Diving in Bulgaria
Including Cape Kaliakra, Nesebar Peninsula, and Sozopol Wrecks and Reefs. On the map.
The vibe
Diving in these waters is a quiet, contemplative experience focused on exploring historical shipwrecks and submerged relics rather than vibrant coral reefs. The season is short, centered around the calm, clear conditions of late summer. It feels like a niche, local-led pursuit where you join small, specialized groups rather than a bustling commercial dive industry.
certification required
Cape Kaliakra
Dobrich
Laveol / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Stretching into the northern Black Sea, Cape Kaliakra provides dramatic underwater cliff walls and rocky drop-offs. Divers explore vertical rock faces covered in mussels and algae, where schools of fish gather in the currents. The dramatic underwater topography makes it a standout site for wall and rocky reef diving in the region.
Access. Accessible via specialized dive boats operating from nearby ports like Balchik or Kavarna during favorable weather windows.
Notes. Depths reach down to 30 meters. Currents can occasionally be brisk around the headland.
Nesebar Peninsula
Burgas
Pierre André Leclercq / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Nesebar offers unique diving experiences near an ancient UNESCO-listed town, featuring sunken ruins, antique anchors, and modern artificial reefs. Divers can explore scattered archaeological remains alongside marine life typical of the western Black Sea. The shallow to moderate depths make it accessible and culturally fascinating.
Access. Local dive shops in Nesebar and the adjacent Sunny Beach resort run regular boat trips to the peninsula's underwater sites.
Notes. Depths range from 6 to 20 meters, perfect for Open Water certified divers and underwater photography.
Sozopol Wrecks and Reefs
Burgas
kuchin ster / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Sozopol combines ancient maritime history with engaging underwater exploration, featuring notable shipwrecks and rocky underwater capes. Scuba divers encounter historic metal and wooden wrecks resting on the seabed alongside vibrant benthic communities. The underwater topography includes interesting rock formations and small caverns.
Access. Dive operators based in Sozopol harbor arrange daily boat excursions to local archaeological sites, reefs, and wrecks.
Notes. Depths typically range from 12 to 30 meters. Suitable for certified recreational divers.
Tsarevo Coast
Burgas
SpaceControl / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Located on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Tsarevo offers interesting reef formations and historical underwater heritage. Divers explore rocky outcrops teeming with Black Sea marine life, including gobies, crabs, and occasional rays. The area is known for accessible coastal diving and clear waters during the summer months.
Access. Several local dive centers operate directly out of Tsarevo port during the summer season, providing boat trips to nearby reefs and shallow wrecks.
Notes. Depths range from 8 to 25 meters. Best diving conditions run from June through September.
Varna Wrecks
Varna
Unknown author Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Varna is a major hub for northern Bulgarian diving, renowned for its concentration of significant Black Sea shipwrecks and cargo vessels. Technical and recreational divers explore notable sites such as historic cargo ships and aircraft wrecks resting on the muddy or sandy seabed. The cooler, stable deep waters help preserve these submerged structures exceptionally well.
Access. Professional dive centers in Varna provide boat charters, equipment rental, and guided penetration or exterior wreck tours.
Notes. Depths vary from 18 to 40+ meters, making some sites ideal for advanced and technical divers.