BUKHARA
Protected Area
Gediz Delta
Why dive here
BUKHARA is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales. Water ranges 17-27°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical BUKHARA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BUKHARA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1986
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
The M/V Bukhara offers a unique and accessible wreck dive in the clear waters of Bodrum, Turkey. Unlike many wrecks that meet their end in the fury of a storm or the violence of war, the Bukhara's demise was swift and unexpected. On August 6th, 1986, while moored and loading a general cargo destined for Cyprus, the 62-meter vessel suddenly developed a severe list. Before the crew could react, she capsized and sank right in the harbor.
Lying at a shallow depth of just 11 meters, the Bukhara is a fantastic site for novice wreck divers. However, she is classified as a dangerous wreck, likely due to the potential for entanglement or shifting structures from her sudden capsizing. Divers can explore the largely intact vessel, peering into cargo holds and observing the deck features, all while being reminded of how quickly things can go wrong at sea, even when seemingly safe in port.
Nearest Dive Centres to BUKHARA
Dive shops near BUKHARA
SHARKS CLUB
DERIN DALIS TUR. TIC .LTD. STI.
EVDE DALIS MERKEZI
Serenad Dive Center
TRITON DALIS MERKEZI
Reviews for BUKHARA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BUKHARA
BUKHARA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BUKHARA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.02, 27.18) (31km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
24°C
75°F · Range: 22.1–26°C
Air Temperature
21°C
71°F
Wind Speed
4.96 m/s
9.6 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1015.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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