FLAT ROCK

Location and Accessibility:
Located at the southeastern tip of Black Island, Bodrum, Flat Rock is a small islet situated one nautical mile from the island. The dive site is accessible via a 45-minute boat ride with The Divers Club. The site is famous for its bronze statue, submerged in 2016 in honor of Mustafa Koç, a Turkish businessman, and Badem, a Mediterranean seal adopted by Koç.

Dive Route:

Starting Depth: 5 meters

• Initial Conditions:
  • The dive begins at a shallow depth of 5 meters over rocky terrain.
  • Divers gradually descend while swimming in the direction of Datça Peninsula.

• Shifting Terrain:
  • As the dive progresses, the depth gradually increases until reaching posidonia meadows at approximately 20 meters.

Reaching the Statue:

• Turn Towards the Statue:
  • From the posidonia meadows, divers turn right and continue swimming towards the statue.
  • The Statue:
    • The statue is submerged at 23 meters, and its total height is around 6 meters, measured from its base to the tip of Mr. Koç’s hand.
    • The statue commemorates Koç’s love for animals, specifically Badem, a Mediterranean seal he had adopted.

Continued Exploration:

• Reef Exploration:
  • After visiting the statue, divers can continue exploring the reef. The depth increases to 35 meters as the site opens up to more underwater terrain.
  • The site is home to groupers, jackfish, moray eels, octopuses, and lionfish.

Maximum Depth:

• 35 meters

Dive Site Characteristics:

• Types of Dive:
  • Reef Dive
  • Deep Dive
  • Drift Dive
• Ideal For:
  • Advanced Divers and above, due to the strong currents that characterize the site.
  • Deep Divers and DPV Divers looking for a more challenging dive experience.
  • Drift Diving enthusiasts will find the currents at Flat Rock an exciting feature, enhancing the adventure.

Recommendations:

• Strong Currents:
  • The strong currents at Flat Rock require advanced dive skills and proper buoyancy control.
  • Due to the currents, this dive is better suited for experienced divers rather than novices.
• Photographers:
  • The submerged statue offers a unique photo opportunity, and the surrounding marine life adds to the aesthetic value of the dive.
• Marine Life:
  • Expect to encounter barracudas, along with a variety of other species such as groupers, jackfish, and moray eels.
  • The combination of the statue and rich marine biodiversity makes this site a compelling destination for underwater photographers.

Flat Rock is a unique dive site that blends both historical significance and underwater beauty. The submerged statue, coupled with its diverse marine life, makes it a remarkable site for those with advanced diving experience. The currents here add an element of excitement, making it a great location for drift diving and DPV explorations.