I have never dived before, can I start in Göcek?

Yes, Göcek is a wonderful place to start. Dive centers organize introductory 'discovery dives,' which are conducted one-on-one with an instructor. In these dives, you can get acquainted with the underwater world in a safe manner. If you enjoy it, you can also enroll in internationally recognized beginner-level (Open Water Diver) courses.

Are the diving tours a full day, and what is included in the price?

Yes, diving tours are typically full-day activities. They depart from the harbor in the morning, include two dives at different locations during the day, and lunch is served on the boat. The return to the harbor is in the late afternoon. Usually, the tour price includes two dives, rental of all equipment, lunch, and guide services.

Should I bring my own diving equipment?

It is not mandatory. The dive centers rent all the necessary equipment you'll need (wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, fins, etc.), and this is generally included in the tour price. However, if you have your own personal equipment, such as your own mask or dive computer, you can bring them for your comfort.

What is the best season for diving in Göcek?

Although the diving season runs from April to November, the most ideal time is between June and October when the water is warm and visibility is very good. September and October are often preferred by experienced divers because the summer crowds have diminished and the water is still very warm.

Is there a chance I might see a Caretta Caretta (sea turtle)?

Yes, the bays of Göcek and Fethiye are habitats for Caretta Carettas (loggerhead sea turtles), and there is a chance you might encounter one during a dive. While this is not a guarantee, remember that if you do, you must maintain a respectful distance and never touch them. They are valuable, protected creatures.

Göcek Diving: Best Wreck, Wall & Reef Dive Sites

Although Göcek is generally known for sailing and boat tourism, its location within the sheltered Gulf of Fethiye makes it a hidden paradise for underwater enthusiasts as well. Quieter and less crowded than popular Turkish diving centers like Kaş, the waters of Göcek offer fantastic opportunities, especially for beginners and those seeking a peaceful diving experience. With clear visibility, diverse (though not overwhelmingly abundant) marine life, and dive sites with distinct characteristics, Göcek is waiting for you to pack your dive bag.

The Diving Experience in Göcek: What Awaits You?

Before planning your dive, it's useful to know the general characteristics of Göcek's waters.

Water Temperature and Visibility

The diving season in Göcek is quite long. You can dive comfortably from April to November. In the summer months, the water temperature reaches 26-28°C, while it is around 20-22°C at the beginning and end of the season. Thanks to the sheltered nature of the bay, visibility is generally very good, ranging between 20 and 30 meters.

Marine Life

While it's rare to see large schools of fish in Göcek's waters, you can observe plenty of the characteristic fauna of the Aegean and Mediterranean. You will frequently encounter groupers, dusky groupers, moray eels, octopuses, barracudas, colorful damselfish, and various small schools of fish. On a lucky day, it's also possible to come across a Caretta Caretta sea turtle.

Göcek's Top 5 Dive Sites

The most popular and enjoyable dive sites visited by dive boats from Göcek and Fethiye are as follows:

SG 115 Coast Guard Wreck: The Star of the Region

This former Coast Guard boat, sunk in 2012 as an artificial reef to enrich underwater life, has quickly become the region's most popular dive site. The 28-meter-long wreck lies on a sandy bottom at a depth of 18 to 28 meters.

Level: Advanced Divers (Advanced Open Water Diver and above)

What You'll See: Although penetration into the wreck is not possible, the captain's bridge and deck can be easily explored. The ship has quickly become a home for groupers, scorpionfish, and countless small fish. It's exciting to circle the wreck and observe the new life forming on it.

Afkule (Monastery Walls): Caves and Dramatic Structures

Located between Fethiye and Göcek, this spot is a paradise for divers who love underwater topography. Named after the monastery ruins on land, Afkule offers a mysterious world underwater as well.

Level: All Levels (routes at different depths are available)

What You'll See: The dive usually begins by passing through a large cave at a depth of 10 meters. The play of light inside the cave and the colorful sponges on the walls are mesmerizing. For more experienced divers, there are vertical walls and small cavities descending to 25-30 meters. The probability of seeing an octopus or moray eel is high.

Iblis Burnu (The Canyon): Dancing with the Current

This is one of Göcek's most well-known wall dive sites. This cape, which usually has a light current, is known for its structure resembling an underwater canyon.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced Divers

What You'll See: The dive is performed by drifting along a wall with the current. You can look for moray eels, lobsters, and various crustaceans in the crevices and cracks on the wall. In the open water, schools of barracuda or dentex can sometimes be seen. The texture of the wall and colorful sponges offer great shots for photographers.

The Great Reef: The Center of Marine Life

This underwater reef, rising like a hill in the open sea, is one of the points where marine life is most concentrated. The top of the reef starts at about 7 meters and descends to 40 meters.

Level: All Levels

What You'll See: The reef is literally a fish haven. Damselfish, schools of salema, groupers, and octopuses are the permanent residents here. You can encounter a surprise at any moment during a dive that circles the reef. It is an especially popular spot for night dives.

Fisherman's Bay: A Perfect Start for Beginners

With its sheltered structure, shallow depth, and sandy bottom, Fisherman's Bay offers an ideal environment for dive training and trial dives.

Level: Beginners and Trial Dives

What You'll See: The goal here is not to see large creatures, but to get used to the idea of breathing underwater and to learn basic skills. It's possible to see small fish hiding in the sandy bottom, crabs, and occasionally stingrays. It is perfect for a stress-free, calm first diving experience.

Diving Tips: When planning your dive in Göcek, be sure to choose certified diving centers with international validity, such as PADI or TSSF/CMAS. Dive boats usually organize full-day tours, and the price includes two dives, lunch, and equipment rental. Listen carefully to the pre-dive briefings and never touch the underwater creatures.

Scuba Diving in Gocek: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites