BUKHARA - Bodrum

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.

Location
Bodrum, Turkey, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.445232, 27.146750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - BUKHARA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Gediz Delta

Best Time to Dive in Bodrum

The warmest water temperatures in Bodrum occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.9°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • February: 18.9°C (air: 12.1°C)
  • March: 18.9°C (air: 13.1°C)
  • April: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • May: 18.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • June: 18.9°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • July: 18.9°C (air: 29.8°C)
  • August: 18.9°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • September: 18.9°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • October: 18.9°C (air: 21.5°C)
  • November: 18.9°C (air: 17.0°C)
  • December: 18.9°C (air: 14.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bodrum

Nearest Dive Centres to BUKHARA

Marine Life in Bodrum

Home to 32 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 4 seagrass & algae, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 other, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BUKHARA

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories