The famous French diver, who for the first time reached a hundred-meter depth without scuba gear, Jacques Mayol was convinced that once a man, like a dolphin, lived in water. What you really can’t argue with – it’s hard to resist the urge to swing on gentle waves or plunge into the depths. And how many secrets the Black Sea hides! Diving in Crimea will give you an unforgettable experience. Ancient cities that have sunk under the water, sunken ships with treasures, aircraft shot down during the war – all this is revealed to those who decided to explore the underwater world.
Despite the small size of the peninsula, the Crimean coast is very different
Somewhere the bottom is sandy, and somewhere rocky, on some beaches you will have to walk so that the water reaches at least chest level, and on others – with your head already three meters from the coast.
Real sea beauties are on the rocky South Shore and on Cape Tarkhankut, where there are underwater grottoes and caves.
Divers who have chosen the coast of Evpatoria or the village of Peschanoe have every chance of finding a fragment of an antique amphora on the seabed, or even an anchor from an ancient ship. There were many Greek, Roman and Scythian settlements in these parts.
Popular resorts of Crimea: Balaclava. Diving in Crimea
Deep Balaklava Bay can be called a real southern fjord. It juts deep into the land, connecting with the sea only by a narrow passage. From the open water, the bay itself is practically invisible, which from time immemorial made Balaklava an excellent harbor and refuge for the combat fleet.
The cliffs here abut against the sea, forming many underwater caves, some of which are so large that they became the anchorage of military submarines (they can be seen in the local museum of the Cold War).
If you are an experienced diver, you can rent equipment and dive on your own, or if you only dream of conquering the depths, then there is an opportunity to work out with an instructor.
Sevastopol
The local diving center is located in the Cossack Bay, but diving can also be done abeam Chersonesos, an ancient ancient polis, most of which is under water today.
Dives are available all year round. Divers have wetsuits at their disposal, and experienced instructors will make sure that diving is completely safe.
Cape Tarkhankut
Perhaps the best diving in Crimea is at Cape Tarkhankut. This is a real mecca for diving enthusiasts. The depths of incredible beauty are also open to professional divers, but to those who dive for the first time with a regular mask and fins.
The crevices between the boulders pierced by slanting rays of the sun, mysterious caves and grottoes, colorful fish scurrying in transparent water – it is not without reason that the feature film “Amphibian Man” was filmed here at one time.
Ordzhonikidze
The village of Ordzhonikidze is located on the eastern coast of Crimea near Koktebel. Not far from here is Karadag, an extinct volcano. So at the bottom to this day you can find traces of ancient eruptions: bizarre petrified lava drips, heaps of boulders.
There is a legend that it is in these places that the legendary Karadag snake, or the Crimean Nessie, appears – a creature unknown to science, which is shrouded in mysteries.
Cape Meganom
A kilometer from the coast, abeam of Cape Meganom, at a depth of 15 meters, lies a Soviet torpedo bomber. Only five meters separates its upper deck from the surface of the water, so even an inexperienced diver can see the ship. It has no weapons, so it is safe for swimmers.
The best places for professionals
Interesting diving awaits professionals at Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea. The underwater caves are designed for experienced divers who do not care about darkness or rock overhead.
The depths of the reserved Karadag bays will also reveal their secrets, and the waters of Balaklava and Sevastopol will tell the story of past wars.
Best Places for Newbies
If you are just planning to conquer the underwater kingdom, then the beaches of Evpatoria (for example, “Solnyshko”), the villages of Pribrezhnoye and Novofedorovka, as well as the shallow waters of Feodosia, Sandy, Nikolaevka and Uglovoe are suitable for you. The bottom is flat, you can practice diving at shallow depths. At the same time, there is a chance to find an ancient artifact: a piece of an amphora, an antique coin or a Scythian bead.
Also for beginners, diving to the sunken torpedo boat near Cape Meganom is suitable.