Seferihisar
One of the biggest treats in the waters off the coast of Seferihisar is the chance to see the incredibly rare Mediterranean Monk Seal.
Explore İzmir
Izmir is a province on the west coast of Turkey with its coast on the Aegean Sea. The capital city is also named Izmir and is known is often visited by those intrigued by archaeology and other features of history. The dive centres in Izmir City will take divers to some of the best diving spots in this part of the Aegean Sea. Dive sites are reached either by boarding a liveaboard, a day trip boat or after a quick speedboat ride. There are dive sites for novice divers wanting to take a dive course or for more experienced divers who are in search of a new underwater experience. The dive sites here range from colourful reefs inhabited by different marine flora and fauna, a wide selection of interesting looking rock formations, stretches of sea grass and wrecks. All of them are made colourful by the many different species which inhabit them. Turkeys diving season is between April and November. The water temperature in April is around 16°C, with the temperature reaching up to 29°C in the midst of summer. Visibility here ranges between 10 and 30 metres and the currents are mild throughout the year. The conditions here make diving relaxing and the colours underwater even more vibrant as the sunlight streams in through the clear waters. The different Hard Corals, Soft Corals, Anemones, schools of reef fish, other species such as Moray Eels, Nudibranchs, Octopus and Lobsters, are always a joy to spot. Divers are bound to experience something new and exciting in the waters of Izmir.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in İzmir
İzmir, a beautiful city on Turkey's Aegean coast, offers a range of exciting dive sites for enthusiasts. One of the notable sites is Fener Island, famous for its captivating underwater caves and tunnels, perfect for adventurous divers seeking unique experiences. Another popular spot is the Karaburun Peninsula, which offers shore dives rich in marine life, including vibrant schools of fish and occasional encounters with octopuses and rays, making it a must-visit for shore diving enthusiasts.
For those interested in wreck diving, the Kaptan Mustafa Ertuğrul wreck near Foça provides an intriguing underwater exploration opportunity. This site, accessible via liveaboard excursions, allows divers to explore the well-preserved remnants of a sunken ship. Night diving in İzmir also offers unique experiences, with special marine life behaviors such as the bioluminescent glow of plankton and nocturnal sea creatures coming to life. Whether preferring the convenience of shore dives or the adventure of liveaboard trips, İzmir provides a balanced mix of both options to cater to every diver's preference.
Top Wildlife Sightings in İzmir
İzmir, a coastal city in Turkey, offers a diverse marine ecosystem teeming with vibrant life. Divers frequently encounter colorful reef fish such as wrasses, parrotfish, and the ever-present damselfish. These species are common year-round, providing a lively backdrop to any underwater exploration.
Seasonal highlights in İzmir include sightings of loggerhead turtles and the elusive sandbar sharks, primarily during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn. Rays, such as the marbled electric ray, are often spotted on sandy seabeds. The chance of encountering these larger creatures increases in areas with rich feeding grounds and protected marine parks, making certain months and locations more favorable for divers seeking these experiences.
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: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
520 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
3
A
13
M
20
J
28
J
128
A
155
S
103
O
49
N
12
D
6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
267 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
3
A
10
M
13
J
9
J
36
A
89
S
67
O
33
N
1
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
211 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
5
M
0
J
14
J
36
A
74
S
45
O
32
N
1
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
564 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
12
M
27
J
35
J
137
A
176
S
119
O
49
N
1
D
6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
364 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
17
M
29
J
36
J
66
A
97
S
80
O
35
N
1
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 150
Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts
107 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
39
A
26
S
30
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: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
98 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
3
A
5
M
7
J
3
J
14
A
36
S
13
O
13
N
0
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
63 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
7
J
1
J
0
A
32
S
23
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: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
44 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
22
S
13
O
1
N
7
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
44 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
5
J
2
J
15
A
5
S
4
O
9
N
4
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
42 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
1
A
4
M
4
J
2
J
11
A
3
S
0
O
11
N
2
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
40 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
3
M
3
J
0
J
11
A
5
S
0
O
12
N
4
D
1
The best Months to Dive in İzmir
İzmir offers divers favorable conditions throughout the year, with water temperatures ranging from 16°C in winter to 25°C in summer. These moderate temperatures make diving possible year-round. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 25 meters, enhancing the diving experience.
Weather conditions, primarily wind and currents, can affect diving activities. During winter, stronger winds and currents might reduce visibility and make some sites less accessible. However, most months offer calm seas and enjoyable diving conditions, with spring and fall being particularly pleasant due to milder weather and stable sea conditions.
