The International Kemer Underwater Days (Kemer Sualtı Günleri) is a long-running celebration of Kemer’s marine life, diving tourism and underwater heritage. The 25th edition took place from 16 to 19 May 2026. Its highlight was a dive at Üç Adalar (the Three Islands), planned to become the area’s first marine protected area. Here’s what the event involves, where to dive around Kemer and what to know for next year.
Kemer Underwater Days at a glance
- When: every May (2026: 16–19 May, 25th edition)
- Organisers: Kemer Region Promotion Foundation (KETAV) and Akdeniz University’s Underwater Archaeology Research Centre
- Focus: underwater archaeology, marine ecosystems, dive tourism and sea conservation
- Who it’s for: divers, ocean and archaeology enthusiasts, families and students
What happens during the event?
Kemer Underwater Days isn’t only for divers. The 25th edition brought together several sides of life by the sea:
- Dives: scientists, divers and guests dived together at Kemer’s dive sites. The Üç Adalar dive, joined by the Governor of Antalya, became the symbol of this year’s event.
- Workshops: robotics, repair and climate change workshops focused on environmental awareness and sustainability.
- Student programmes: led by KETAV, students joined discovery tours of the region’s historic heritage and underwater treasures.
- Underwater cultural heritage: the event closed with a workshop on protecting underwater cultural heritage.
Üç Adalar: Kemer’s proposed marine protected area
Off Tekirova, the Three Islands are one of the best-known dive sites in the Kemer area. The dive during the 25th Underwater Days drew attention to plans to make Üç Adalar the area’s first marine protected area, an important step for protecting local sea life in the long term.
Diving in Kemer: tips for first-timers
- Not certified? Dive centres in Kemer offer instructor-led try dives. Answer the medical questionnaire honestly.
- Certified? Bring your certification card and logbook.
- Flying after diving: a common safety guideline is not to dive in the 24 hours before your flight, so plan dives early or mid-holiday.
- Season: May to October is the best period for diving in Kemer. In May the water can still be cool, so ask for a suitably thick wetsuit.
Where to stay
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, close to the marina and the beach, which makes early-morning dive departures easier to catch. For a gentler introduction to the sea, the hotel also organises guided paddleboard (SUP) tours. Ask us on WhatsApp for details. Check availability for May or browse our rooms.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Kemer Underwater Days?
The event takes place in May. The 25th edition ran from 16 to 19 May 2026.
Can non-divers take part?
Yes, parts of the programme such as workshops and student activities don’t require diving. Follow KETAV’s announcements for participation details.
Where is Üç Adalar?
Üç Adalar (the Three Islands) lies off Tekirova in the Kemer district and is one of the area’s best-known dive sites.
Related events
Another sea tradition: open water swimming races in Kemer. On the culture side, don’t miss the Phaselis Festival. See the full Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Matthew T Rader, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.