Antalya Province dive sites

Diving at Kekova is regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The sunken city area itself was designated a specially protected area in 1990, and diving in the core archaeological zone directly adjacent to Kekova Island's northern shore is restricted. However, licensed dive operators in the region offer dives at approved sites around Kekova Island where submerged ruins are visible alongside natural reef. Snorkeling over the shallow ruins is permitted from boats. The regulations aim to protect the archaeological heritage while allowing visitors to experience this unique site. Check with local operators for current access rules as they may change.

The submerged ruins at Kekova are the remains of the Lycian-Roman settlement that sank due to a series of earthquakes during the 2nd century AD. Visible underwater features include stone staircases descending into the water, harbour walls and breakwaters, building foundations, amphora fragments, and what appear to be cisterns or water storage structures. The ruins extend from the shoreline to depths of around five metres in the most accessible areas. The clarity of the water allows much to be seen from the surface. On land above the waterline, Lycian rock-cut tombs and fortress ruins at Kalekoy village complement the underwater archaeology.

Diving around Kekova is typically arranged through operators based in Kas, approximately 30 kilometres to the west, or from Demre and Ucagiz, the small harbour village nearest to the ruins. Kas is the main dive centre for the region with multiple professional operators offering day trips to Kekova and surrounding sites. The boat ride from Kas takes about 45 minutes to an hour. From Ucagiz, access is shorter but fewer dive operators are based there. A full day typically combines diving at approved sites around Kekova with snorkeling over the shallower ruins and a visit to the Lycian tombs and castle at Kalekoy.