Marmaris, a stunning port city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for divers. With over 50 dive sites, ranging from shallow coves to deep underwater caves, Marmaris offers an exceptional diving experience for both beginners and seasoned divers. The combination of breathtaking underwater landscapes, historical shipwrecks, and abundant marine life makes Marmaris a top diving destination in Turkey.
10 Best Dive Sites in Marmaris
1. Baca Cave
This is one of Marmaris' most popular dive sites, renowned for its stunning underwater topography. This site features a conical cave with an entrance at 14 meters deep and a narrower exit at 4 meters. The cave's unique structure creates a "chimney" effect, allowing sunlight to filter through, illuminating the vibrant marine life inside. Divers of all skill levels can explore this site, where they will encounter small shrimp, red and white cardinalfish, and other fascinating creatures.
2. Sari Mehmet Cape
Sari Mehmet Cape, located between Turunc and Icmeler, is a fantastic dive site offering depths ranging from 5 to 21 meters. This cape is particularly famous for its excellent night diving opportunities. The area is home to octopus, sea bream, and moray eels, making it an exciting spot for observing nocturnal marine life. The cape's varied depths and abundant marine creatures make it suitable for both beginners and expert divers.
3. Keci Adasi (Goat Island) Lighthouse
Keci Adasi is a dive site best suited for more experienced divers due to its depths ranging from 8 to 38 meters. The site offers a fascinating combination of history and marine life, with amphorae fragments scattered across the seabed. Divers can explore these ancient artifacts while encountering moray eels, octopus, and red cardinalfish. The water around Keci Adasi changes with the moon phases, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to each dive.
4. Hayitli Cape
Hayitli Cape, located opposite Keci Island Lighthouse, offers a diverse diving environment with depths varying from 5 to 38 meters. This site is popular for both beginners and experienced divers. As you descend deeper, you may encounter larger fish, alongside the octopus and sea bream that inhabit the shallower areas. The presence of ancient amphorae adds a historical element to your dive.
5. Kadirga (Galleon) Cove
Kadirga (Galleon) Cove is one of the most historically rich dive sites in Marmaris, offering depths from 0 to 40 meters. Located near the Kadirga Lighthouse, this site is home to remnants of a sunken ship dating back to the Hellenistic age, alongside hundreds of ancient amphorae. The site’s vibrant marine life, including groupers, octopus, and various fish species, makes it a favorite among both beginner and experienced divers.
6. Abdi Reis Cove (Aquarium)
Abdi Reis Cove, also known as "Aquarium," is a favorite among divers for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Located near Yildiz Island, this site offers depths from 0 to 33 meters, making it accessible to divers of all levels. The cove's bright, clear waters make it an ideal spot for underwater photography and marine life observation. Close to the Phosphorus Caves, Abdi Reis Cove is a busy spot, but its natural beauty and abundant marine species.
7. Ince Cape Lighthouse
Ince Cape Lighthouse is situated near Yildiz (Star) Island and is known for its tropical underwater environment. The site features numerous underwater peaks, with depths ranging from 3 to 40 meters. Although the water can be somewhat unclear, this site is a haven for photographers, especially towards the end of summer when more varieties of fish, sponges, and colorful sea rabbits appear.
8. Yazih Rock
Yazih Rock is another excellent dive site near Yildiz Island, offering depths between 3 and 32 meters. This site is particularly popular for morning dives, as the large rocks and walls create shadowy areas during the afternoon. Divers can explore the rock formations and observe sea bream, blacktail, and other marine species that inhabit these areas.
9. Aksu Cove
Aksu Cove is a versatile dive site suitable for both beginners and experienced divers alike. Located near Yildiz Island, the cove offers depths ranging from 0 to 52 meters. As you dive deeper into the cove, the water gradually changes from a lighter to a darker blue. The site features a 40-meter-high wall with a circular hole in the center, where ancient amphorae fragments can be found.
10. Kutuk Cape
Kutuk Cape is known for its fascinating underwater environment, with depths ranging from 0 to 52 meters. The site is particularly appealing to more experienced divers who can explore the deeper sections, where they may encounter larger marine species. The cape's underwater currents change with the new moon, adding an element of unpredictability to each dive. Divers will also find ancient amphorae scattered across the seabed.
Best Time for Diving in Marmaris
The best time to dive in Marmaris is between May and October when the water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C, and the visibility is at its best. These months provide optimal conditions for both day and night dives, with calm seas and minimal rainfall.
Booking Scuba Diving in Marmaris
Booking a dive in Marmaris is easy, with numerous dive centers offering a variety of packages to suit different skill levels. Most dive centers provide online booking options, allowing you to reserve your spot in advance.
Cost of Scuba Diving in Marmaris
Most packages include equipment rental, transportation to the dive sites, and the guidance of experienced instructors. If you’re planning to dive multiple days, consider booking a package for better rates.
- Single Dive: €50-€70
- Two Dives (Full Day): €100-€150
- Diving Courses: Prices vary depending on the course, but an Open Water Diver course typically costs around €400.
Marmaris is a dream destination for divers, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse marine life. Whether you’re exploring the ancient amphorae of Kadirga Cove or the vibrant marine life of Baca Cave, Marmaris promises an unforgettable diving experience. With excellent dive centers and favorable conditions throughout the diving season, it’s the perfect place for both beginner and experienced divers to explore the wonders of the underwater world.