Dive Site: Coast Guard Ship Wreck

About Coast Guard Ship Wreck

The Coast Guard Ship Wreck is an advanced dive site situated near Bodrum in the Aegean Sea. This decommissioned Turkish coast guard vessel was intentionally sunk to serve as an artificial reef, adding to Bodrum's reputation as a premier wreck diving destination. The wreck's operational profile remains largely intact, even as marine growth establishes itself, creating a dynamic habitat for various species. Sitting on the Aegean seabed, the vessel's deck equipment, bridge structure, and hull lines are still clearly identifiable. The wreck itself acts as an oasis of hard substrate, supporting significantly more life than the surrounding sandy bottom. Depths range from a shallow seagrass approach at 3 meters down to the bow at 26-29 meters, with the stern reported at 17-18 meters. Marine colonization is well underway, with sponges, soft corals, and algae coating the hull. A diverse fish population includes groupers establishing territories within the wreck, while schools of bream and wrasse are often seen orbiting the exterior. Other notable inhabitants are moray eels, octopus, and nudibranchs, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean. This site is typically accessed by boat from Bodrum and is suitable for certified divers. It provides a unique exploration experience, with prepared access points allowing interior penetration for those with specific wreck diving certifications. Divers should plan for a guided experience to navigate the wreck's features and understand its depth progression.

Dive site facts: Coast Guard Ship Wreck

Depth

3–29 m

Current

Mild to Moderate

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

25–26°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Artificial Reef

Region / port

Bodrum, Turkey

Coordinates

37.3261° N, 27.2441° E

Conditions & Currents

Conditions at the Coast Guard Ship Wreck can vary, with moderate currents sometimes present, particularly during specific periods. Divers have reported both mild and moderate currents at the site, which necessitates careful planning and awareness. Visibility typically ranges around 22-25 meters, providing clear views of the wreck and its inhabitants. Entry is exclusively by boat, requiring careful coordination with the dive operator. Due to the wreck's depth profile, which spans from a shallow 3 meters over seagrass to 29 meters at the bow, divers need to manage their air consumption and decompression limits. The wheelhouse is considered an overhead environment, and penetration should only be attempted by trained and certified wreck divers, with conservative gas planning and adherence to guide instructions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Moray Eel

common

Octopus

common

Sea fan

common

Damselfish

common

Conger eel

common

Cuttlefish

common

Nudibranch

common

Lobster

common

Scorpionfish

common

Bream

common

Wrasse

common

Barracuda

common

Jackfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Coast Guard Ship Wreck begins with a boat entry from Bodrum, typically involving a short ride to the site. Upon descent, you'll first encounter a shallow seagrass area around 3 meters before reaching the wreck itself. The dive follows the artificial reef profile, with the stern resting at approximately 17-18 meters and the bow extending deeper to 26-29 meters. You'll navigate along the hull, observing the deck equipment, bridge structure, and marine growth. Careful buoyancy control is essential, especially if exploring the prepared access points for interior penetration, which is reserved for certified wreck divers. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often utilizing the shallower parts of the wreck or the adjacent reef for a safety stop, ensuring a conservative profile given the wreck's depth range.

Underwater photography

This wreck offers excellent wide-angle opportunities to capture the full structure of the decommissioned coast guard vessel and the extensive marine growth covering its surfaces. Consider using an external strobe to bring out the vibrant colors of sponges, soft corals, and algae coating the hull, especially in deeper sections where natural light diminishes. For macro photography, focus on details like nudibranchs, small invertebrates, and juvenile fish hiding among the wreck's crevices and deck equipment. Pay close attention to buoyancy, particularly if entering the wheelhouse, to avoid disturbing silt and maintain clear shots. Patience is key when photographing resident groupers or schooling fish, allowing them to acclimate to your presence for natural, dynamic compositions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• SG-115 TURKISH NAVY SHIPWRECK

  Another significant purpose-sunk wreck in the Bodrum area.

• PACOZ BAY (C-47 DACOTA PLANE WRECK)

  A C-47 Dakota plane wreck offering a different type of wreck diving.

• Milet

  A wall and cavern dive with clear Aegean water, located about 10.1 km away.

• Akyar Reef

  A reef dive in the same region, suitable for combining with wreck dives.

• St. Didier Wreck

  Another wreck listed among Turkey's top dive sites.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Coast Guard Ship Wreck is primarily via daily boat trips departing from Bodrum, a major hub in the Aegean Sea. Bodrum is served by Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV), which offers both domestic and international flights, making it easily accessible for divers. Trips to the wreck are usually short boat runs, making it feasible to combine with other local dive sites in a single day or as part of a multi-day dive package. There are no specific permits or park fees mentioned for diving this particular site, but divers should confirm with their chosen dive center for any local regulations. Dive centers in Bodrum frequently offer guided trips to this wreck, often bundling it with other artificial reefs or natural sites to showcase the region's diverse underwater offerings.

Safety & environment

Diving at the Coast Guard Ship Wreck requires adherence to advanced diving protocols due to its depth and potential for overhead environments. Divers must ensure they are properly certified for the depths and conditions, and any penetration into the wheelhouse should only be attempted by trained wreck divers with appropriate equipment and gas planning. The nearest recompression chamber would typically be in a major urban center like Izmir or potentially Istanbul, necessitating a significant evacuation time in case of a dive-related emergency. Divers should always have comprehensive dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and emergency evacuation. Always dive with a reputable local operator familiar with the wreck and follow your guide's instructions precisely, especially regarding currents and overhead sections. Maintain good buoyancy control to prevent disturbing silt, which can quickly reduce visibility.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Coast Guard Ship Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Coast Guard Ship Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Coast Guard Ship Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day