Phosphorous Cave (Alanya): The Mystery of the Glowing Water

That mysterious cave where a beam of green light rises from under the sea at the point where the walls of Alanya Castle end: Phosphorous Cave.

The moment Limancepte.com guests are most surprised during Alanya yacht charter tours is when the captain turns off the engine and says, "Look down, who turned on the lights?". This is not just a cave, but a nature laboratory that changes the color of the sea with light plays.

Here is the sailor's guide about this most sparkling stop of the Alanya peninsula:

1. Why is it Called "Phosphorous"? What is the Secret?

Although its name is "Phosphorous", there is no chemical phosphorus in the water. This fascinating glow has two reasons:
Geological Structure: The stone structure and geological formation of the cave floor have the property of reflecting light.
Light Play: When sunlight during the day and moonlight at night hit inside the cave at certain angles, the color of the water turns into phosphorescent green and blue. An image is formed as if a huge lamp is burning under the water.

2. Can You Enter the Cave?

Phosphorous Cave is on the sea shore of the peninsula on the Damlataş Cave side.

• Small Boats: You can enter right into the cave with a rowboat or a small speedboat (dinghy).
• Large Boats: Alanya's famous large wooden gulets and pirate ships cannot enter due to their size. They usually approach the mouth of the cave and give a swimming break in front of it.

3. Fish Feeding Ritual

The water of Phosphorous Cave is as clear as an aquarium. When you come in front of the cave by boat, captains usually tell guests to throw bread. At that moment, the surface of the water fills with hundreds of fish. The phosphorescent color of the water and the dance of the fish are unique for children and photography enthusiasts.

4. Alanya's "Magnificent Trio"

This cave is not visited alone, it is part of the standard "Peninsula Package" of Alanya boat tours. You see the following in order:

• Pirates Cave: The legendary cave where pirates used to hide loot.
• Lovers Cave: The place where courage is shown by jumping into the sea from a height of 15 meters.
• Phosphorous Cave: The light show at the finale.

Phosphorous Cave FAQ

• Is there land access?
  No. It is under the steep cliffs of the Alanya Castle peninsula. It is impossible to go down by land. Accessible only by sea.
• Can you swim inside the cave?
  Yes. When your boat stops, you can jump into the sea and swim into the cave.
• Is there an entrance fee?
  No. The cave is a natural formation and entrance is free.
• Is it dangerous?
  No. The inside of the cave is wide and airy. Only non-swimmers must wear a life jacket due to the depth.