SMUGGLERS BAY

Location and Accessibility:
Smugglers Bay is located centrally on Black Island in Bodrum. The site is accessible via a 30-minute boat ride with The Divers Club. Historically, the bay was used by smugglers during the Ottoman era as a refuge for illicit trade between the Greek Islands and the Anatolian mainland. The bay’s historical significance adds a fascinating backdrop to the dive experience. The dive site features two distinct routes, each offering a unique exploration of the area’s underwater terrain and marine life.

Dive Routes:

1. Dive Route 1 – Right Wall:
   • Starting Depth: 3 meters (shallow start within the bay)
   • Dive Path:
     After a 5-minute swim through the bay, divers reach a depth of 8 meters, where they will encounter posidonia meadows. From here, they will turn right to follow the wall.
     The wall continues through a variety of underwater features, including:
     • Passing a horn at around 20 meters
     • Amphoras scattered on the sandy bottom between 23 and 28 meters
     • A diverse array of rock formations extending from 18 to 22 meters, with the wall descending further to 28 meters
       This route offers a relatively shallow and accessible dive for divers of all levels, with clear visibility and minimal current.
   • Marine Life: Divers may also encounter: Moray eels (often found in amphoras), Dentex, Leerfish, Groupers, Lionfish, Crabs, Lobsters, and vibrant Nudibranchs
2. Dive Route 2 – Left Wall:
   • Starting Depth: 3 meters (shallow start within the bay)
   • Dive Path:
     The second dive route begins with a 7-minute swim inside the bay, and at 14 meters, the posidonia meadows start to appear. Divers turn left to follow the wall, which features volcanic rock formations and offers a chance to explore the concealed species living within them.
     The wall’s deepest point is at 30 meters, with further exploration revealing a steep drop-off to over 30 meters. The wall extends to a maximum depth of 35 meters.
     DPV (Underwater Scooter) use is highly recommended for experienced divers to access the concealed wall after just 2 minutes of exploration.
   • Marine Life: Divers may also encounter:Dentex, Leerfish, Groupers, Moray eels, Lionfish, Crabs, Lobsters, Tritons, and vibrant Nudibranchs

Dive Site Characteristics:

• Maximum Depth: 35 meters
• Type of Dive: Wall Dive, Deep Dive
• Ideal For: Discovery Divers, Open Water Divers, Advanced Divers, DPV Divers

Recommendations:

• For Discovery Divers and Open Water Divers, the Right Wall provides a beautiful and accessible route with minimal current.
• Advanced Divers and DPV Divers should consider exploring the Left Wall to experience the more challenging steep drop-off and concealed wall at 35 meters.
• Underwater photography enthusiasts will appreciate the clear visibility and stunning marine biodiversity.