Diving in Turkey

Mediterranean & Europe

2 regions

108 dive sites

Turkey often gets overlooked for its diving, which is a shame, because it’s got a genuine charm that makes for a great trip. We’re talking about a place where ancient history spills into the sea, particularly around Kas and Kekova. Think amphora fields scattered across the seabed, the ghostly silhouettes of World War I wrecks, and dramatic drop-offs that feel like you’re exploring a drowned city. Bodrum offers some good options too, but Kas is really where you want to focus your time. The visibility is usually excellent, and while you won't get the big pelagic action of other destinations, there’s a surprising amount of smaller stuff if you look closely - those Redcoats and Salema are always schooling, and keep an eye out for Rough Pitar and Undulated False Lucine in the sand. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn, when the water is warm but the summer crowds have thinned out. It’s the kind of place you come for the history, and leave loving the easy, relaxed pace of the diving.

Turkey Dive Regions

2 diving areas in Turkey

Bodrum

Bodrum often gets overlooked by divers heading to the Red Sea or further afield, and we think that’s a real shame. We love the Aegean coast for its sponge-covered reefs and the surprisingly varied macro life. You’ll find plenty of green shrimp tucked into crevices, and we’ve spotted the striking black leather sponge dominating certain walls. The caves are a highlight; we particularly enjoy the way the light filters in, illuminating schools of fusiliers. Currents here can be lively, typical of the Aegean, but they also bring in the nutrients that sustain the healthy reef. Our favourite dives are usually around the smaller islets, where you often get better visibility and a chance to spot things like the Atlantic Spotted Flounder blending into the sandy patches. Keep an eye out for seahorses in the seagrass beds, especially near the older wrecks. Diving early in the morning before the day boats get busy usually means calmer conditions and fewer divers sharing the same spot. It’s a solid choice for intermediate divers looking for something a bit different.

34 dive sites

Kas & Kekova

Kas. Where do we even begin? It’s arguably Turkey’s diving capital, and honestly, we think that’s fair. You’ve got a fantastic mix here: ancient ruins, some truly atmospheric wrecks, and caverns that make for incredible natural light shows. We’ve always been big fans of the amphora fields, the sheer history of them is something else. Dive-wise, Kas delivers. We particularly love the Canyon, a proper swim-through that opens into a huge cavern. The light filtering down is just magic, trust us. Expect to see big schools of barracuda cruising past, and sometimes a grumpy studded pufferfish eyeing you from a rocky crevice. The reefs here aren’t always technicolour, but they’re alive - look for the deep purple of black leather sponges and the shimmering scales of rhomboid sweepers. For wreck lovers, there’s the ‘Flying Fish’ wreck, a WWII Italian torpedo bomber that’s surprisingly intact. It’s a slightly deeper dive, but worth it for the sense of history. Currents can pick up, especially around some of the pinnacles, so keep an eye on the dive brief. Early mornings often offer the best visibility before the day boats get busy.

74 dive sites