Turkey
Turkey, a bridge between Europe and Asia, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With a coastline stretching along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, Turkey offers diverse scuba diving experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers alike.
Divers can explore dramatic underwater caverns, vibrant coral reefs, and even ancient shipwrecks dating back to the Roman and Ottoman periods. With clear waters and mild temperatures, Turkey offers excellent visibility year-round, making it an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts.
Turkey’s underwater world is as diverse as its above-ground attractions. The country’s waters are home to an array of marine species, although the marine life is not as abundant as in tropical oceans, divers can still encounter a myriad of healthy, vibrant marine species, from coral and sponges to adorable macro critters like crabs, nudibranchs and seahorses, and also larger animals like barracuda, grouper, rays, moray eels, octopus and even turtles. Plenty of colorful fish can be found too, such as The high number of encrusted wrecks also host an array of life, as do the easier, relaxing shallow reefs. What’s more, several species of dolphin and whale are often spotted in the water around Turkey.
Diving Seasons
Turkey is a vast country, and has varied seasons throughout the year. The best time to dive in Turkey is from May to October when water temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). However, diving is possible throughout the year in some locations, especially in the southern regions.
Liveaboard Diving Regions :
Bodrum
Bodrum, known for its lively nightlife and historic sites, is also a haven for divers. The waters around Bodrum are dotted with ancient wrecks, some of which date back to the Carian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. The most famous dive site is the Great Reef, where you can explore a vibrant ecosystem of corals, sponges, and an array of fish species. Another highlight is the ancient shipwreck of a Byzantine trading vessel, offering a glimpse into Turkey’s maritime history. The best diving season in Bodrum is from June to September.
Marmaris
Marmaris, a bustling resort town, offers some of the clearest waters in Turkey, making it a favorite among divers. The area is home to several marine parks, where divers can encounter a rich variety of marine life. The Baca Cave, known for its chimney-like rock formations, and the Marmaris Reef, teeming with colorful corals and fish, are among the top dive sites. The best time to dive in Marmaris is from June to October.
Kaş
Located on the southwestern coast, Kaş is Turkey’s premier diving destination. This charming town offers over 30 dive sites, including wrecks, caves, and reefs. The Blue Hole, an underwater cave system, and the wreck of a WWII bomber plane are among the highlights. Marine life here is abundant, with sightings of turtles, moray eels, and even dolphins. The best time to dive in Kaş is from May to October when the water is warm and visibility is at its peak.
Mugla
Mugla is one of Turkey’s 81 provinces and is situated on the Aegean coast. It boasts 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) of coastline, which is the most of any province in Turkey. It is home to cities and districts such as Bodrum, Ölüdeniz, Marmaris, and Fethiye which are among the best and most popular holiday destinations on all of Turkey. The area has an incredibly rich history that goes back thousands of years. There are so many ancient ruins in the province that there are over 100 archeological excavation sites. It is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Letoon.
With its location on the Aegean Sea, the province of Mugla offers some amazing diving opportunities and with its mild winters you can get in the water to explore year-round. Like much of the rest of the Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea has crystal clear, warm waters that are home to an incredible amount of marine life. This area does share much of the biodiversity of the region but is also home to plenty of rare and unique sea creatures as well. Being a popular holiday destination as well means that there are many great resorts in the area as well as things to do out of the water as well.
