Turkey
Country Name: Republic of Turkey
Capital City: Ankara
Population: Approximately 86 million (2024 est.)
Official Language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Zone: Turkey Time (TRT), UTC +3
Diving Overview
Turkey offers diverse diving experiences with its Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, featuring vibrant coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks, and abundant marine life. The country’s warm waters and rich biodiversity make it an attractive destination for divers of all levels.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 100
- Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, cave, and wall diving.
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Turtles, rays, sharks, various species of tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
- Average Water Temperatures: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
- Visibility Range: 20-30 meters (66-98 feet)
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best diving conditions are typically from April to October, when the waters are warm and visibility is high.
Major Airports
Istanbul Airport (Istanbul), Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul), Antalya Airport (Antalya), Esenboğa Airport (Ankara)
The Travel Tip
A 5mm wetsuit is generally recommended for diving in Turkey’s cooler waters, especially during the winter months.
Weather Patterns
Turkey has a varied climate, with coastal regions experiencing hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while the interior has more extreme seasonal temperatures.
Internal Transportation
Options include domestic flights, buses, trains, and car rentals, providing connectivity across the country.
Attractions
Major attractions include the historic city of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Pamukkale’s thermal waters, and the stunning beaches of Antalya.
Top Dive Regions
Turkey offers some of the most exciting and diverse diving experiences in the Mediterranean, with its Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines providing unique underwater landscapes and abundant marine life. Kas is renowned for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a plethora of marine species, making it perfect for both novice and experienced divers. Bodrum combines historical shipwrecks with colorful coral reefs, offering a fascinating underwater adventure close to the lively coastal town. Fethiye, located along the Turquoise Coast, is famous for its calm waters and rich marine biodiversity, providing unforgettable encounters with various marine animals. Lastly, Antalya offers a mix of reef and wall diving with excellent visibility, ideal for exploring the underwater world. These top dive sites highlight Turkey’s diverse marine environments and the country’s appeal as a premier diving destination.
Kas
Known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers.
Bodrum
Offers historical shipwrecks and coral reefs, providing a rich underwater experience combined with the allure of the lively coastal town.
Fethiye
Located along the Turquoise Coast, it is famous for calm waters and rich marine biodiversity, offering unforgettable encounters with various marine animals.
Antalya
Offers a mix of reef and wall diving with excellent visibility, ideal for exploring the underwater world.
Marine Life
Turkey’s diverse marine environments, spanning both the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, are home to an impressive variety of marine life. The coral reefs of the Mediterranean coast, particularly around Kas and Bodrum, teem with vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and various species of sharks. These reefs are also home to colorful corals, sponges, and an array of invertebrates. In the Aegean, areas like Fethiye and Antalya are famous for their rich marine biodiversity and encounters with large pelagic species. Fethiye is notable for its calm waters and diverse marine ecosystems, providing spectacular diving experiences. Additionally, Turkey’s waters host diverse species such as moray eels, barracudas, groupers, and a variety of nudibranchs and crustaceans. The unique marine ecosystems are supported by nutrient-rich waters, making Turkey a prime destination for marine biodiversity and underwater exploration.
Common Species: Sea turtles, rays, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, groupers, nudibranchs, and various species of tropical fish.
Seasonal Highlights: Humpback whales migrate through the waters around Fethiye from June to November, offering spectacular sightings. The best time to encounter whale sharks is typically from May to September.
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