Bodrum is not only known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, but also for its rich underwater world. Located where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, this region offers visually captivating and technically rewarding experiences for diving enthusiasts.
At a Glance: Scuba Diving in Bodrum
Scuba diving is one of most popular water sports activities in Bodrum. With crystal-clear waters, colorful reefs, ancient wrecks, and cave formations, Bodrum is ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Thanks to professional training, reliable equipment, and guided tours offered by local diving centers, anyone can enjoy this activity with ease.
Top spots like Orak Island, Karaada, and the Yassi Ada Wreck are among the most popular diving sites in Bodrum.
Those interested in obtaining PADI or CMAS certification will find many course options. Visitors who prefer to join a tour can participate in daily excursions, usually starting in the morning and including dives at two different locations.
This guide includes details on Bodrum’s diving season, top diving locations, prices, diving centers, and essential information you need to know before diving.
Diving Season and Water Temperatures in Bodrum
The diving season in Bodrum typically begins in late April and continues until mid-November. The peak period is from May to October, when sea temperatures rise and visibility improves, making for better diving conditions.
Monthly Water Temperatures:
April: 17–18°C – Start of the season, wetsuits recommended
May: 19–21°C – Water begins to warm, visibility improves
June: 22–24°C – Marine life activity increases
July – August: 25–27°C – Best diving period
No Regrets Booking Advice
September: 24–26°C – Still warm, fewer crowds
October – November: 20–23°C – Still suitable for diving as the season winds down
Visibility:
In summer, visibility can reach 20–30 meters, which is excellent for wreck dives, underwater photography, and observing marine life.
Bodrum’s shallow, current-free bays offer a safe environment for beginners, while deeper and more technical sites provide certified divers with plenty of challenges and variety.
Most Popular Diving Spots in and Around Bodrum
Bodrum offers a variety of diving sites with different depths and difficulty levels, ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Surrounded by sunken ships, caves, colorful corals, and the rich marine life of the Mediterranean, these spots deliver unforgettable underwater experiences.
Just across from Bodrum lies Karaada, a top pick for amateur divers. Located about 20 minutes from Bodrum harbor, it’s easily accessible by diving tours from the harbor and nearby towns.
The southern cape and Poyraz Bay of Karaada are suitable for deep and cave diving. The wall on the back side of the island begins at 12 meters and drops down to 77 meters.
Another highlight is Yassi Kaya, where schools of fish often accompany you during your dive.
Kurt Burnu, just 20 minutes from the harbor, is another well-known diving point in Bodrum.
Big Reef
- Depth: 8–32 meters
- Suitable for: All levels
- Highlights: Colorful sponges, groupers, and octopuses. Great for training and underwater photography.
Small Reef
- Depth: 5–15 meters
- Suitable for: Beginners
- Highlights: Shallow and calm waters. Often used for introductory dives.
Delikli Cave
- Depth: 12–30 meters
- Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced divers
- Highlights: Stunning light effects inside the cave, offering a visually rich experience.
C-47 Plane Wreck Dive
- Depth: 19–33 meters
- Suitable for: Certified divers
- Highlights: A military cargo plane sunk in 2008. A favorite among photographers and advanced divers.
Orak Island
- Depth: 5–40 meters
- Suitable for: All levels
- Highlights: Accessed by diving boat. Known for crystal-clear waters, corals, and wall diving opportunities.
Yassi Ada Wreck
- Depth: 15–35 meters
- Suitable for: Advanced divers
- Highlights: Filled with historic ruins and wrecks. Perfect for those interested in underwater archaeology.
Kargı Island
- Depth: 8–30 meters
- Suitable for: Intermediate and above
- Highlights: Rich underwater life, vibrant corals, and schools of fish.
Some of these locations are accessible by daily diving boat tours, while others allow shore entry directly from the beach.
Bodrum Diving Tours and Prices
Bodrum is a prime scuba diving destination in the Aegean Sea, known for its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and certified divers. Most diving tours are organized daily and offer memorable underwater experiences.
🐠 Bodrum Diving Tours: Overview
Typical Tour Schedule and Duration:
Most tours start around 08:30 in the morning and end between 14:00–16:00 in the afternoon.
The program includes transportation by boat to various dive sites in Bodrum, such as Karaada, Aquarium Bay, and Orak Island.
Dive Levels:
Discovery dives and basic training are available for beginners.
Certified divers can join deeper and more technical dives at select sites.
💰 Bodrum Diving Tour Prices
Prices vary depending on the tour package and provider:
Discovery Dive (Try Dive): €45 – €60
Certified Diver (Two Dives): €55 – €95
Non-diving Guests (Observers): Around €50
🧰 What’s Included in the Price
Most diving tours include the following:
Guidance by a professional diving instructor
Full set of diving equipment (mask, fins, regulator, tank, wetsuit)
Hotel transfers (from selected areas)
Lunch and drinks (may vary by provider)
Diving insurance
Underwater photography and video services are often available for an extra fee.
⚠️ Important Notes
Age Limit: Most tours accept participants aged 14 and above.
Health Considerations: Those with heart, respiratory, or ear conditions should consult their doctor before diving.
Flight Planning: Avoid flying for 18–24 hours after diving to prevent decompression sickness.
Briefing Session: A short training is given before diving, covering equipment use and underwater communication.
Top Diving Tours – No Regrets
If you are looking for a great Best of Bodrum scuba diving tours, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of the best experiences you can find!
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
Underwater Experience in Bodrum: What Can You See?
The underwater world in Bodrum stands out not only for its crystal-clear waters but also for its impressive biodiversity. Located at the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, Bodrum offers a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. The variety of marine life and natural formations you may encounter makes every scuba diving experience in Bodrum more captivating.
Here’s what you can expect to see underwater in Bodrum:
Colorful corals and sponge colonies: Various sponge species and small coral communities thrive around the rocky formations near Bodrum’s dive sites.
Nudibranchs and starfish: These are commonly spotted near the shore, especially in shallow areas.
Octopus and moray eels: Often hiding in rocky crevices and caves, these creatures are an exciting find for divers.
Large fish species like grouper and amberjack: Typically seen in deeper waters, especially around reef structures.
Wreck remains and artificial reefs: Sunken boats and artificial reef structures have been placed offshore to support diving tourism and marine life.
Algae-covered rocky zones: These serve as habitats for schools of small fish and sea urchins.
For those interested in underwater photography, Bodrum offers excellent conditions. Visibility often reaches 20–30 meters, allowing for clear shots of marine life and geological features. The best time for photography is during the morning, when the sunlight enters the water at a vertical angle, creating ideal lighting conditions.
During a dive in Bodrum, you’re not just observing marine life — you’re exploring natural caves, vertical walls, and narrow underwater canyons, making each dive unique and memorable.
