UNDERWATER DIVING
Within the seas of Turkey, divers can discover a fascinating submerged world, from underwater caverns to sunken ships and even the remains of ancient cities. The only areas prohibited from diving are military zones, those conducting scientific research and areas under protection.
When the hot summer sun is just too much to take on land, Bodrum has a plenty of activities to take you out to the refreshingly cool waters of the beautiful Aegean Sea. Diving and yachting are two of the most popular ways to delight in this resort city’s spectacular seascape and experience its amazing underwater sea life.
“Under the water I feel freedom and power, like I can do anything. Like a fish! It’s a really different feeling. In Bodrum there are many good fish to see and it is a good way to relax,” says Mr. Kocer Turkoz who has been diving since 1978 and is a diving instructor, often leading tours in Bodrum. Mr. Turkoz has dived in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Egypt and Australia and still counts the underwater sights of Turkey among his favorites. Bodrum, for one, has a seabed littered with the history of civilization as well as many natural wonders. There are over 15 dive points around Bodrum including caverns, half-caves, funnels, walls, and even a meteorite hole, with typical Aegean and Mediterranean flora and fauna. There are many species of tropical fish and rock formations which offer shelter for groupers, octopuses, bream, moray eel, rays, lear fish, barracudas plus a colorful variety of small fish. You also may see amphorae and antique anchors which are more than 2000 years old. The two main reefs off the Bodrum coast attract divers from all over the world, they are full of fish and are great spots for underwater photography. Black Island (Karada), a large and undeveloped island opposite Bodrum has eight spectacular dive sites with names like 'Smugglers' and 'Bubble Cave'. The island's anchorages are sheltered and easily accessible by boat, however, all divers must be accompanied by a registered dive guide. Most dives are only 30 minutes away in sheltered seas with depths of between 6 and 40 meters and visibility averaging 20 meters. Water temperatures range from 17 - 22°C during the season which extends from mid April to late October.
 Bodrum has over a dozen different diving schools offering internationally accredited courses ideal for beginners and dive masters alike with English, French and German speaking guides who will help you explore the many underwater treasures of this ancient city. Beginners need not worry about any previous diving experience or bringing their own equipment, as it can be supplied by the dive operators. All of the companies we recommend here offer internationally accredited PADI and CMAS courses and you can become a certified diver within a single day. Even water shy friends and family of divers are welcome on board the dive boats to watch and soak up the sun and sea breezes of the glorious Aegean.
Crystal Divers offers courses for everyone from beginners, even those who have no swimming experience, to dive master and instructor courses as well as several rescue courses. Crystal Diving’s boat is docked in Bodrum at the Hotel Aquarium, Gumbet jetty, everyday before 10:00 am and after 17:00 pm. Askin Diving Center has a special interest in archeology as it is run by Askin Canbazoglu, an underwater archaeologist who was active at the Bodrum Underwater Museum for eight years before starting his dive company. In addition to daily runs by boat, leaving every morning at 10 am returning at 5 pm, the company also offers extended diving excursions aboard its beautiful 23 meter yacht to explore the rocks and inlets, walls and shallows of the Gulf of Gokova, the Gulf of Hisaronu or further to Marmaris, Fethiye and Kas. Yunus Diving also offers two to three day or weekly diving excursions as well as daily outings for beginners and experts alike aboard its private 15 meter diesel engine boat. Special packages offered by Yunus Diving include night diving excursions and an underwater photography and video package. Perla Subaqua Institute, a premium member of Scuba Turkiye a national scuba diving information clearinghouse , keeps its dive groups small for individualized attention. Perla Subaqua will pick you up from your hotel to take you to its private boat, which leaves every morning at 11 am for dive outings.
Whether you prefer to explore the legendary waters of the Turkish Aegean at sea or underwater, Bodrum has plenty of highly reputable diving and yachting establishments to make your adventure both safe and highly memorable. |
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