Dana Island Island

Uninhabited Mediterranean island with steep cliffs and caves

Dana Island off Mersin features clear Mediterranean water and coastal cliffs; boat trips bring swimmers and divers to small coves and seagrass beds.

Main image

Dana Island at a Glance#

About Dana Island#

Dana Island (Dana Adası) is a small Mediterranean island off the coast of Mersin Province in southern Turkey. The island is uninhabited or sparsely used and features coastal cliffs and a historic lighthouse.

The island is frequented by local boat tours and is noted for marine biodiversity and clear coastal waters suitable for short visits from the mainland. Ruins and traces of past use are present but the island is not a major archaeological park with large visitor infrastructure.

Administratively the island is part of Mersin Province and lies close to the Turkish mainland coast, accessible by short maritime crossing. Its rocky shores and limited beaches make it primarily of interest for natural history and short excursions.

  • Navigation and nature: Hosts a lighthouse and has been noted for marine life and coastal cliffs visible from short boat trips offshore.

How to Get to Dana Island#

Day trips and charter boats depart from Mersin and nearby ports; the crossing is short but dependent on sea conditions. Confirm local boat schedules and protected-area regulations before travel.

Tips for Visiting Dana Island#

  • Boat services from Anamur or Kaş run seasonally; confirm departure days and sea conditions before travel.
  • The island makes a pleasant day trip for snorkeling; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a mask.
  • Respect protected areas where seabird colonies nest-some parts of the island may be off-limits during breeding season.

Best Time to Visit Dana Island#

The best time for visiting Dana Island is late spring through early autumn when sea conditions are friendlier and services operate more regularly.

Late spring to early autumn
May-September · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Warm sea temperatures and calmer conditions for boat hopping and swimming.
Shoulder seasons
Apr, Oct · 15-22°C (59-72°F)
Fewer visitors and pleasant walking temperatures.

Weather & Climate near Dana Island#

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (584 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 59 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 7° - 14° 11° 118 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.5 m/s 0.3 low 9.8h
February Acceptable 7° - 15° 11° 87 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.9 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.7h
March Very Good 9° - 17° 13° 60 mm partly cloudy 69% 3.0 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.8h
April Very Good 12° - 21° 17° 30 mm partly cloudy 71% 3.1 m/s 1.4 high 13.0h
May Excellent 16° - 25° 20° 21 mm some cloud 73% 2.8 m/s 1.9 very high 14.0h
June Ideal 20° - 28° 24° 8 mm mostly sunny 72% 3.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.5h
July Ideal 23° - 31° 29° 4 mm clear 69% 3.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 14.2h
August Ideal 23° - 32° 30° 1 mm clear 68% 2.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
September Ideal 21° - 30° 25° 7 mm clear 64% 2.6 m/s 1.6 very high 12.3h
October Excellent 17° - 26° 22° 43 mm some cloud 61% 2.3 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.1h
November Very Good 12° - 21° 16° 72 mm some cloud 62% 2.2 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.1h
December Good 9° - 16° 12° 133 mm partly cloudy 66% 2.4 m/s 0.3 low 9.6h