Scuba Diving in Turkey Growing into Popular Tourist Activity

Most people go scuba diving for the solitude of spending quiet time while enjoying the sights that are not available anywhere above the surface. Sea life and signs of history is often found in the form of shipwrecks and amazing aquatic life are some of the top reasons people are choosing to go scuba diving in Turkey. Since the country has more recently become hospitable to tourism, more companies are offering vacations into this popular land, including trips to sponsor scuba diving in Turkey.

The Turkish Riviera is rapidly growing into a popular destination for scuba diving in Turkey, and the waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas are conducive to diving during the April to November season. Clear, warm waters are inviting to divers hoping for glimpses of red sponge or other aquatic species growing along coral reefs. Sport diving is prohibited around many of the underwater archeological sites, but finding a piece of ancient pottery that has been unearthed in one of these seas can add a spark of excitement to scuba diving in Turkey.

Along the coasts there are also maritime museums that display many of the signs of this historical area, including bronze rudders from ancient sailing vessels. The government still maintains control over the areas that are open to scuba diving in Turkey, specifically to maintain the integrity of the shipwrecks and other areas that are key to the country's history.

Certified Divers Have More Remote Options

While sport diving around many submerged historical landmarks is prohibited, certified divers signed up with a local dive guide can gain access to many of the otherwise restricted areas. Additionally, scuba diving in Turkey for the brave at heart can include excursions into the underwater caves at Altinbesk, Turkey. Entry into these still, clear waters is made from the large mouth of the cave, but the sights can be exhilarating to even the most experienced divers.

To the north of the country, the Black Sea may not be as inviting, but certified divers are welcome into the waters. With guides and tour companies working to get the more experienced divers into many of the previously restricted areas, more interest in scuba diving in Turkey is being generated.

The waters open for scuba diving in Turkey may not have the colorful underwater growths that people are more familiar with in the Caribbean, but the history combined with the native species of undersea life is an amazing attraction to divers of many different skill levels.