Liveaboard Diving in Turkey, Archaeology, caverns and reefs along the Mediterranean and Aegean

Quiet overnight itineraries for history lovers and reef fans, with easy access from Europe and varied sites around Fethiye

Why choose Turkey for a liveaboard

• Archaeology meets reef life. Explore amphora fields, historic wrecks and rocky caverns alongside healthy reefs.
• Off the day-boat path. Only a handful of operators run overnight trips, so you reach sites most day boats skip.
• Two seas, one coastline. Bordering the Mediterranean and the Aegean, Turkey offers mixed topography and marine life in a compact area.
• Relaxed travel. Well-served airports and short transfers make it a straightforward trip for European divers.

Where you will dive

• Fethiye, southwest coast. The most common departure port for Turkish liveaboards, with a coastline full of caverns, reefs and wrecks. Expect good visibility and generally reliable conditions, though the water can be choppy at times.

1. Kizilada. Classic island dives with reef structure and fish life.
2. Amphores Bay. Archaeological interest with amphora fragments and reef habitats.
3. Sariyarlay Wreck. Historic wreck elements and encrusting life.
4. Aquarium Bay. Clear, calm water with photogenic reef scenes.

• Marine life. Turkey is known for regular sightings of octopus, barracuda and grouper, plus the usual Mediterranean critters.
• Topography. Rocky caverns, corridors and overhangs, scattered wreck pieces and coral-covered areas keep every dive different.

New to liveaboards

• Simple routine. Briefing, buddy checks, splash. Then eat, rest and repeat.
• Less faff more diving. Your kit stays set up on the dive deck, fills and logistics handled by the crew.
• Matched to your level. Guides plan sites around daily conditions and diver experience, from easy bays to cavern swim-throughs.

Who this suits

• Beginners and newly certified divers. Protected bays and clear entries build confidence fast.
• Intermediate divers. Caverns, light swim-throughs and small wrecks add variety.
• History and macro fans. Amphora fragments, encrusting life and classic Med species reward a slower look.

Conditions at a glance

• Sea state. Around Fethiye it can be choppy, but visibility and dive conditions are usually good.
• Profiles. A mix of shallow reefs, mid-depth caverns and wreck features.
• Planning. As liveaboards are limited, itineraries focus on quiet, less visited sites when the weather allows.

Getting there and departures

• Fly into Türkiye. International flights arrive widely into Istanbul, with local connections onward.
• Nearest airport to Fethiye. Dalaman lies just to the north and has many direct routes from European countries.
• Departure port. Most trips using this region start from Fethiye. Check your exact itinerary and transfer details with your operator.

Practical tips

• Bring a torch. Handy for cavern ceilings, amphora details and crevices.
• Surface layers. A windproof top is useful for choppier crossings.
• Documentation. Pack your certification card and logbook. Confirm any rental gear requirements in advance.

Why a Turkey liveaboard is worth it

• You reach sites day boats miss. Quiet coves, caverns and historic features in one compact route.
• You get variety without long crossings. Reefs, wreck elements and archaeology along a single coast.
• You make it easy. Simple flights, short transfers and relaxed, small-operator vibes.

If you want a laid-back liveaboard with Mediterranean history, clear water caverns and reliable reef life, Turkey liveaboards deliver. You will dive more, waste less time moving between sites and come home with a fuller logbook and better stories.