Turkey attracts attention not only for its spectacular natural beauty and historical richness, but also for its unique underwater world. Its unique geographical location and being surrounded by various seas makes Turkey a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Surrounded by seas such as the Mediterranean and the Aegean, this country is home to breathtaking diving spots waiting to be discovered for divers of all levels. In this article, we will discover where the best diving spots in Turkey are and explore the unique experiences each one offers
Big Reef, Bodrum
We are starting our article on the best diving spots in Turkey. In the deep blue waters of the Aegean, just 20 minutes from the center of Bodrum, lies a fascinating world. The Great Reef, with its 35-meter floor and 7-meter summit rising like the peak of a mountain, has become one of the indispensable stops for those looking for underwater adventure. This region, where sea creatures revel, is also known as a popular destination for Red Sea migrants.
The unique structure of the Great Reef offers a unique experience for divers of all levels. The adventure starts at a depth of only 4 meters at the top, reaching 32 meters as it moves south and 36 meters towards the north.
In the shallow waters of the Great Reef you can witness black bass, octopus and scorpions. As you go deeper, you step into the calm and magnificent world of moray eels, cynarids, lahoshes and groupers. If you keep your eyes on the surface during the dive, you may even experience the thrill of encountering schools of barracuda.
Perforated Cave, Bodrum
In the calm waters of Bodrum, on the Kos side and in the middle of Karaada, the Delikli Cave, which exists as a reflection of the mysterious texture of nature, opens the doors to an underwater paradise. This natural wonder is the beginning of an adventure that steals the hearts of divers. Just forty minutes from Bodrum harbor, this mysterious place fascinates divers with its two underwater caves.
The narrow entrance of the first cave offers an exciting start with its 15-meter depth. As you move towards the second cave, you are greeted by a comfortable entrance and a spacious interior. The purple and yellow colored formations inside this cave dazzle divers like a fascinating painting. Enjoying the underwater world by swimming among the scorpions, crawfish and lobsters is an unforgettable experience. As you wade through the waters of the Delikli Cave, it is possible to come across a large grouper fish at the beginning of the rock at 25 meters.
Orak Island, Bodrum
Orak Island, named after its sickle-shaped tip, is located in the heart of Bodrum, just 1.5 hours away. At the entrance of the Gulf of Gökova, this island, which dazzles with its size, attracts attention not only with its view but also with its underwater riches.
The thin cape in the south of the island is the heart of diving enthusiasts. Although you can dive in two directions from here, dives in the direction of Gökova offer adrenaline-filled moments. The purple sponges lurking in the caves at depths of 32-34 meters draw you into a mystical atmosphere, while the underwater walls continue to attract brave divers. The underwater walls, which start at 25 meters and go down to 190 meters, have become indispensable for wall diving enthusiasts.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Orak Island is the almost non-existent population of living creatures. However, it is possible to encounter large and small schools of fish in the shallow waters. Off the wall, the dance of shoals of mergansers mesmerizes the eyes. Among the surprises that await you as you move along the wall are the sight of sea creatures such as groupers, stingrays, moray eels and lagos.
Canyon, Kas
Kaş, with its tranquil bays adorned with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, is a corner of paradise that has become a favorite for diving enthusiasts. This unique region stretching between two islands attracts divers with its unusual structures and rich undersea life. While diving in the Canyon, you will find yourself passing through a narrow strait. Starting at 20 meters and continuing up to 30 meters, the steep walls will welcome you with a fascinating view. There is also a cave that extends in the form of a tunnel. In this cave you will have the opportunity to observe various crustaceans such as sponges, lobsters, anemones and crabs. However, it is important to remember that the Canyon is a Mediterranean monk seal hunting spot. Therefore, you will want to be careful while diving.
One of the most striking features of the Canyon is the Dimitri Shipwreck, which has a mysterious story in its depths. Sank in 1968 after hitting a mine, this ship has sunk to a depth of 42 meters. Exploring this historical wreck underwater offers an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts.
Flying Fish, Kas
We continue our article on the best diving spots in Turkey. One of the first places that will come to your mind when you think of diving in Kaş is undoubtedly Flying Fish. Flying Fish takes its name from an event that happened during World War II. During the bombing of Meis Island, an Italian-made fighter plane, a Savoia-Marchetti SM79 model plane nicknamed Sparviero-hawk, was hit by enemy fire and buried in these waters. Since then, this area, known as the Flying Fish, is hidden under the water at depths of 55 to 70 meters, a mysterious and imposing relic.
The upper part of the Flying Fish is located only 6-7 meters from the surface, while the depth extends up to 75 meters. Underwater visibility is usually more than 30 meters, so it is possible to clearly observe the rich marine life. The water temperature is around 17-18 degrees Celsius in winter, while in summer it can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius. Flying Fish is famous for its strong currents, so it is important for amateur divers to get support from experienced guides. Due to the currents, it is possible to see different aquatic creatures in the area. You can observe many species here, such as large groupers, black sea bream and shoals of whitefish.
Aquarium Bay, Fethiye
Aquarium Bay is a paradise for adventurers of all levels. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, this unique area fascinates divers of all kinds. Aquarium Bay offers training and experience opportunities for divers of all levels. From trial dives to advanced courses, there is a wide range of training opportunities. If you are an amateur diver, you can start with an 18-20 meter dive and step into discovering the mystery of these waters. If you are a professional, 60 minutes of deep diving in Aquarium Bay awaits you.
A dive, usually starting from the left area 150 meters outside the bay, is the first step into the exciting world of Aquarium Bay. The rocky areas of the bay and the Aquarium Reef are the most exciting spots to dive. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe many species by holding on to the stones. In Aquarium Bay, you can see sea horses, octopuses, orange sponges, sandfish, gobies, groupers, groupers, and rarely even sea horses. Swimming in these waters is not only an underwater adventure but also a unique feast of nature.
Afkule, Fethiye
After Aquarium Bay, Afkule has earned a special place in the hearts of diving enthusiasts and is known as one of the safest and most impressive diving spots in Turkey. Perfect for advanced divers, Afkule offers a unique opportunity to explore the unique underwater life.
Afkule, surrounded by steep cliffs and deep blue waters, is home to two fascinating caves. Diving into these caves, which usually have deep entrances, invites an adventurous journey. The first cave rises 7 meters upwards and fascinates the divers with its shoals of groupers and grouper hidden in its depths. Then, it is possible to reach the second cave by swimming into the bay and passing through a large hole. This cave is called “Turkish Bath”. With a depth of six meters, watching the light filtering through the hole at the top of this cave can almost make you dive into a dream.
Fener Island, Cesme
Located just off the coast of Ildır Village, Fener Island has become a favorite of divers. An underwater paradise, Fener Island offers a first-class experience for divers of all levels. The colors disappearing in the waters of the island are as if from a painter’s palette. With an average depth of 18 meters, these waters offer a unique opportunity for those who want to take a journey into the mysteries of the underwater world.
While diving in the water, you will feel as if you have stepped into a fairy tale land. While you enjoy swimming with schools of fish such as black bass and sarpas, you will witness the colorful dance of yellow tube sponges and flower corals. The waters of the island will fascinate you as you get lost among the eye-catching colors and interesting shapes. Ancient seal caves hidden in the waters of the island make an adventurous dive even more exciting. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can witness the warm gaze of seals in these caves.
Deli Mehmet, Ayvalık
For diving enthusiasts, Deli Mehmet is not just a spot but a valley of adventure and discovery. There are two different underwater islands here. Deli Mehmet 1 is an ideal spot for beginner divers. Here you can dive between 18 and 70 meters and find peace in the calm waters while enjoying the underwater world. However, for those who crave more in the depths of the sea, there is Deli Mehmet 2. Stretching from 27 to 70 meters, this is an area that professional divers are excited to explore.
Coral reefs and gorgons offer a fairytale view under the water. Starting at 27 meters and extending up to 50 meters, this visual feast is a natural wonder. Swimming among the red corals and yellow gorgon trees, you dive into the colorful world of the underwater ecosystem. As you get lost among the moray eels, insects and other colorful fish, you almost travel in a dream.
Ilyosta, Ayvalik
Ayvalık, one of the gateways to the mysterious world of deep blue waters, has become a meeting point for local and foreign divers. In this unique corner, Ilyosta Island, one of the most striking works of nature, and explorations in the waters of the legendary Deli Mehmet offer unforgettable moments for diving lovers.
One of the most popular diving spots of Ilyosta Island is Gavur Harbor. With depths ranging from 3-35 meters, this area is suitable for divers of all levels and diving enthusiasts feel like explorers. Those who dive in Gavur Harbor find themselves in a world full of surprises. It is possible to encounter many species here, from moray eels to insects and even rare sea hares.
Saros, Canakkale
We have come to the last part of our article on the best diving spots in Turkey. Saros Bay is famous for the dance of underwater currents, its clear waters and diversity. The unique conditions it has attract attention not only for nature’s aesthetics, but also for its ability to clean itself. The crystal clarity and vitality of the Saros Gulf is owed to the absence of large settlements and industrial facilities around it. The self-cleaning process, which takes place three times a year, cleans the gulf of waste.
The depths of the bay are home to more than 200 species of marine life. It is a perfect environment for observing creatures such as sea stars, sea snails, insects and lobster pups. It is a paradise for diving lovers; various diving spots such as Ibrice Harbor, Paradise, Hell, Cape Toplar, Soldier Stone, Three Islands, Coal Harbor, Bebek and Minnoş Rocks are waiting to be discovered.
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