Explore Istanbul

Istanbul is the capital city of Turkey and is located in the north west of the country. From the many dive centres and dive resorts in this area, divers can visit many diving locations throughout Turkey, including in the Aegean Sea, The Mediterranean Sea, Marmara Sea and the Gulf of Saros. These areas provide different highlights for divers of all interests. The rocky topography of most of these areas provide some thrilling dive opportunities. There are many opportunities to spot a high abundance of marine species which live among the cracks and crevices, including some unique species such as the Pipefish and the Angular Rough Sharks. There are also opportunities to see some history under the water in the form of historical artefacts. Something for everyone.

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Dive Activity

Diving in Istanbul

The types of diving which can be done here are quite varied depending on the region visited. However, the main feature of this are the rocky formations which come in the form of large boulders, pinnacles, caves and caverns. There are also a number of rocky reefs which inhabit many marine flora and fauna to be admired. The dive sites are reached by boat and there are many opportunities for dive courses here as well due to the many dive centres and dive resorts. There are also options for some private liveaboards.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Istanbul

The main dive spots which have the highest density of species include Neandros Island and Gulf of Saros. It is said that there are 144 species of fish, 78 species of sea plants and 34 species of sponges which live in this area, so a lot to see for divers. The rocky topography here hosts some impressive Sea Sponges, Sea Plants, Soft Coral, Sea Pins and Anemones which are defended by their brave inhabitants the Anemone Fish. There are also a collection of small but exciting species including the colourful Nudibranchs, the majestic Seahorse and Pipefish, a collection of Crustaceans including Crabs, and the fun Sea Stars. One of the unique species which can be spotted here are the Angular Rough Sharks which eat the Jellyfish roaming these waters.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

Crab

72 Sightings
J
0
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0
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0
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
5
A
21
S
26
O
8
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

Lobster

23 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
8
S
8
O
4
N
0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

Stingrays

19 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
M
0
J
2
J
2
A
6
S
4
O
4
N
1
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shrimp

17 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
0
J
8
J
2
A
7
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0
O
0
N
0
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

Spiny Lobster

13 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
J
0
J
0
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0
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7
O
4
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

Nudibranch

12 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
5
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0
O
4
N
0
D
0

Moon Jellyfish

11 Sightings
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F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
7
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

Parrotfish

6 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
M
0
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0
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0
A
6
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0
O
0
N
0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Damselfish

6 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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6
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0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 50

Sea Wasp

6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
3
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0
O
0
N
0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Scorpionfish

5 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
J
2
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0
A
3
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0
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0
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0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

Cuttlefish

4 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Stonefish

4 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Squid

4 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The best Months to Dive in Istanbul

Turkey really has four seasons which means a big change in temperature throughout the year. In the summer months, July and August, the temperature can reach up to 33°C, while in the winter, January and February, the temperatures drop down to 10°C which colder nights. The water temperature here also varies between 9°C in the winter and 24°C in the summer, so it’s important to check the temperature before travelling to know what suit to wear. The visibility varies depending on where divers are diving, the Maraman Sea has the lowest visibility and the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea have above average visibility of around 25 metres.

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