Antalya’s Kemer district is known not only for its scenic coastline and turquoise bays but also for its impressive underwater diving opportunities. In the clear waters of the Mediterranean, divers encounter vibrant reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life, creating a memorable scuba diving experience. Whether you’re a certified diver or trying it for the first time, Kemer offers suitable dive sites and professional dive centers for all levels.
This guide covers the best scuba diving spots in Kemer, training and certification programs, pricing, diving centers, and everything you need to know before your first plunge.
At a Glance: Scuba Diving in Antalya Kemer
Kemer is one of Turkey’s top regions for scuba diving, thanks to its clear waters, rich marine life, and remarkable underwater locations. Exploring sunken ships, underwater caves, and coral formations in the Mediterranean depths offers an unforgettable experience for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Diving in Kemer is more than just a sport — it’s a way to reconnect with nature, discover new worlds, and unwind. Sites like the Paris Wreck and Three Islands (Üç Adalar) are especially popular with photographers and thrill-seekers.
Daily diving tours typically start in the morning and finish by mid-afternoon. Led by trained guides, these excursions cater to both first-timers and certified divers, with customized experiences based on skill level.
Why Kemer Is Ideal for Diving
Kemer stands out in Turkey’s diving scene for several reasons. Its coastal geography, variety of marine species, and suitability for technical diving make it attractive to both entry-level and experienced divers.
Key reasons to choose Kemer for diving:
Crystal-clear waters: Visibility often reaches 20–30 meters in summer, perfect for underwater photography and observation.
Diverse marine life: Expect to see species such as caretta carettas, groupers, corals, starfish, and octopuses.
Varied dive sites: From wrecks to caves and steep walls, each site offers a different challenge. The Paris Wreck and Three Islands are among the most iconic.
Beginner-friendly zones: Shallow, calm areas make discovery dives safe and enjoyable.
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Easy access: Close to Antalya city center, Kemer is great for day trips. Most dive centers offer hotel pickup and drop-off.
Certified diving schools: Many local centers provide professional instruction with PADI and CMAS certification options.
Kemer Diving Season and Water Temperatures
The diving season in Kemer typically runs from April through the end of November. The most favorable time is between May and October, when sea temperatures, visibility, and weather conditions are ideal for scuba diving.
Monthly Water Temperatures:
April: 18–19°C – Diving usually requires a wetsuit. This is the start of the season.
May: 20–22°C – The sea begins to warm, and dive activities increase.
June: 23–25°C – Visibility improves; marine life becomes more active.
July – August: 26–28°C – Peak season in terms of comfort and dive quality.
September: 25–26°C – Still warm, with fewer crowds, making for more peaceful dives.
October – November: 21–23°C – Temperatures start to drop as the season winds down.
Visibility:
During the summer months, underwater visibility can reach 25–30 meters, making it ideal for wreck diving, underwater photography, and exploring caves and reefs safely.
Top Dive Sites in Kemer
With its clear waters and thriving underwater ecosystem, Kemer is one of the most special diving destinations in the Mediterranean. The region offers a wide variety of dive sites with different depths and difficulty levels suitable for all divers. Here are the top dive spots in Kemer:
1. Paris Wreck
Depth: 21–31 meters
Dive Type: Wreck diving
Highlights: A nearly intact French warship from WWII, sunk in 1942.
For Whom: Intermediate and advanced divers. High visibility is common.
Caution: Dive with a guide during strong current periods.
2. Three Islands (Üç Adalar)
Location: ~45 minutes by boat
Features: Cluster of dive sites around three offshore islets, including caves, walls, and rocky areas.
Marine Life: Groupers, moray eels, amberjacks, octopuses, colorful sponges, and corals.
For Whom: Areas available for both beginner and advanced divers.
Highlight: Known for deep wall dives and cave exploration.
3. Kiriş Cave (Cave Reef)
Depth: 12–18 meters
Dive Type: Cave diving
Features: A small cave with striking light reflections.
For Whom: Great for beginners and underwater photography enthusiasts.
4. Tekirova Canyon
Location: Off the coast of Tekirova
Features: A natural canyon between two rock formations, ideal for a scenic dive.
Marine Life: Sea slugs, starfish, morays, and small barracudas.
For Whom: Suitable for all levels with various depth zones.
5. Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu)
Depth: 5–15 meters
Dive Type: Shallow reef dive
Features: Named for its crystal-clear water, this is one of the best spots for introductory dives.
For Whom: Perfect for first-time divers, families with children, or relaxed explorations.
Diving Tours and Prices in Kemer
Scuba diving in Kemer is accessible through a variety of daily diving tours tailored to different experience levels. Whether you’re a first-timer or a certified diver, you’ll find organized tours with all-inclusive services that make for a smooth and enjoyable day at sea.
Typical Daily Diving Tour Inclusions
Hotel transfer: Pickup and drop-off from Kemer hotels to the dive boat
Diving equipment: Full gear provided (mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, air tank)
Instructor guidance: Certified instructors ensure safety throughout the experience
Two dives: Usually at two different locations, morning and afternoon sessions
Lunch: Simple meal on board (typically chicken, pasta, salad)
Insurance: Dive insurance included for all participants
Observer option: Non-diving guests can join the boat trip as spectators
Diving Tour Prices in Kemer
Introductory dive (Discovery Dive): ~€30 – €50
Certified divers (Two dives): ~€40 – €60
Observer (non-diver): ~€15 – €25
Private instructor or custom training dives: From €80 and up
Prices vary by season, provider, and package. Underwater photo/video packages are often available for an extra fee.
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If you are looking for a great Best of Kemer Scuba Diving tours, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of the best experiences you can find!
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
Diving Centers in Kemer and Services Offered
Kemer is home to several licensed diving centers that serve both beginners and experienced divers. These centers take care of all arrangements including safety briefings, equipment rental, and introductory dive sessions.
Notable Diving Centers in Kemer
Blue World Diving Center
Located near Moonlight Beach, known for skilled instructors and both CMAS and PADI training courses.Octopus Diving Center
Operates tours from Kemer Marina with large boats and comprehensive guided dives.Aqua Age Diving Center
Offers one-on-one training, as well as special programs for children and teens.
Services and Equipment Provided
Full sets of dive equipment (suits, masks, fins, regulators, tanks)
Short theory briefings and practical training sessions
PADI and CMAS certified instructors
Optional underwater photography and video
Dive insurance and first aid support on board
Small-group organization for a personalized experience
What to Know Before Diving in Kemer
Before you go scuba diving in Kemer, it’s important to prepare properly for a safe and comfortable experience.
Health & Safety Guidelines
You’ll need to fill out a medical questionnaire beforehand. If you have any issues like heart or respiratory conditions, consult a doctor.
Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before diving.
If you’re flying, don’t schedule a flight within 18–24 hours after diving to avoid decompression sickness.
Dive boats are staffed with professionals and emergency gear is readily available.
Recommended Items to Bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and spare clothes
Your own underwater camera (with pre-approval from the dive center if needed)
Most gear will be provided, but you may prefer to bring your own mask or wetsuit for comfort