Best Time for Scuba Diving in Bodrum
Ideal Diving Seasons
The best time for scuba diving in Bodrum is between April and October. During this period, the sea temperature ranges from 18°C to 26°C, providing comfortable diving conditions. The summer months offer excellent visibility, sometimes reaching up to 30 meters, making it perfect for underwater photography and exploration.
Top Scuba Diving Sites in Bodrum
1. Big Reef
Big Reef is one of the most popular dive sites in Bodrum, known for its diverse marine life, including moray eels, octopuses, groupers, and barracudas. The reef starts at 5 meters and goes down to 30 meters, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
2. Small Reef
Located near Big Reef, this dive site is ideal for observing colorful corals and small fish. It's a great spot for night dives, where divers can witness the bioluminescent organisms in action.
3. Bubble Cave
Bubble Cave is famous for its air pockets inside the cave, where divers can surface momentarily. The cave is home to fascinating rock formations, sponges, and crustaceans, offering a unique diving experience.
4. Pinar 1 Shipwreck
This Turkish Navy shipwreck was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. It lies at a depth of 30 meters, making it an excellent site for advanced divers. The wreck is now home to various marine species, making it an exciting spot for underwater exploration.
5. Orak Island
Orak Island is one of the best diving spots in Bodrum, featuring stunning underwater walls covered with soft corals. The site has varying depths, making it suitable for all levels of divers. The visibility here is exceptional, often exceeding 25 meters.
Marine Life You Can Encounter
Bodrum's underwater world is teeming with marine life. Divers can spot sea turtles, stingrays, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and even dolphins on rare occasions. The region's coral reefs and caves provide a perfect habitat for diverse species, making every dive an adventure.
Scuba Diving Courses in Bodrum
Beginner Courses
If you’re new to diving, Bodrum has several PADI and CMAS-certified diving centers offering beginner courses. Some of the most popular courses include:
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Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) – A one-day course for first-time divers.
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Open Water Diver (OWD) – A full certification course allowing you to dive up to 18 meters worldwide.
Advanced Diving Courses
For experienced divers, Bodrum offers advanced certification courses such as:
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Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) – Expands your depth limit to 30 meters and includes specialty dives like night diving and deep diving.
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Rescue Diver Course – Focuses on emergency management and rescue techniques.
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Divemaster Course – The first step towards becoming a professional diver.
What to Expect on a Scuba Diving Tour in Bodrum
Diving Itinerary
A typical Bodrum scuba diving tour includes:
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Morning Briefing: Safety instructions, site introduction, and equipment preparation.
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First Dive: A guided dive to explore reefs, caves, or wrecks.
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Lunch Break: Some tours include a delicious meal onboard.
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Second Dive: An optional dive at another dive site.
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Return to Shore: Equipment cleaning and debriefing.
Equipment Provided
Most diving centers provide full scuba gear, including:
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Wet suit
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Mask and snorkel
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Fins
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Regulator and tank
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Buoyancy control device (BCD)
Safety Tips for Scuba Diving in Bodrum
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Choose a certified dive center – Always dive with experienced and licensed instructors.
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Check your equipment – Ensure everything is in working condition before entering the water.
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Follow the buddy system – Never dive alone; always have a dive partner.
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Monitor your air supply – Regularly check your oxygen levels to prevent emergencies.
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Respect marine life – Avoid touching corals and marine creatures to protect the ecosystem.