Explore 15 Stunning Diving Spots in Çeşme, Turkey

Turkey's international tourism brand Çeşme continues to be the focus of underwater enthusiasts with its clear waters, shipwrecks, caves, artificial reefs, and colorful marine life.

THE WEALTH UNDER ÇEŞME'S DEPTHS CONTRIBUTES TO ÇEŞME TOURISM

Çeşme, the world-renowned tourism center of İzmir, hosts millions of visitors each year with its unique beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural heritage dating back to antiquity. It offers diving enthusiasts a different exploration experience with its unique riches hidden in the depths of blue. The underwater world, ranging from shipwrecks to underwater sculptures, caves to artificial reefs, and dive sites where hundreds of rays can be observed, attracts divers of all levels.

The dive routes extending from the Monem Wreck to the TCSG-68 Coast Guard Ship, from the Bedroom Cave to the Ray Field, form the underwater wealth of Çeşme. Erdinç Ergün, one of the owners of the Deep Nature Diving Center, which has been providing diving training in the region for nearly a quarter of a century, explained these routes, each with different characteristics, and the life beneath the blue to our readers.

EACH DIVE IS A NEW DISCOVERY

Erdinç Ergün, a diving instructor and one of the owners of the Deep Nature Diving Center, which has been exploring Çeşme's underwater since 1999 and guiding thousands of dives, stated that the underwater richness of the district offers a different experience with each dive. Ergün emphasized that Çeşme is one of Turkey's leading diving centers with its rich fauna and flora, noting that the clear waters with long visibility and biodiversity make the region privileged for underwater enthusiasts. 'Çeşme has about 15 dive sites, hosting numerous marine creatures such as bream, grouper, black-eyed, dentex, lipsoz, and cuttlefish, along with rock formations covered with corals and sponges. Even during unfavorable weather conditions, safe diving can be done at about 10 of these sites. The Monem Wreck, the impressive Bedroom Cave, No Name with its fish and squid nests and sculptures, and the Ray Field with hundreds of colorful rays are among the most popular routes,' he said.

MONEM IS NOT A WRECK, BUT A LIVING SMALL WORLD

Erdinç Ergün emphasized that the Monem Wreck, one of Çeşme's iconic dive sites, holds a unique place among other wrecks and described this unique route with the following words:

'It would be a significant omission to say that I dived in Çeşme without seeing the Monem Wreck. This wreck, which divers of all levels can safely dive, is one of the largest wrecks in Turkey. It sank to a depth of 18 meters off the coast of Çeşme due to a storm while being taken to Aliağa in 2004. The location of the 75-meter-long ship provides a great advantage for underwater life. Today, it hosts many marine creatures with its two-story hangar, wide deck, and natural structure. It has become more than just an ordinary wreck; it has turned into a vibrant ecosystem where fish feed, shelter, and breed. Therefore, we see it not as a wreck lying at the bottom of the sea, but as a living small world.'

THE COLORFUL UNDERWATER WORLD OF MONEM

Erdinç Ergün stated that the Monem Wreck has transformed into a special dive route that divers of all levels can comfortably explore over time, integrating with its natural structure. 'With its wide deck, the captain's cabin accessible by stairs, holds, air ducts, and magnificent bow, it has an impressive underwater view. I believe everyone who has the opportunity to dive must discover this magical beauty. Because every dive here offers a different experience. Sometimes schools of yellowtail accompany you, and sometimes parrotfish surround you. Large scorpionfish, colorful fish, and the sea turtles that occasionally appear make the underwater journey unforgettable. Thanks to the increasing diversity of marine life each year, Monem offers new discoveries even to those who dive repeatedly at the same spot,' he conveyed the enchanting atmosphere of the Monem Wreck.

IDEAL FOR BOTH DIVING TRAINING AND RECREATIONAL DIVES

Erdinç Ergün noted that dives at the Monem Wreck can only be conducted in suitable weather conditions due to its location in an area exposed to wind, and continued:

'Every diver with an Open Water Diver (PADI) or a one-star CMAS certificate can safely dive at the Monem Wreck. Amateur divers are not allowed to dive deeper than 30 meters. However, Monem, with its depth of 18 meters and not being classified as a historical artifact, is among the ideal routes for both diving training and recreational dives. Since 2005, the wreck has hosted thousands of local and foreign diving enthusiasts and is also of great interest for underwater photography and video shoots due to its light and visibility conditions. Since it does not have historical wreck status, there is no need to obtain additional permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before diving.'

MILITARY SHIP SERVING DIVING TOURISM

Erdinç Ergün stated that another wreck in Çeşme is the TCSG 68 Coast Guard Ship, which was sunk in 2017 as part of an artificial reef project. 'The ship, which was laid down at the Taşkızak Shipyard in Istanbul in 1982, was launched in 1983. A year later, it was added to the inventory of the Coast Guard Command and served for 34 years. The ship participated in many significant operations, including the Kardak Rocks crisis, and was decommissioned in 2016. A year later, it was sunk at a depth of 30 meters off the coast of Çeşme, near Eşek Island, to be integrated into diving tourism as part of an artificial reef project. During the sinking of the ship, 36 tons of concrete were used. Today, it is not only a dive site but also one of the rare places that meet art underwater. Inside the ship is the 'Sponge Divers' exhibition, composed of photographs taken by Mustafa Kapkın, one of Turkey's first underwater photography artists, about sponge divers in Bodrum around 63 years ago. Diving enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore a historic duty ship in the depths of blue waters while also viewing this special photo collection displayed underwater,' he explained the special place of TCSG 68 in Çeşme's diving tourism.

BEDROOM CAVE, A FAVORITE AMONG DIVING ENTHUSIASTS

Erdinç Ergün pointed out that one of the most impressive dive sites in Çeşme is the cave known as 'Bedroom,' highlighting its natural structure and rich underwater life, which attracts everyone from beginners to experienced divers. He continued:

'The Bedroom is one of the most special dive routes in Çeşme. It is located under a small island that extends to about 40 meters deep and gets its name from its natural cave resembling a bedroom. Its maximum depth of 16 meters provides a great advantage for both training and recreational dives. This area allows for safe diving even in bad weather conditions, captivating diving enthusiasts with its clear water and impressive bottom structure. The Bedroom hosts many marine creatures, including barracuda schools, moray eels, bream, amberjack, and grouper, making it one of the most preferred routes for the last dive of the day. The two cave entrances on the west side of the island, along with the colorful spectacle created by the sponges, offer unique shots, especially for macro and wide-angle underwater photographers. The turquoise blue seen when looking out from inside the cave is among the details that make this place unforgettable.'

RAY FIELD, ONE OF THE MOST SPECIAL MEETING POINTS UNDERWATER

Erdinç Ergün noted that the Ray Field off the coast of Ildırı has become one of the most popular dive sites in Çeşme in recent years, particularly due to its ray population. He stated:

'It is possible to encounter about seven different species of rays in this area. Especially, the stingrays are seen here in abundance. We believe that the fish farms in the vicinity attract rays to this area, and the sandy seabed creates a suitable habitat for them, especially during the mating season in October and November. Observing hundreds of rays in their natural habitat at the same time is a unique experience for diving enthusiasts. In fact, each dive site in Çeşme has its own unique character. Some stand out with their caves, some with their wrecks, and others with their biodiversity. This diversity ensures that even during dives at different points in the same day, completely different views can be encountered,' he pointed out the importance of the region's underwater ecosystem.

ARTIFICIAL REEFS CONTRIBUTE TO MARINE LIFE

Erdinç Ergün stated that they have also initiated many projects aimed at protecting marine life, in addition to developing diving tourism in Çeşme, emphasizing that artificial reef applications significantly contribute to underwater biodiversity. He said:

'We have been conducting artificial reef projects for many years to increase the populations of fish and squid. Concrete pipes and the TCSG-68 Coast Guard Ship are among the most important examples of these efforts. Thanks to the squid spawning systems we established together with Çeşme Marina, squids can lay their eggs in safe areas. Over time, these underwater structures create living spaces for many marine creatures and increase the ecological richness of the region. In addition to artificial reef works, we have also placed visual sculptures underwater. The statues of Pir Sultan Abdal and Hacı Bektaş Veli are among them. The 'Lost Migrant Monument,' prepared by artist Onur Canka in memory of migrants who lost their lives in the Aegean Sea, is also located at the '88' dive site off Eşek Island.'

COLLABORATIVE WORK FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SEA

Erdinç Ergün drew attention to the Çeşme Artificial Reef Project, which they launched in collaboration with Ege University, stating that it helps create new living spaces for juvenile fish while also contributing to the prevention of illegal trawling. He shared information about their ongoing efforts, saying, 'We continue our work aimed at protecting and developing underwater life with the support of the Çeşme District Governorship, the Çeşme Municipality, and the İzmir Chamber of Shipping. In 2021, we started a collaborative project in our region with the Marine Mammals Research Association. Our team is also a member of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality's underwater imaging team.'

A PASSION FOR THE SEA PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS

Erdinç Ergün shared that his love for the sea blossomed in his childhood and reflected in his sons' achievements. He said, 'My eldest son, Derin Ergün, won first place in the Kemer International Underwater Photography Competition in 2020 and third place in 2021. My younger son, Doğa, has transformed his bond with the sea into underwater photography over time. Being shortlisted in the Youth Category of the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards and winning third place in the international '21st Century Photo Competition' held in Lithuania are among the best indicators that he is on the right path. What matters most to me is that my children view the sea not just as a sport or hobby, but as a unique habitat that needs to be protected. The achievements of both of our sons in national and international competitions are a great source of pride for our family.'

DIVING IS POSSIBLE FOR MOST OF THE YEAR IN ÇEŞME

Erdinç Ergün pointed out that the climate and sea conditions in Çeşme are quite favorable for diving, emphasizing that safe diving can be done for most of the year in the district. He concluded his remarks by saying:

'We can dive in Çeşme for about 10 months of the year, except for January and February. Water temperatures reach about 15 degrees in winter and 23 degrees in summer. The low current, high visibility, and colorful underwater life created by corals and sponges make the diving experience even more enjoyable. Diving is not just a sport that only professionals can do, as it is commonly believed. Anyone over the age of 14 can get acquainted with this world by doing a trial dive under the supervision of an instructor. Those who want to obtain a certificate can have a diving license valid worldwide after approximately three days of training. We have been operating a diving school in Çeşme since 1999. Over the years, we have connected thousands of local and foreign diving enthusiasts with Çeşme's underwater. The majority of those who come here want to return after their first dive. Because in Çeşme, it is possible to discover a different story and beauty with every dive underwater. Former Çeşme District Governor Mustafa Erkayıran, retired Rear Admiral Ekmel Totrakan, artist Salih Güney, and media member Korcan Karar are among those who have dived into Çeşme's deep waters and explored the beauties of the underwater.'

ROUTES WAITING FOR DIVING ENTHUSIASTS IN ÇEŞME

Çeşme's underwater world, with its natural formations and dive sites with different characters, offers a wide exploration route for underwater enthusiasts. Monem Wreck, Bedroom, No Name, 88 Stones, TCSG-68 Coast Guard Ship, Ray Field, Heel, Ayrık Stone, Exploding Stone, Ildır Caves, Teke Mountain, Ildır Stone Islands, Paşalimanı Rocks, Boğaz Island, Ildırı Lighthouse Island (Leek), Camel Stones, Madonna, Gallery, Single Stone, Riko, Clamp, and Göbektaşı are among the main dive sites reflecting Çeşme's underwater richness. The area where two Ottoman ships, believed to have sunk during the Ottoman-Russian War, are located is kept closed to diving due to its historical significance.

A RICH WORLD FOR DIVING ENTHUSIASTS

Çeşme, which hosts millions of visitors with its shores, also harbors natural beauties waiting to be discovered beneath the sea. With favorable sea conditions for diving for most of the year, diverse routes with different characteristics, and rich underwater life, this unique destination continues to be one of the important centers of diving tourism in Turkey. This world, ranging from wrecks to caves, artificial reefs to colorful marine life, adds a different dimension to the tourism identity of the district while bringing together thousands of local and foreign diving enthusiasts in the blue depths of the Aegean each year.

FULYA OMAÇ / ÇEŞME

Diving Instructor Erdinç Ergün from the Deep Nature Diving Center and media member Korcan Karar

Monem Wreck, one of the most popular dive sites in Çeşme

The 'Lost Migrant Monument,' created by artist Onur Canka in memory of migrants who lost their lives in the Aegean Sea, is located at the 88 dive site.

Ayrık Stone dive site, known for its colorful underwater life.

The TCSG 68 Coast Guard Ship hosts the 'Sponge Divers' underwater photography exhibition.

The portrait of Atatürk placed underwater in Çeşme is among the most special stops on the dive routes.

Ray Field dive site and Çeşme's rich fish population.

The statue of Pir Sultan Abdal awaits diving enthusiasts underwater along with other sculptures.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye