From sunken ships to vibrant reefs: A new way to explore Türkiye from below
Beyond the beauty of Türkiye’s shores lies a world of wonders, where a dive beneath the water’s surface reveals a dazzling display of marine life, underwater caves, and sunken cities.
Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines stretch over 5,000 kilometers, making up a riviera like no other. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, breathtaking landscapes, and idyllic beachside resorts, it is a true paradise for sun seekers and ocean lovers.
To get the most out of their underwater exploration, travelers should visit Türkiye in the summer months, when the water temperature is above 21°C, the seabed is repopulated from the winter, and visibility is extended to a depth of up to 40 meters.
Kaş: An underwater playground
One of Türkiye’s most cherished diving spots is in the Antalya province, off the harbor town of Kaş. While its shores delight travelers with charming cafes, bougainvillea-lined streets, and white sand beaches, its waters conceal an underwater playground of activity.
Boasting the largest number of dive schools in the country, Kaş is the perfect destination from which to take a guided tour below the Mediterranean Sea. Certified divers guide adventurers on a journey to sunken treasures, like the 19-meter-long ‘Dakota’ army plane and a replica of the 14th-century ‘Uluburun’ ship—thought to be one of the oldest shipwrecks ever found. Swim through and around these machine relics and admire how nature has reclaimed them as its own.
For those more comfortable dipping their toes into Mediterranean waters, they can swap the diving tour for a gulet (Turkish yacht) cruise, boat ride, or kayak excursion from Kaş’s coastline to Kekova Island. Here, an ancient city from the Lycian period (15th-4th centuries BCE) lays partially submerged, with rock-cut structures breaching the surface and waves obscuring the foundations below.
One of Türkiye’s most cherished diving spots is in the Antalya province, off the harbor town of Kaş. While its shores delight travelers with charming cafes, bougainvillea-lined streets, and white sand beaches, its waters conceal an underwater playground of activity.
Boasting the largest number of dive schools in the country, Kaş is the perfect destination from which to take a guided tour below the Mediterranean Sea. Certified divers guide adventurers on a journey to sunken treasures, like the 19-meter-long ‘Dakota’ army plane and a replica of the 14th-century ‘Uluburun’ ship—thought to be one of the oldest shipwrecks ever found. Swim through and around these machine relics and admire how nature has reclaimed them as its own.
For those more comfortable dipping their toes into Mediterranean waters, they can swap the diving tour for a gulet (Turkish yacht) cruise, boat ride, or kayak excursion from Kaş’s coastline to Kekova Island. Here, an ancient city from the Lycian period (15th-4th centuries BCE) lays partially submerged, with rock-cut structures breaching the surface and waves obscuring the foundations below.
Aquarium Bay—off Fethiye’s shoreline—is a snorkeler’s dream. As its name suggests, it is alive with colorful schools of fish, including barracudas, moray eels, and stingrays. The bay is only reachable by boat but, once anchored, visitors are promised calm waters, owing to its convenient location between two islands.
Afyonkarahisar has made a name for itself as one of the top producers of meat and dairy, with several products now registered as a geographical indication (GI). Visitors can enjoy Afyon sucuğu—a spiced sausage and staple of Turkish cuisine—before trying a local favorite, Afyon kaymağı. Made from buffalo milk, this cream is best experienced on top of artisanal Afyon lokumu (Turkish delight) or Vişneli Ekmek Kadayıfı (bread pudding with sour cherry).
Divers can find this sense of serenity on a journey to the 30-meter-deep chamber, known as ‘Aladdin’s Cavern’. Slowly descend along this remarkable geological feature, observing the delicate coral and sea anemone as you go, before swimming up to the so-called ‘Hammam’, where natural light falls through two openings in the cavern’s ceiling.
FETHİYE: Seafloor secrets
Around a two-hour drive west of Kaş is the town’s neighboring watersports hub: Fethiye. Home to a collection of blue lagoons, secluded bays, and elusive islands, it is a destination made for aquatic experiences—where crystal-clear waters present travelers with an unmissable opportunity to discover a world of seafloor secrets.
Aquarium Bay—off Fethiye’s shoreline—is a snorkeler’s dream. As its name suggests, it is alive with colorful schools of fish, including barracudas, moray eels, and stingrays. The bay is only reachable by boat but, once anchored, visitors are promised calm waters, owing to its convenient location between two islands.
Divers can find this sense of serenity on a journey to the 30-meter-deep chamber, known as ‘Aladdin’s Cavern’. Slowly descend along this remarkable geological feature, observing the delicate coral and sea anemone as you go, before swimming up to the so-called ‘Hammam’, where natural light falls through two openings in the cavern’s ceiling.
Keen divers can take to Aegean waters to discover the region’s Big Reef, which presents a striking underwater topography. The 36-meter hill is teeming with a variety of sea plants and marine life, offering innumerable photo opportunities. Perfect for drop-off dives also, explorers can climb down an anchor chain to observe the full spectacle.
Just as scenic is the Bubble Cave. Associated with choppy and deep waters, this site is reserved for more experienced divers. The challenging conditions to get there are well worth it, with divers arriving at a beautiful cavern where shafts of sunlight create a colorful panorama. While their own bubbles add a touch of magic to the confined space, exiting via the chimney makes for a memorable end to the excursion.
Back on land, travelers can take a different kind of dive—uncovering the rich maritime history of Bodrum. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology, located in Bodrum Castle, exhibits multiple shipwrecks, including the original ‘Uluburun’ ship, Islamic glassware, and ancient amphorae. With some relics dating as far back as 3,500 years, it is a reminder that our oceans have claimed countless artifacts from the past.
Bodrum: The drop off
Further west of Fethiye and a true gem on the Aegean coast is Bodrum—a gateway not only to one of the Seven Wonders of the World (Mausoleum at Halicarnassus) but to around 20 dive sites.
Keen divers can take to Aegean waters to discover the region’s Big Reef, which presents a striking underwater topography. The 36-meter hill is teeming with a variety of sea plants and marine life, offering innumerable photo opportunities. Perfect for drop-off dives also, explorers can climb down an anchor chain to observe the full spectacle.
Just as scenic is the Bubble Cave. Associated with choppy and deep waters, this site is reserved for more experienced divers. The challenging conditions to get there are well worth it, with divers arriving at a beautiful cavern where shafts of sunlight create a colorful panorama. While their own bubbles add a touch of magic to the confined space, exiting via the chimney makes for a memorable end to the excursion.
Back on land, travelers can take a different kind of dive—uncovering the rich maritime history of Bodrum. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology, located in Bodrum Castle, exhibits multiple shipwrecks, including the original ‘Uluburun’ ship, Islamic glassware, and ancient amphorae. With some relics dating as far back as 3,500 years, it is a reminder that our oceans have claimed countless artifacts from the past.
The depths of Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean Seas are as captivating as the landscapes above. But for those looking to explore the country in a new and—at times—daring way, its waters are an ideal opportunity to plunge into an underwater realm of mystery and wonder.
BEST TIME TO GO
Jul-Sep
Average HIGH
33°C
Nearest airport
DLM
Time difference
GMT+3
Currency
Turkish Lira (₺)