Diving in Turkey
Including Bodrum Peninsula Wrecks, Fethiye Aquarium Bay, and Kaş Sunken City. On the map.
The vibe
Submerged military wrecks and dramatic underwater caves offer a distinctly historic and topographical sub-surface journey rather than sprawling tropical coral gardens. The season peaks between late spring and early autumn when the Mediterranean and Aegean temperatures are most forgiving. Operations are well-organised through friendly local dive centres that handle all the logistics while keeping the atmosphere reassuringly unpretentious.
cert and local dive centre booking
Bodrum Peninsula Wrecks
Muğla
alafortanfuni / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Bodrum Peninsula is celebrated for intentional wrecks, including retired coast guard ships and aircraft sunk to create artificial reefs. Divers explore these intact structures alongside rocky reefs populated by moray eels, octopuses, and schools of damselfish.
Access. Daily dive boats depart regularly from Bodrum and Gümbet marinas. Dive shops cater to both beginners and technical wreck divers.
Notes. Depths vary from 10 to 30 meters. Best dived between May and October when water temperatures are warm.
Fethiye Aquarium Bay
Muğla
TunaDeniz35 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Aquarium Bay near Fethiye gets its name from its remarkably clear turquoise water, resembling a natural swimming pool. The site features shallow rock gardens and underwater tunnels that teem with schooling fish, bream, and groupers.
Access. Easily reached via daily boat excursions and local dive shops operating out of Fethiye and Ölüdeniz.
Notes. Ideal for all levels from beginner snorkelers to open water scuba divers. Maximum depths around 20 meters.
Kaş Sunken City
Antalya
Nikodem Nijaki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Kaş offers crystal-clear Mediterranean waters featuring dramatic walls, underwater caves, and the fascinating ruins of the ancient Sunken City of Kekova. Divers frequently encounter groupers, barracudas, and occasionally sea turtles among the protected archaeological underwater zones.
Access. Easily booked via numerous dive centers located right in the harbor of Kaş town. Suitable for various certification levels, with advanced depths available offshore.
Notes. Depths range from 5 to 40 meters. May to October offers the best water visibility and calm sea conditions.
Saros Bay
Canakkale
Clay Gilliland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Located at the northern end of the Aegean Sea, Saros Bay is renowned for its exceptional self-cleaning capability due to strong underwater currents. Divers explore rich reef formations, walls, and notable artificial wrecks like the sunken Captain Franklin French freighter.
Access. Accessible via dive operators based in Çanakkale or local coastal villages along the bay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to currents.
Notes. Depths range up to 35 meters. Strong currents make it rich in marine nutrients and biodiversity.
Çanakkale Gallipoli Historical Underwater Park
Canakkale
Sinan Şahin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This protected underwater park preserves authentic World War I shipwrecks resting in the Dardanelles Strait. Divers can explore historically significant wrecks like the HMS Majestic, offering a profound and regulated historical dive experience.
Access. Bookings must be arranged through authorized local dive operators in Çanakkale under strict heritage conservation guidelines.
Notes. Depths range from 18 to 35+ meters. Advanced or wreck certification is required due to depth and historical site regulations.