Turkey



GENERAL INFO


General

good both for beginners and experienced divers


Underwater



Suit

Diving in a wetsuit is possible all year round but the better choice for colder months would be a semi dry suit.


Risk

There are a few sea animals which can have vicious or poisonous bristles and spines. Watch out for the scorpion fish, bristleworms, sea urchins and the stingray. If you step on or touch one of these fish, look for medical attention as your reaction to the injury will depend on your general medical condition and age.


Visibility

20–40 metres


Bottom

rocky, sandy or pebbles
caves, caverns, walls, tunnels, drop offs


Best time to dive

April – November


Courses

Besides recreational diving for beginners, it is possible to take a PADI course (Proffessional Association of Diving Instructors), BSAC course (British Sub Aqua Club) or DSAT course (Diving Science and Technology).


PADI courses:
Open Water Diver
Adventure Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Master Scuba Diver
Divemaster
Nitrox
Specialities: Deep Diving, Night Diving, Wreck Diving, Underwater Navigation, Underwater Photography, Peek Performance Buoyancy


BSAC courses:
Ocean Diver – basic skills, non-decompression diving
Sports Diver – rescue and decompression diving
Dive Leader – dive leading, marshalling and rescue management
BSAC Nitrox Course
BSAC Full Instructor Course
BSAC IFC – Instructor Foundation Course
BSAC OWIC – Open Water Instructor Course


DSAT courses:
Nitrox Diver – qualifying recreational divers to use nitrox (enriched air) for no stop recreational diving
Deep Diver – introduction to deep diving
Tec Deep Level 1 – extended decompression diving
Tec Deep – technical deep diving, extended no decompression dives, decompression stop dives
Tec Trimix – qualifying divers to go to 75 m
Gas Blender
Trimix Gas Blender


SSI courses:
- Scuba update
- (Junior) Open Water Diver
- Specialities: Nitrox Diver, Deep Diving, Stress & Rescue, night diving, underwater navigation, underwater photography, boat diving, Dry suit, Wreck diving
- Advanced Diver (4 Specialities)
- Master Diver
- Dive Control Specialist
- CPR & First Aid


More info: DIVING COURSES


Prices

about 250 euro/initial open water course
about 30 euro/1 dive


Minimum age

Minimum age for scuba diving in Turkey is 13. For all divers under age of 18 written parental/guardian consent will be required.


Regulations

Foreign divers must have their diving license in order to enjoy diving in Turkey. Those who do not have a diving certificate yet can, however, attend diving courses organized by certified centers. They must be also accompanied by a licensed Turkish guide who is supposed to ensure that a foreign diver will not touch, damage or take any of the artifacts that can be found underwater. Diving in Turkish waters requires a permission from the city tourism directorate. Spear fishing while diving is not allowed. Diving in military zones is forbidden. Scuba diving insurance is mandatory.


Unaccompanied divers

Foreign divers must be accompanied by a licensed Turkish guide while diving.


Children

Depending on the diving centre the minimum age of a child attending a diving course is 8, 10 or 12.


Snorkelling

Snorkelling can be an alternative to scuba diving as it is really enjoyable, cheap and there is no age limit. Even in the first few metres below the surface experiencing the underwater environment can be extremely exciting. Blue waters of Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea invite to an adventure of meeting a variety of fish and other underwater creatures. One can try it independently or choose one of many snorkeling excursions offers with professional guides. There are also skin diving courses for those who are interested in equipment, techniques and safety.