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 The
history of civilisation is recorded in the ocean depths off
Turkey. The seabed is littered with relics from the past,
as evidenced by the bronze age shipwreck (circa 2500 BC)
that
is now on display at the Bodrum
Castle. In order to preserve the ancient artefacts that
remain on the seabed all divers today must be accompanied
by a registered dive guide, and certain areas are off limits.
The waters around Bodrum have provided a source
of food, transport and wealth for thousands of years. A generation
ago sponge divers were common in Bodrum, and many locals
can
tell a tale or two about the risks that these hardy men took.
Along the harbour front is a statue of a diver
that pays tribute
to Bodrum's diving history. Indeed it was a local sponge
diver, Kemal Aras, who first helped the American Peter
Throckmorton with his queries about the abundance of whole
ancient amphora
that he saw decorating Bodrum homes and gardens. From those
enquiries an alliance was born between Turkey and the United
States in the interests of marine archaeology, the fruits
of which are displayed in the internationally acclaimed
museum at the Bodrum Castle.
 Today
divers from all over the world enjoy exploring the waters
around Bodrum. There are a variety of dives only 30 minutes
away, in sheltered seas and with visibility averaging 20 metres.
Water temperatures range from 17 - 22°C during the season
which extends from mid April to late October. There
are many dive companies offering internationally accredited
courses and who act as dive guides.
Prices are competitive
and equipment is available for hire. Instructors speak
English, French, German and of course Turkish. Bodrum has
something
for both beginner and advanced divers.  There
are two main reefs off the coast with depths of between 6
and 32 metres. Black Island (Karada) is a large and undeveloped
island opposite Bodrum that has 8 dive sites of note with
names like 'Smugglers' and 'Bubble Cave'. This is the place
to experience caverns, half-caves, funnels, walls, and even
a meteorite hole, giving plenty to keep the advanced diver
happy.
The island's anchorages are sheltered and easily
accessible by boat. Grouper, moray eel, rays, barracuda,
bream, octopus,
plus a colourful variety of small fish inhabit the area.  Plans are currently underway by the Ministries
of Culture and Tourism and underwater associations to establish
a Marine Park off Turgutreis, on the Bodrum
peninsular. In
these waters can be found 5 shipwrecks ranging from the 6th
century AD to 1995. This area is currently out of bounds to
divers.
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