ORAK ISLAND

Location and Accessibility:
Located further from Black Island and closer to Gökova Bay, Orak Island is a 60-minute boat ride away with The Divers Club. Known for its remarkable underwater landscapes and impressive wall dive, Orak Island offers divers an unforgettable experience.

Dive Route:

Starting Depth: 6 meters

• Initial Conditions:
  • The dive begins at a shallow depth of 6 meters, just above the sandy bottom.
  • Divers proceed towards Gökova Bay, navigating through unique rock formations.

Volcanic Pillars and Drop-off:

• Rock Formations:
  • The dive route is characterized by slender, elongated volcanic pillars that rise from the seabed, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
• The Drop-off:
  • After passing these volcanic pillars, divers encounter a dramatic drop-off, offering a stunning view of the deep blue abyss.
  • This drop-off leads into the expansive underwater wall that continues to the right.

Exploring the Wall:

• Small Cavities:
  • As divers descend further along the wall, they discover small cavities that are adorned with vibrant purple sponges.
  • The wall is teeming with marine life, including hunting grounds for learfish, jackfish, and bonitos.

Marine Life and Potential Encounters:

• The dive site is home to various marine species such as groupers, moray eels, octopuses, lionfish, and the occasional sighting of caretta carettas (loggerhead sea turtles).
• The site is a favorite hunting ground for larger fish, making it an exciting spot for divers to observe predatory behavior.

Maximum Depth:

• 100+ meters

Dive Site Characteristics:

• Types of Dive:
  • Wall Dive
  • Deep Dive
• Ideal For:
  • Open Water Divers and above, with the site being best suited for Advanced Divers, DPV Divers, Technical Divers, and CCR Divers due to the depth and complexity of the dive.
  • The site’s depth and challenging conditions make it more appropriate for divers with advanced training and experience.

Recommendations:

• Advanced Diving Required:
  • The wall dive at Orak Island extends to depths exceeding 100 meters, making it an ideal location for technical divers and CCR divers.
  • Divers should have a strong understanding of advanced dive techniques and the use of DPVs to explore the site efficiently.
• Marine Life and Photography:
  • The cavities adorned with purple sponges and the large pelagic species like jackfish and bonitos make this site a photographer’s dream.
  • Divers will have ample opportunities to capture dynamic underwater scenes, including schools of fish and predator-prey interactions.
• Safety Considerations:
  • Due to the depths and the complexity of the dive, this site should only be attempted by divers who are familiar with deep dives and technical diving equipment.
  • Divers should also be aware of possible strong currents around the wall, which can affect buoyancy and navigation.

Orak Island is a premier dive site for advanced divers looking to experience one of the most dramatic wall dives in the Bodrum region. With its combination of volcanic formations, deep drop-offs, and rich marine life, it offers a unique experience for technical divers and DPV enthusiasts. This site provides both breathtaking underwater landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters, making it a must-visit for those seeking an advanced dive challenge.