beginner
    (69)

    Egirdir Lake – Inland Sinkholes & Caves Dive Site

    12m Max
    15-40m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Egirdir Lake is one of Inland Sinkholes & Caves's most remarkable dive sites, offering shallow calm freshwater training dives with carp and crayfish in mountain lake. The site's healthy marine ecosystem supports diverse fish populations and vibrant underwater formations throughout the diving season, creating an underwater landscape that rewards repeated exploration by both new and experienced divers alike. With warm Mediterranean water temperatures and exceptional visibility depending on conditions and season, Egirdir Lake provides excellent conditions for underwater exploration across all certification levels throughout the year. The site's diverse topography creates multiple habitat zones supporting different species at various depths, from shallow rocky reefs teeming with colorful fish to deeper sections where larger species patrol the structure looking for prey. Turkey's strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia ensures a unique blend of Mediterranean and temperate marine influences contributing to the vibrant communities found at this location. Nutrient-rich waters sustain abundant filter-feeding invertebrates including gorgonian sea fans, sponges, and colorful soft corals that add spectacular color and texture to the underwater scenery. Whether exploring dramatic walls and pinnacles or observing larger pelagic visitors cruising past the formation, Egirdir Lake consistently delivers memorable and rewarding underwater experiences for all who dive here.

    Dive Briefing

    "Begin the dive at the shallowest point of Egirdir Lake and take a moment to orient yourself before descending along the calm mountain lake bottom ideal for training. Maintain excellent buoyancy throughout the dive to protect the fragile marine formations and diverse life inhabiting the site. Swim along the formation exploring the various depth zones while observing the diverse habitats and marine species that occupy each zone. Check overhangs, ledges, and crevices for resting moray eels, octopus, and cryptic species that shelter from the current. Pay special attention to the rocky outcrops, sandy patches, and reef edges where smaller species like seahorses, nudibranchs, and frogfish can be found with careful observation. Monitor your depth and remaining NDL carefully throughout the dive and maintain conservative ascent profiles. Keep your dive buddy in visual contact and communicate regularly using standard hand signals. Complete your safety stop at 5 metres while deploying your DSMB before making a controlled ascent to surface."

    Signature Marine Life

    carp

    high

    Best: May, June, July

    crayfish

    high

    Best: May, June, July

    diverse Mediterranean fish

    high

    Best: May, June, July

    marine invertebrates

    high

    Best: May, June, July

    benthic species

    high

    Best: May, June, July

    Safety & Hazards

    • Freshwater diving requires adjusted weighting and different buoyancy compensation techniques from saltwater
    • Altitude diving considerations for sites above 300 metres requiring altitude-adjusted dive computers or tables
    • Unusual water chemistry in alkaline lakes requiring awareness of effects on equipment and skin
    • Limited dive operator infrastructure at freshwater sites requiring self-sufficiency and advance planning
    • Cold freshwater temperatures even in summer requiring appropriate thermal protection throughout the dive
    Nearest Chamber
    Antalya Training and Research Hospital Hyperbaric Chamber
    150km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Egirdir Lake is suitable for all certification levels including beginners, offering rewarding encounters with diverse marine life in Turkey's productive waters. Underwater photographers will find excellent opportunities with the diverse topography and abundant subjects, from nudibranchs and frogfish to schooling pelagics and colourful gorgonian fans. The site rewards both wide-angle and macro photography approaches depending on the conditions and subjects encountered. Divers with an interest in marine biology will appreciate the Mediterranean biodiversity on display, while those seeking relaxing reef and wall dives will find calm conditions and beautiful scenery.

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can enjoy beautiful beaches, ancient historical sites, snorkelling, and cultural tours near the dive location.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultybeginner
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp20-27°C
    Best TimeMay - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Local Dive Center
    Pricing Guide
    $80 - $160
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    60mm macro
    16-35mm

    Best for: macro

    Nearby Stay

    Dive Resort

    Inland Sinkholes & Caves3km away

    Check Availability

    Beach Hotel

    Inland Sinkholes & Caves2km away

    Check Availability