Türkiye offers an extraordinary experience for scuba divers, with its stunning array of underwater treasures, including ancient shipwrecks and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Situated at a historical crossroads of civilizations and key maritime routes, Türkiye’s underwater landscape is rich with cultural relics. This, combined with a vast number of dive sites, professional diving schools, crystal-clear waters, and a favorable climate, makes it a haven for divers of all levels.
Efforts under the Inventory of Shipwrecks initiative are actively working to safeguard Türkiye’s underwater cultural heritage, making many of these fascinating sites accessible to diving enthusiasts. A prime example is the Gallipoli Historical Underwater Park in Çanakkale, where divers can explore significant historical wrecks like the WWI British minesweeper HMS Lundy and the 19th-century steamship SS Milo.
Ali Eyüpoğlu, a diving instructor based in Çanakkale, emphasizes Türkiye’s unique appeal: “Our coastlines are steeped in history, having been the cradle of many civilizations. The underwater archaeological sites here are incredibly well-preserved, and Türkiye is at the forefront of both academic research and underwater explorations globally.”
Top Diving Destinations in Türkiye
Çanakkale is a standout destination for divers, with its season running from May to December. This region, known for its historical significance, particularly the shipwrecks from World War I, attracts divers from all over the world. It’s also home to the world’s only underwater national park.
For those looking for a more relaxed diving experience, Aquarium Bay in Fethiye is a prime spot, known for its diverse marine life. Here, divers might encounter octopuses and Mediterranean moray eels, making it a perfect site for both beginners and experienced divers alike.
Datça, with its pristine waters and rich biodiversity, is another top diving destination. The area is famous for its friendly dolphins and well-preserved underwater environment, making it one of the most beautiful diving locations in the country.
Gökova, meaning “sky blue,” is another must-visit, where divers can encounter Mediterranean monk seals or spot large tunas. The area’s famously clear waters have made it a favorite among scuba enthusiasts worldwide.
On the Aegean coast, Bodrum’s Big Reef offers a vibrant underwater world filled with coral reefs, starfish, and colorful schools of fish. The waters are exceptionally clear, particularly in the early morning, providing an ideal setting to explore the 20 dive sites available, with depths reaching up to 30 meters. Close by, Kuşadası offers calm waters and excellent visibility, making it accessible even for novice divers interested in exploring dramatic underwater rock formations.
For experienced divers seeking a challenge, Uçan Balık in Kaş is the perfect choice. Named after the wreck of an Italian torpedo plane resting on the seabed, this site is also a hotspot for predatory fish like dentex, groupers, barracudas, and amberjacks.
Explore History and Nature Underwater
Marmaris stands out as a favored diving spot, catering to divers of all skill levels with more than 50 dive locations that include wrecks, reefs, and historical ruins. Kadırga Bay is especially recognized for its excellent visibility, allowing divers to explore the remnants of a Hellenistic ship at a depth of 15 meters, alongside sightings of moray eels. For those new to diving, Kalamar Bay in Kalkan offers tranquil waters ideal for beginners, yet still brimming with vibrant marine life such as barracudas, octopuses, and sea turtles, promising an engaging underwater experience.
Kaş is frequently recognized as one of the top diving destinations globally, featuring an underwater canyon with 21 distinct dive sites nestled in the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Among its most significant attractions is the wreck of a Savoia-Marchetti SM79 Italian bomber, which was downed during WWII and now rests at depths ranging from 55 to 71 meters, offering a powerful glimpse into history. Additionally, the area is home to the ancient shipwrecks of Cape Gelidonya and Uluburun, two of the Mediterranean’s oldest known wrecks, with artifacts from these sites now exhibited at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.