Travel in Turkey: Most Beautiful Diving Routes in Aegean and Mediterranean

Turkey offers diving enthusiasts the opportunity to explore traces of the past in the blue depths with its different shipwreck sites, rich underwater fauna and flora throughout the year.

Along its 8,500-kilometer coastline, Turkey welcomes those interested in diving tourism with its underwater archaeology and natural values. Moreover, diving experiences in Turkey’s clear waters are accompanied by visits to ancient cities from the world’s oldest civilizations, as well as unique cuisine and wonderful vineyard routes in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

ÇANAKKALE: AN EPIC UNDERWATER JOURNEY

The Gelibolu Historical Underwater Park, opened to diving tourism in 2021, is one of the world’s most important diving centers, allowing the underwater viewing of the epic traces of the Gallipoli Campaign. In the 150-square-kilometer underwater park, it is possible to dive into 14 different points at different depths.

The region, also the best-preserved battlefield in the world, offers a journey through a history spanning over a century with wrecks such as Layter, Arıburnu Barç, Helles Barçları, Kemikli Barçları, HMS Louis, Lundy, Hms Majestic, Massena, Saghalien, and HMS Triumph.

The most famous of these wrecks are the cargo ship Lundy and the armored battleship HMS Majestic.

SAROS BAY: AMONG LEAST DISTURBED POINTS IN AEGEAN SEA

When talking about Çanakkale, it’s essential not to forget the Saros Gulf, another diving route. The gulf, which cleans itself with strong currents and is among the least disturbed points of the Aegean Sea, is known to be home to over 200 marine species.

Your diving adventure in Çanakkale can be enriched by visiting the ancient city of Troy, listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and the Troy Museum, which holds the most prestigious awards in the museum field in Europe. Additionally, you can explore the enchanting islands of Bozcaada and Gökçeada off the coast of Çanakkale, and taste the unique wines and olive oil-based dishes of the region.

KAŞ: ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP 10 DIVING SPOTS

When you turn your route to Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Riviera, you will encounter Turkey’s most beloved diving spots. The region has 15 diving points that stand out with their colorful underwater fauna. Kaş offers divers the opportunity to observe endemic species with its underwater reefs, rocky areas, and wrecks.

Kaş, another classic diving destination, is among the top 10 diving spots not only in Turkey but also in the world. Kaş’s famous diving area is called “Kanyon” (Canyon). Diving in Kanyon, racing with fish, is a truly special experience. Another feature of Kanyon is the Dimitri Wreck that greets you in the depths.

Another Kaş classic, Uçanbalık (Flying Fish), is the wreck of an Italian bomber plane Savoia-Marchetti SM79, shot down during World War II. After your diving experiences in the waters of Antalya, you can visit the ancient cities hosting the civilizations of Caria and Lycia and experience the famous trekking routes. If you’re lucky, you might encounter Mediterranean seals and loggerhead sea turtles during your dive. Of course, you can turn your time in the city into a feast by tasting the dizzying flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

In addition to Kaş, you can also experience underwater adventures in Kalkan, Kemer, and Alanya in the region with well-equipped diving boats.

BODRUM: AN EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF THE AEGEAN

Bodrum is another important route for those who want to discover Turkey’s richness underwater in the Aegean region. Along its crystal-clear waters, Bodrum is home to many marine creatures, including fish, octopus, algae, sea grass, and sponges. The region has 20 diving points where shipwrecks and walls that could belong to the ancient period can be observed.

Bodrum’s water, which is warm all year round, offers enjoyable diving. The most popular diving points in Bodrum are the Big and Small Reefs. These reefs, located only 200 meters apart, covered with walls of sea creatures, are quite impressive.

Another prominent diving spot in Bodrum is Orak Island and the Perforated Cave. Visiting the Bodrum Underwater Museum, where underwater artifacts are exhibited, promises significant experiences for underwater enthusiasts. Bodrum, one of Turkey’s most important holiday destinations, offers a long list of things to do.

In this paradise town in Muğla, you can enjoy the sun in wonderful bays and taste the best examples of both Turkish and world cuisine in the city’s ambitious restaurants. You can also make numerous archaeological discoveries in Bodrum, which hosts the remains of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, considered one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.”

FETHİYE: A TRUE UNDERWATER PARADISE

Fethiye, among the favorite centers of summer vacations with its unique bays, award-winning beaches, and stunning views, hosts the Aquarium Bay, one of Turkey’s best diving spots.

The bay, named after the clarity of its water, is a suitable diving spot for both beginners and experienced divers. The bay, declared a conservation area in recent years, is also suitable for night diving. You can admire the diverse marine life in the Aquarium Bay.

Another popular diving route in Fethiye is Afkule, known for its soft corals covering arches, mysterious tunnels, and deepening slopes. Afkule, a meeting point for numerous underground caves and different fish species, is suitable for advanced divers.

Adventurers exploring the underwater world in Fethiye can also discover Ölüdeniz with its enchanting beach and Kelebekler Vadisi (Butterfly Valley), home to more than 80 butterfly species. Loggerhead sea turtles can also be frequently observed in this region.