Located west of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Kas is a popular tourist town located about two hours Southeast of Fethiye or about a three hour trip by car from Antalya. A charming village, surrounded by soaring mountains and bordered by the sparkling blue Mediterranean, it offers a number of fantastic dive sites for all to explore. Here are just five of the most popular; visit, and you are sure to come up with your own favorites.
Flying Fish Reef & Airplane Wreck
With depths between and six and 65 meters, the wreck of an Italian bomber, and an abundance of marine life, this site is often referred to as the best Turkey has to offer. To visit the airplane wreck, which is situated at a depth between 50 and 65 meters, you must be an expert diver with a minimum of 100 dives logged. All along the reef, you'll find barracudas, groupers, octopus, stingrays, and plenty of macro life. One of the most fascinating aspects is the rare marine snails that make their homes along the reef. Watch for territorial triggerfish and plenty of jacks, too.
Canyon & Cotton Wreck
An excellent site for all divers, this site features a splendid canyon with walls covered in coral and sponges. While novices may visit the canyon, the adjacent steel wreck, which has been here for about 50 years, is located at a depth of 30 to 42 meters, and is suitable for those with experience only. Swarms of small fish and plenty of macro life add to the magical atmosphere, while larger fish such as jacks and groupers, plus fleets of barracuda make this an exciting dive.
Assi Island
Another great dive site with something for everyone, Assi Island is just about 25 minutes from Kas, by boat. Featuring depths between eight and forty meters, this site is beautifully swathed with soft corals, anemones, and sponges that create a fantastic backdrop for a colorful array of life. Watch for a number of different wrasse species, as well as octopus and lobsters in the rocks, plus Moray eels, triggerfish, groupers and more. Maximum depth here is 40 meters, however there is plenty to see in much shallower water. Sea turtles are sometimes encountered here, so keep your eyes open.
Lighthouse & Ottoman Wreck
Named for the lighthouse onshore, this site is best known for the wreck of a ship that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. The ancient wreck sits at a depth of 22 meters and is surprisingly intact, holding ancient artifacts including amphorae. Fish from the nearby reef visit frequently; as well as a number of small colorful species, you'll find larger triggerfish, groupers, and the occasional passing fleet of barracuda. Be careful of the jellyfish, and watch for crabs and lobsters, as well as a few stingrays that can be seen from time to time. Maximum depth here is 25 meters, and the reef begins at a depth of only 3 meters, making this an excellent site for all divers.
Pigeon Island
Just fifteen minutes from Kas, Pigeon Island features an intriguing underwater art exhibition which is suitable for snorkeling. In addition, there are ancient amphorae to be found on the sandy bottom, as well as a stunning array of fish and other marine life. Watch for soldierfish, octopus, Moray eels and nesting triggerfish, along with plenty of others. Featuring depths between 5 and 22 meters, this site is suitable for all divers to enjoy.
Local dive operators are well equipped, and a number of different types of accommodations are available in and around Kas. The local cuisine is fantastic, and there are plenty of topside attractions to keep you busy when you're not diving. Grab your camera and bring your favorite dive buddy along for what is certain to be in unforgettable vacation.