Flying Fish Reef, Kovan Adasi: Deep wall and WWII aircraft wreck

The topography of Flying Fish begins with a rocky reef top that sits at a depth of approximately 4 to 7 metres. This shallow section forms a small plateau and a rim that serves as the entry point for most dives. From this plateau, the seabed changes character abruptly, dropping away into a steep wall and sloping rocky faces. These faces descend well beyond recreational diving limits, creating a dramatic vertical profile that defines the site's structure.

Positioned in the channel between Kaş and the Greek island of Meis, the reef occupies an exposed location. This placement is the primary reason for the site's high visibility, which frequently reaches between 25 and 30 metres. Because it sits in a transit corridor, the site is subject to the movement of water through the channel. This positioning makes the reef a focal point for both deep-water currents and the passage of larger marine life moving through the region.

The descent along the seaward side takes you along a steep wall that transitions into deep, sloping rock. As you move past the initial plateau, the light shifts and the depth increases rapidly. This verticality provides numerous ledges and crevices that serve as habitats for various resident species. The transition from the shallow rim to the deep wall is the defining movement of a dive here, offering a clear sense of the site's scale.

A significant feature of this site is the Savoia-Marchetti SM.79, a WWII Italian torpedo bomber wreck. The aircraft rests off the southeast end of the reef at a depth ranging from the mid-50s to approximately 70 metres. Reaching the wreck requires technical training and specific experience with deep, overhead environments. It remains one of the most notable historical landmarks in the Kaş area for those with the appropriate depth certifications.

The current at Flying Fish is highly variable due to its channel location. On calm days, you may find gentle movements along the reef that allow for easy navigation of the plateau. However, when the channel current picks up with the tide or seasonal shifts, the site becomes challenging. Divers must be prepared to manage their buoyancy and positioning against steady flows, making experience in moving water a necessity for a safe dive.

Large pelagic species are frequently drawn to the reef by the nutrient-rich currents of the channel. You can expect to encounter amberjack and dentex patrolling the edges of the wall. Barracuda and large schools of bream are also common sights in the blue. The presence of these predators is a direct result of the site's position as a corridor for marine life passing between the mainland and the islands.

The resident fauna provides constant interest along the rocky surfaces and within the crevices. Dusky grouper often hold position near the reef structures, while moray eels are frequently found tucked into the rocky faces. You might also spot stingrays resting on the bottom or octopus moving through the terrain. Smaller species like wrasse, damselfish, and various bream inhabit the shallower sections of the plateau.

Seasonal conditions influence the experience at Flying Fish, with the best diving typically occurring from May to November. Late spring and autumn often provide the most stable conditions for planning dives. During these periods, the balance between visibility and manageable currents is most reliable. Planning your dive around these windows increases the likelihood of seeing the larger species that frequent the deep wall.