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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Dana Island#
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.
| 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 |