Best Dive Sites in Türkiye

Turkey is a special country not only for its blue-flag beaches with unique beauty, lush nature and historical remains from ancient times, but also for its famous dive sites. The depths of our seas attract both Turkish and foreign diving enthusiasts.

 

 

 

 

 

Rich shipwreck history, historical remains and underwater fauna make underwater world attractive for its enthusiasts. So, every year, a considerable number of people visit our country just for diving. Kas, Bodrum, Ayvalik, Fethiye and Saros are known to be the most popular dive sites. The water temperatures that are ideal for diving both in summer and winter and the environment with fascinating beauty are what have made these sites popular. 

 

 

 

We can say that high-quality diving centers and experienced diving instructors have made our country become a diving paradise. In addition to popular dive sites in our country, you can also take a look at our article List of Must-Visit Places in Koycegiz - One of The Peaceful Districts of Mugla. 

 

 

 

 

7 Best Dive Sites in Türkiye 

Turkey is home to seven dive sites, each of which attracts diving enthusiasts with their unique underwater riches and diversity. All of these sites offer unforgettable experiences for those who want to explore the crystal-clear underwater world. Here are 7 best dive sites in Türkiye:

 

 

 

1. Fethiye, Aquarium Bay 

Aquarium Bay is situated in Kayakoy, Fethiye and stands out as one of the greatest sites preferred by both professional and amateur divers. As soon as you take a dive into the blue water in Aquarium Bay, you start to see the beauties waiting in the depths. 

 

 

 

The amateurs can dive up to a depth of 18-20 meters. The professionals can do 1-hour dives and enjoy this fantastic depth. Here, you can see mostly octopus, seahorse, orange sponge, sea bass, sandfish, grouper and, rarely, aplysia. Night dives are also organized for professional divers in the bay. Watching moray eels dancing during night dives promises an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts.   

 

 

 

2. Bodrum, Orak Island

Located 1.5 meters from Bodrum, Orak Island takes its name from orak (sickle) as one of its ends resembles a sickle, and it features a thrilling atmosphere. The dive site is situated on a narrow headland in the south of the island and houses a fascinatingly beautiful world. 

 

 

 

If you take a dive in the direction of Gokova, you can see purple sponges in the cave located herein. Here, the underwater wall also attracts diving enthusiasts. Even though the underwater fauna is not extremely rich, you can still see groupers, stingrays, moray eels, white grouper and schools of large and small fish. 

 

 

 

3. Kas, Canyon

Standing out with its turquoise water and uniquely beautiful beaches and bays, Kas also has a special place in diving tourism. You can get to Canyon, which is located between two islands, by crossing a narrow channel. There is a tunnel-like cave here. You can also see sea creatures like anemones, lobsters, crabs and sponges in the canyon. 

 

 

4. Canakkale, Gulf of Saros

Situated in Canakkale, the Gulf of Saros is preferred mostly for reef dives and shipwreck dives. Less-experienced divers can explore the sites close to the shore. There are also worth-seeing shipwrecks.

 

 

 

5. Ayvalik  

Ayvalık fascinates vacationers not only with its geographical magnificence, large beaches, stone houses and unique architecture and delicacies but also with its underwater beauties. In locations such as Kerbela, Ezher Bey and Deli Mehmet in Ayvalik, the deep water is home to fantastic reefs, many different sea creatures and red corals. 

 

 

6. Marmaris

With fantastic rich-blue sea, lush pine forests and fascinating bays, Marmaris opens the doors to a completely different realm under the water. With more than 50 dive sites, Marmaris features beautiful reefs, ancient remains and shipwrecks. 

 

 

 

7. Gokova  

The fantastic blue hue of Gokova makes it an indispensable place not only for the visitors but also for the diving enthusiasts. With a depth up to 200 meters, Gokova features a rich diversity of underwater life and attracts diving enthusiasts with species such as grouper, sea bass and tuna, which are seen in autumn.