Dive Site: Black Island (Bodrum)

About Black Island (Bodrum)

Black Island, locally known as Karaada, is a prominent dive site located approximately three miles off the coast of Bodrum in Turkey. This island serves as a natural breakwater, protecting Bodrum from waves and strong storms, and has historically been a popular stopover for boats exploring the beautiful Aegean Sea. Its waters are renowned for their exceptional clarity and rich biodiversity, making it a favored spot for divers of all experience levels. The underwater landscape around Black Island features vibrant reef formations, home to an array of colorful sponges and various fish species. While many dive sites in the Bodrum region are known for shipwrecks and submerged planes, Black Island stands out for its natural topography and abundant marine life. More experienced divers may explore deeper sections, where sightings of larger or more elusive creatures become possible. The diving season in Bodrum, including Black Island, generally extends from April to November, with peak conditions from June to September. During these months, water temperatures are comfortably warm, reaching up to 28°C, and visibility often exceeds 20 meters. This combination of calm seas, good visibility, and pleasant temperatures creates an ideal environment for underwater exploration. Diving at Black Island typically involves boat departures from Bodrum. The site is characterized by clear, clean water and a rocky coastline, providing excellent conditions for observing Mediterranean marine species. Whether you are a beginner taking your first breaths underwater or an experienced diver seeking rich marine encounters, Black Island offers a rewarding experience.

Dive site facts: Black Island (Bodrum)

Depth

Variable

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

18–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, marine life

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Bodrum

Coordinates

37.01, 27.48

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Black Island are generally mild, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. However, as with any open-water site, conditions can change, and divers should always pay attention to their dive briefing. Entry and exit are typically boat-based, and guides ensure appropriate timing to minimize exposure to any transient currents. Visibility commonly exceeds 20 meters, though it can vary slightly with local weather conditions and plankton blooms. Thermoclines are generally not a significant concern during the main diving season due to consistently warm surface temperatures.

Marine life & sighting chances

Mediterranean Moray Eel

common

Octopus

common

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Summer · occasional

Colorful sponges

common

Schools of fish

common

Grouper

occasional

Sea bream

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Black Island typically commence from a boat, anchoring in one of the island's many beautiful coves. The dive begins with a descent along the rocky wall, gradually exploring the vibrant reef structures that characterize the site. Divers can follow the natural contours of the island, observing colorful sponges and various fish species inhabiting the crevices and overhangs. Depth progression is usually guided by the dive leader, often reaching moderate depths to allow for extended bottom time and comprehensive exploration. More experienced divers may venture deeper to search for larger marine life or specific formations. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, typically initiating a slow ascent back towards shallower waters for the safety stop, often conducted along the reef top before surfacing near the waiting boat.

Underwater photography

Black Island offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially to capture the vibrant sponge formations and the crystal-clear water with schools of fish. Consider bringing a dome port to emphasize the clarity and natural light penetration. For macro enthusiasts, the rocky reefs and crevices are home to moray eels, octopuses, and various smaller critters, making a macro lens a valuable addition. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate reef ecosystem and to maintain stable shots in potentially mild currents. Utilize external strobes to bring out the true colors of the marine life and reef, as natural light diminishes with depth. Always respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance and avoiding harassment to ensure natural behavior for your photographs.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Aquarium Bay (Bodrum)

  Aquarium Bay, situated close to Bodrum, is a celebrated dive destination in Turkey, renowned for its exceptionally clear waters and diverse…

• Poyraz Reef (Bodrum)

  Poyraz Reef, known locally as Poyraz Bay, is a captivating dive site situated on the southeast side of Black Island, near Bodrum, Turkey.

• Orak Island

  Orak Island, nestled in Turkey's Aegean region near Bodrum, stands out as a top diving destination celebrated for its unique underwater…

Getting there & logistics

Diving Black Island typically involves day trips departing from Bodrum harbor. Divers generally fly into Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV), which is well-connected to major Turkish and European cities. From the airport, transfers to Bodrum town are readily available. Dive operators in Bodrum offer packages that include boat transfers, equipment rental, and guided dives to Black Island. Trips often consist of two dives, sometimes combined with other nearby Bodrum dive sites like Aquarium Bay or Poyraz Reef. Permits are usually handled by the dive centers as part of the package, and there are no specific marine park fees for this site.

Safety & environment

Bodrum provides emergency medical services, with the nearest recompression chamber located in İzmir, approximately 3-4 hours away by road, or potentially faster by air evacuation in critical situations. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended for all divers visiting Black Island. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to typically mild currents and good visibility; however, divers should always follow their guide's instructions, maintain proper buoyancy control, and stay within their training and comfort levels. Marine life is generally non-aggressive, but respecting all creatures and avoiding contact is crucial. Always dive with a reliable buddy and ensure all equipment is well-maintained before each dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Black Island (Bodrum) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Black Island (Bodrum)

These liveaboards may visit Black Island (Bodrum) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$177/day