airplane - Kas & Kekova

The Airplane Wreck in Kaş offers a genuinely different kind of dive. It's an Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM79 bomber, sunk during World War II, resting upright at around 20-25 metres. We love how intact it is; you can still clearly make out the cockpit, fuselage, and the distinctive triple tail fins. Swimming through the bomb bay is a highlight, imagining its original purpose. This site isn't just a piece of history, it’s a living reef. Yellow barracuda often school around the wings, and we’ve spotted redcoat and the occasional studded pufferfish tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for African blue swimming crabs scuttling over the metal. Visibility here is usually excellent, giving you clear views of the entire plane. Our tip: go in the morning; the light filtering down onto the wreck can be quite beautiful, illuminating the details. It’s a comfortable dive for advanced open water divers, offering plenty to see without being overly challenging.

Location
Kas & Kekova, Turkey, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.180460, 29.643456
Type
wreck

Wreck History - airplane

Year Sunk
2009
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
scuttled

Resting on the seabed near Kaş, this impressive aircraft is a Douglas C-47 Dakota, a military transport plane with a storied past. After serving in the Turkish Air Force for decades, this particular C-47, nicknamed "Ottoman," was given a new mission in retirement. In 2009, it was purposefully sunk to create a unique artificial reef and an exciting destination for scuba divers.

Today, the Dakota sits upright on a sandy bottom at a depth of around 22 meters. Its large size, with a wingspan of nearly 30 meters, makes for a compelling sight as it emerges from the blue. Divers can explore the exterior, swim under the broad wings, and peer into the stripped-out cargo bay. The wreck has become a thriving habitat for local marine life, attracting schools of fish and offering countless photo opportunities for visiting divers.

Nearby Dive Sites in Kas & Kekova

Nearest Dive Centres to airplane

Marine Life in Kas & Kekova

Home to 17 recorded species including 6 reef fish, 5 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 1 other, 1 sea urchins, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species