Diving in Bodrum
Why dive here
Bodrum is a diving destination where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales. Water sits around 19°C.
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.
Bodrum Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Bodrum
Bodrum Dive Sites
32 dive sites in Bodrum
AEGEO STAR
The Aegeo Star, just off Bodrum, isn’t just another sunken ship; it’s a proper dive into maritime history, and a good one at that. We often find ourselves drawn to wrecks with a story, and the Aegeo Star certainly has one. This 58-meter cargo ship, which went down in 1993 with a mysterious load of phosphotungstic acid, now rests upright at 40 meters, making it a fantastic deep dive. Dropping down onto her, you can still feel the scale of the vessel. The holds are open, inviting you to peek inside, though we’d suggest good buoyancy and a strong light for anything more than a quick look. The deck provides plenty to explore, with the bridge structure largely intact. Swarms of small reef fish, damselfish mostly, dart through the superstructure, and we’ve spotted moray eels tucked into crevices more than once. The mast still stands, reaching up towards shallower depths, draped in anemones. It’s a site that rewards multiple dives; you’ll always find a new detail, a different angle. We think it’s best suited for experienced divers comfortable with depth and overhead environments, offering a real sense of adventure.
Aksona
Aksona in Bodrum offers a relaxed Mediterranean dive, perfect for a chill afternoon in the water. You'll likely spot ornate wrasse darting between the rocks, and areas of waving Mediterranean tapeweed. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles cruising by. This is a gentle dive, good for getting comfortable, or if you just want a pleasant splash without anything too challenging.
ALEXANDROS M
The ALEXANDROS M isn't a single, intact ship resting on the seabed. Think of it more as a sprawling art installation of metal, stretched out across the sand at a comfortable 20 metres. We love how the hull plates, beams, and machinery are scattered, creating tunnels and swim-throughs that change with the currents. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy poking around, discovering new angles, and really feeling the history. This motor vessel went down in '83, and time, along with maybe some fishing nets, has done its work. The light filters down through the gaps in the collapsed structure, making for some dramatic visuals. Look closely among the bent metal; you'll spot schools of juvenile barracuda darting through the shadows, and we often see moray eels peeking from the nooks. For the photographers, those fragmented beams offer incredible opportunities for abstract shots, especially around midday when the sun is directly overhead. Our favourite part? Finding one of the large anchors, lying separate from the main wreckage, draped in colourful sponges. It’s a great site for extended bottom times, really taking your time to explore without the pressure of an intact wreck penetration.
BUKHARA
The Bukhara wreck, lying in Bodrum harbour, offers a dive that’s more about atmosphere and accessibility than big pelagics. We’ve always appreciated its story, the sudden capsize in 1986 while loading cargo for Cyprus. It’s a shallow dive, just 11 metres, which means plenty of bottom time and good light penetration, even on an overcast day. You’ll find the 62.5-metre motor vessel resting on its side, relatively intact. We love exploring the bridge area, where the wheelhouse has started to collapse, creating interesting swim-throughs. Look for moray eels tucked into the shadowed recesses and octopus camouflaged against the hull plating. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the superstructure, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a nimble scorpionfish perched on a growth-covered rail. It’s a site that suits newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed exploration, with plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into without venturing inside. The harbour location means visibility can vary, but even on a slightly murkier day, the wreck’s imposing silhouette is quite dramatic.
Büyük Resif
Büyük Resif sits just off Bodrum, an easy boat ride out. It’s a rocky reef, mostly hard coral, and while you won’t find the tropics here, it’s home to a solid population of Mediterranean tapeweed, which makes for interesting macro finds. We’ve spotted loggerhead turtles drifting by, and ornate wrasse are a common sight. It’s a good, straightforward dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Cavern Reef
Cavern Reef in Bodrum offers a decent spot for divers looking to explore some overhead environments. You'll find a few small caverns to navigate through, with light filtering in from the entrances. It’s a good choice for those comfortable with limited overhead exposure, but don’t expect dramatic stalactites or huge chambers.
Douglas C 47 A Dakota airplane wreck
The Douglas C 47 A Dakota wreck in Bodrum is something else, a real standout in the Mediterranean. We love a good wreck, and this one delivers, big time. It’s sitting pretty at around 27 metres, easy enough for advanced open water divers, but with plenty to explore for those with deeper certs. You descend onto the wing, and it really hits you – the sheer size of it. The fuselage is mostly intact, resting on the sand, and we’d suggest heading straight for the cockpit. You can peer inside, imagine the pilots, and then swim through the cargo hold, which is a fantastic swim-through. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the fuselage and octopus hiding amongst the debris. Schools of small fish dart in and out of the broken windows. Our favourite is circling the tail section; it’s still remarkably complete. Visibility here is often fantastic, 20 metres plus, especially in late spring and early autumn, which makes for some incredible photo opportunities. We always recommend going early in the morning to beat any crowds from the dive boats, giving you a more serene exploration of this piece of history. It’s a genuinely evocative dive, making you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret.
HASLAMAN I
Hasalaman I is a sleeper hit for us, especially if you’re into your history and a bit of light wreck penetration. This carrier vessel, sunk in 1988, rests on its starboard side at just 10 metres. It’s surprisingly intact for its age, with the deckhouse offering some easy swim-throughs – nothing too tight, just enough to feel like you’re exploring. We love the way the light filters through the upper sections, illuminating schools of small baitfish darting in and out of the structure. Look closely, and you’ll spot scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull, and often a grumpy moray eel peeking from a porthole. It’s a comfortable dive, perfect for those wanting to try wreck diving without deep commitments or strong currents. Our pick for a second dive of the day when you’re looking for something mellow and interesting.
HMS Eclipse
Gat Point Reef, found in Québec, offers a chance to explore a freshwater reef. You'll likely spot pike lurking, along with Yellow Perch, Rainbow Smelt, and Mottled Sculpin. It’s a good choice for divers looking for something a bit different from the usual ocean dives, a quiet spot to observe freshwater species in their natural habitat.
HMS Intrepid
Historic shipwreck in Bodrum, Turkey. 1936 I-class destroyer.
IREMIA
Iremia, a substantial motor vessel, met its end near Levitha Island in March 1986 after a collision with rocks. Now resting upright at 45 metres, this wreck dive out of Bodrum is a truly captivating experience. The sheer scale hits you first: 53 metres of steel hull, lying on a silty seabed, creating an artificial reef that’s utterly alive. We love the way the light filters down, illuminating the superstructure, and the impressive propeller is always our favourite detail to explore. Schools of silvery Mediterranean barracuda often circle the mast, their eyes glinting as you approach, while octopuses camouflage themselves among the encrusted metalwork. The deep provides a real sense of adventure, a quiet contemplation of history. It’s a site for experienced divers comfortable with depth and perhaps a little current, as it can sweep through on occasion. Descending onto the deck, you’ll find sponges and anemones clinging to every surface, transforming the wreck from a somber maritime grave into a vibrant, bustling ecosystem. The intact nature of Iremia, from bow to stern, makes for an absorbing dive, inviting exploration around its cavernous holds and the wheelhouse, even if penetration isn't recommended.
Kara Ada (Black Island)
Kara Ada offers some interesting cave diving experiences, with various swim-throughs between 5m and 25m. We often spot ornate wrasse darting between the rocks, and if you’re lucky, a loggerhead turtle might glide by. The hot springs near the island create unique thermoclines within the caves. It’s a good spot for intermediate divers looking for something a bit different in the Bodrum area.
Bodrum Dive Centres
25 dive shops and operators in Bodrum
Active Blue Su Alti ve Su Ustu Su Sporlari
Amorgos diving
AZZURRO DIVING
BODRUM SU ALTI VE DOGA SPORLARI MERKEZI
DEEP BLUE DALIS MERKEZI
DENIZLI DEEP BLUE
DERIN DALIS TUR. TIC .LTD. STI.
Didim Diving Center
Ocean Wildlife in Bodrum
27 species recorded in Bodrum
Bodrum Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Bodrum, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:36
Sunset
18:54
Daylight
13h 18m
Golden Hour
18:19
First light (dawn) at 05:09 · Last light (dusk) at 19:21
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:25 | 17:18 | 9h 52m |
| Feb | 07:02 | 17:51 | 10h 49m |
| Mar | 06:24 | 18:19 | 11h 55m |
| Apr | 05:40 | 18:46 | 13h 6m |
| May | 05:05 | 19:13 | 14h 8m |
| JunLongest | 04:51 | 19:34 | 14h 43m |
| Jul | 05:03 | 19:33 | 14h 31m |
| AugNow | 05:28 | 19:07 | 13h 39m |
| Sep | 05:53 | 18:23 | 12h 30m |
| Oct | 06:19 | 17:38 | 11h 19m |
| Nov | 06:51 | 17:03 | 10h 12m |
| DecShortest | 07:19 | 16:56 | 9h 37m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Bodrum.
Where to Stay near Bodrum
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Marine Protected Areas near Bodrum
1 protected area near Bodrum - please respect local regulations when diving
Gediz Delta
Getting to Bodrum
Samos Island
Bodrum
Kos Island
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