Once a sleepy fishing village, and today a popular tourist destination and port city located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Marmaris is nestled between two sets of mountains. A very popular place for water sports of all kind, including sailing and, of course, diving, this beautiful little city has several marinas and is served by a few friendly and capable dive operators. Let's take a look at three top destinations in the area.
Kadirga Bay
Also known as Kadirga Rock or Galleon Bay, Kadirga Bay is a favorite with local divers and with underwater archaeologists as well. Here you'll find a massive rock that rises all the way from the seabed at a depth of about 15 meters to above the surface. While there is a wide array of marine life here, including a huge, very friendly resident grouper, the main attraction are the ancient amphorae, which are scattered along the bottom and in some cases stuck to the rocks. While most of them are broken, there are a few which are intact. In addition, you'll find ancient anchors that date back to thousands of years ago around the shore of the nearby island where the lighthouse can be seen. Directly in front of the lighthouse, you can view what remains of a sunken ship that dates back to ancient Greece. Taking anything from the site, even one tiny pottery shard, is forbidden by law. Depths here range from very shallow to 40 meters.
Chimney Bay
Known alternately as Chimney Cave or Baca, Chimney Bay features incredible underwater topography. A fantastic multilevel dive site, and suitable for diving night or day, the site is located in the shadow of the mountain that surrounds the city of Marmaris. Here you'll find a splendid wall covered in coral and sponges, where wrasse, bream, and many other small fish can be seen. Among the rocks, there are lobsters and other crustaceans, as well as octopus and the occasional Moray eel. As you make your way around the site, exploring the outer edges, be sure to look up for an amazing view of the huge boulders that make up the reef. After you ascend to the top of the gully, you'll find the opening to the cave, which is at a depth of about 18 meters. Once inside, you'll find that the interior is beautifully lit from sunlight that streams through a hole in the cave’s ceiling. You can exit through this chimney, or make your way back to the mouth of the cave to exit. If you take the chimney you'll find yourself at a depth of just about 8 meters; shallow enough so you can simply spend some time exploring the upper portion of the reef.
Deep Diving Bay
Also known as Divers Delight Bay, Deep Diving Bay is suitable for all divers. There is a swim through located at a depth of just 12 meters, as well as caves and tunnels for more experienced divers to explore. The entire area is beautifully swathed in soft and hard coral as well as magnificent sponges, and it is home to groupers, octopus, Moray eels, and many species of smaller fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. At a depth of about 18 meters, amphorae more than 2000 years old can be found, and there are even more amphorae as well near ancient anchor at a depth of 30 meters. Watch for the rays which can often be found at the site.
Topside, be sure to visit Marmaris Castle, which was built in 1522 on the same site where castles have stood for 3000 years. There are many other historic sites and attractions to keep you occupied between dives; the local cuisine is excellent, and natural wonders abound. Bring your camera, and prepare to be amazed.