kuşadası, Turkey. Kuşadası serves as the primary departure point for diving in this region. The nearest international airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), which is approximately an hour's drive from Kuşadası. Typical dive excursions to the Airbus A300 are day trips, often combined with other nearby sites like Adabanko Reef or Mustafa Reef, allowing divers to experience a variety of underwater environments in a single outing. No specific permits beyond standard diving certifications are usually required for this site.

Safety & environment

Diving the Airbus A300 wreck requires adherence to standard safety protocols for deep and wreck diving. The nearest recompression chamber would be in a major city like Izmir, approximately an hour's drive from Kuşadası, followed by the boat journey. Evacuation in a medical emergency typically involves boat transfer to shore and then road transport. Comprehensive dive insurance covering dive accidents, recompression treatment, and evacuation is mandatory. Divers should be mindful of controlled buoyancy to prevent disturbing the wreck or stirring up sediment, especially during any penetrations. While currents are generally mild, always confirm local conditions with your dive guide, and maintain adequate air management for the 25-meter depth.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Wreck Airbus A300 Plane FAQ

Liveaboards diving Wreck Airbus A300 Plane

These liveaboards may visit Wreck Airbus A300 Plane on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day