VASILISSA OLGA - Bodrum

The *Vasilissa Olga* isn't your typical Mediterranean wreck dive. For a start, it’s not really a dive site in the traditional sense, but rather a shallow, historic site that’s better appreciated with a mask and snorkel. This Greek destroyer, sunk by German air attacks in 1943, lies in Leros Harbour, and while the data suggests 5m, we found parts of her superstructure almost breaking the surface. It’s an incredible experience to swim over such a significant piece of history. We remember seeing the ghostly outlines of her deck guns and torpedo tubes, just below the dappled sunlight. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the twisted metal, and the occasional octopus peeks from a shadowy crevice. It’s definitely more about the history and the sheer presence of the wreck than big pelagics or colourful corals. Our tip? Go early in the morning before the boat traffic picks up. Visibility here can be a bit variable, especially if there’s a breeze stirring things up, but on a calm day, it’s surprisingly clear over the main sections. It suits anyone with an interest in naval history, or snorkelers looking for something genuinely unique beyond a patch of seagrass. You’re not exploring deep, dark corridors, but rather gliding over the remains of a powerful warship.

Location
Bodrum, Turkey, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.115665, 26.849500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 VASILISSA OLGA

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 VASILISSA OLGA

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