Antalya Province, Mediterranean Coast dive sites

The SAS wreck, also known as St. Didier, is a former French Navy patrol vessel that was acquired by a Turkish dive operator and deliberately sunk off the coast of Antalya to create an artificial reef and dive attraction. The vessel was cleaned of pollutants, had openings cut for safe diver access, and was sunk upright on a sandy bottom at around 25 metres depth. Since its sinking it has become densely colonised by marine life and is now one of the most popular wreck dives on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

Advanced Open Water certification is recommended as the deck of the wreck sits at around 18 to 20 metres with the sandy bottom at 25 metres. Open Water divers can view the wreck from above but cannot comfortably explore the full structure within their depth limits. The wreck has been prepared for safe recreational penetration with multiple exits cut into the hull, but entering the interior requires wreck diving experience or specialty certification.

The Turkish Mediterranean coast has an extended diving season from May through November, with water temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees during this period. Peak conditions occur from June through September with the warmest water and best visibility of 20 to 30 metres. The wreck is in a relatively sheltered location and is diveable on most days during the season. Winter diving is possible but water temperatures drop to around 16 degrees.