Turkey is (Turkish: Türkiye) surrounded by water on three sides and is washed by four seas at once- the Aegean (Turkish: Ege Denizi), Black Sea, Mediterranean (Latin: Mare Mediterraneum), and Marble (Turkish: Marmara Denizi). Each sea has its own microclimate and character which affects the species diversity of the underwater world's inhabitants.
First of all, Turkey is about history. Ancient ruins cover not only its land. The water's surface hides traces of ancient civilizations, cities, frigates, ships, and airplanes. The ancient ruins amaze with their diversity- from the Stone Age to the Hittites, Greek and Roman cities, monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires from the times of the Seljuks. Buried under the water's thickness, they are waiting for someone who dares to reveal all their secrets.
Now divers enjoy the popularity of the Mediterranean coast, with its mild climate and the choice of diving sites according to their interests: archeology, caves, coral, marine life.
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There are 20 dive sites with stunning underwater landscapes in Fethiye (Turkish: Fethiye). Afkule Wall is the most prominent among them with an open cave which is a habitat for colorful fish and coral.
English, French and Turkish ships were flooded in the Dardanelles (Greek: Δαρδανλλαα, Δαρδανλια). The section to Suvla Bay is littered with fragments from World War I.
Marmaris is one of the best resorts in the country that attracts divers with its underwater caves and tunnels inhabited by barracudas, turtles, and dolphins.
Diving centers are located in all major coastal cities of Turkey such as Alanya, Kemer, Antalya, Kas, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Side. Both beginners and experienced divers are taught, dives are organized as well as equipment and transport to the diving sites are provided in these centers.
In March, it's rather cold in Turkey. The water temperature is +16 °C, but it rises up to +20 °C by May, and the air warms up to +30 °C. Rains are rare at this time. Diving season begins in late May.
The high season starts in June when the air warms up to 27-34 °C during the day, and sometimes even up to +37 °C. Water temperature is 23-28 °C. There is little rain at this time. You should be very careful not to get overheated during the daytime.
The Indian Summer comes in September. The daily temperature drops to +30 °C in September, to +25 °C in October, and to +21 °C in November. But the water is still warm with the temperature of +20-25 °C. Starting in October, the cool rains begin.
In winter, the swimming season in Turkey ends. In January and February, the daytime temperature drops to +5 °C, and sometimes there are frosts at night. It often rains, and snow is rare. The water temperature doesn't go below +17 °C.
The Amphora dive site was so named because of the ancient amphoras scattered across the sea bottom.
Broken Stone is a cave with coral formations that attract much fish. It is home to stingrays, sargocentrones, and black scorpionfish.
The Canyon is famous for ship wrecks. For example, a French ship with fallen off propellers lies here.
The quality of medical services in Turkey varies but is still at a decent level. In some places, medical service is limited, and the ambulance comes for a fee. Before the trip, we recommend purchasing insurance and to get vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, the flu, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies.
In Turkey, the threat of terrorist acts is high. It is better not to travel to Ankara (Turkish: Ankara) and Istanbul (Turkish: Istanbul) as well as to southeastern provinces and cities close to the Syrian border.
Crime is at the average level. Be careful and don't walk alone at night, especially in the countryside. Petty theft takes place there. Keep your personal belongings in a safe place. Women are recommended to go out unaccompanied to avoid becoming victims of violence.
There are dangerous inhabitants in the sea. There is a risk of stepping on a sea urchin on the underwater rocks. Whiptail stingray, armed with a poisoned spike, is waiting for careless divers in the Black Sea. A poisonous weeverfish is hiding in the sand. And meeting and contact with such jellyfish as chrysaora and Portuguese man o'war can provoke a severe skin reaction or even heart failure.
Plenty of meat, vegetables, fruits, and sweets- that's exactly what the national cuisine of Turkey is. You should definitely try at least one local dish to get the full experience from exploring the country.
Adana kebab is very popular among tourists. Spicy, juicy, fried until golden crust minced meats smelling of spices and fragrant pepper is usually served on a platter together with vegetables, garnish, and crispy pita bread.
Musaka is another favorite Turkish dish. A casserole of minced meat soaked in aromatic spices, packed in a form of fried eggplants and filled with spicy cheese sauce will satisfy your hunger after a dive.
Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is a popular Turkish drink which will rejuvenate and energize you with vitamins.
It's not recommended to drink tap water, it is better to buy bottled water.
2021
