Explore Kalkan
Kalkan is an old fishing town located in the Antalya region, on the south coast of Turkey. Its coast lies on the Mediterranean Sea and it’s known to have some stunning beaches as well as some fantastic diving opportunities. With over 300 days of sun per year, the diving conditions here are mostly ideal with multiple dive centres and dive resorts which will guide divers to the best sites in the area. With thrilling rock formations and stunning marine life as the highlights of the area, combined with fantastic visibility and a warm climate, diving here is bound to satisfy a large array of divers, whether it be during their dive course or during their guided dives.
Top Kalkan Dive Sites
1. Camel Stone
Camel Stone is a remarkable dive site in Kalkan, primarily known for its large, kneeling camel-shaped stone. Divers can explore diverse marine life, including octopuses and groupers. The adventure level is easy to moderate, suitable for scuba diving. Its vast area ensures new discoveries with each dive.
2. Medallion Reef
Named for an anchor hanging like a medallion between two pinnacles, Medallion Reef offers an excellent backdrop for underwater photography. Divers can observe vibrant coral formations and various fish species. The site is ideal for both beginner and intermediate scuba divers.
3. Heybeli
Renowned for its marine biodiversity, Heybeli features a reef at 10 meters and a dramatic wall dropping to 80 meters. Divers can witness Blue Sharks and Dolphins feeding on sardine schools. This is an advanced scuba diving site and a must-visit for those seeking a thrilling experience.
4. Patara Beach
Known for its sandy seabed and clear waters, Patara Beach is a serene location ideal for scuba and freediving. Sea turtles and seahorses are commonly spotted. Suitable for beginners, this site offers a gentle introduction to diving in a picturesque setting.
5. Snake Island
A unique spot for freediving enthusiasts, Snake Island is home to vibrant marine flora and a variety of fish species. The adventure level is moderate, with opportunities to explore captivating underwater landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
The best Months to Dive in Kalkan
One factor which makes this a popular diving destination is that divers can dive here throughout the year due to the warm, and generally dry climate. The best diving season is between April and October due to warm weather and warm water conditions and the best visibility which averages around 25 metres with multiple dive sites reaching over 40 metres of visibility. The water temperature ranges between 18°C in the winter up to 27°C in the midst of summer.
Air temperatures here range between 21°C and 33°C.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Kalkan
In and among the different types of topography here; the rocky topography, sea grass and rocky coral reefs which are made up a collection of Hard Corals, Sea Sponges and more marine flora, there are numerous species to be spotted when diving here. Some of the reef fish which congregate in schools are Damselfish, Sea Bream, Rainbow Wrasse, Sea Mullet and Mackerel. Larger fish species include Barracuda, Jacks and Tuna, with the largest giants being the Groupers which gracefully glide through the waters here. Some critters include Octopus, Moray Eels, Stingrays, Starfish and Squid. The larger species which are more rarely spotted but definitely still around are Blue Sharks, Dolphins, Nurse Sharks, Sea Turtles and Monk Seals.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
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Total number of species approx.: 12
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Lionfish
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Total number of species approx.: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
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Total number of species approx.: 30
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Stonefish
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Total number of species approx.: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
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Total number of species approx.: 3000
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Nudibranch
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Total number of species approx.: 60
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Squirrelfish
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Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Cornetfish
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