Dive-site story
Located off Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands offer rocky reefs, steep underwater slopes, and boulder fields shaped by distinct layered currents. Divers encounter significant water stratification, where brackish surface currents from the Black Sea meet denser, colder Mediterranean waters below. The deeper rocky outcrops around islands such as Yassıada and Neandros shelter rare cold-water gorgonian populations alongside native Marmara fish species.
Submerged rocky drop-offs and scattered boulder formations hosting rare sea fan colonies
Noticeable halocline and thermocline transitions typical of the Marmara basin
Macro photography opportunities among red gorgonians and sponge-encrusted rocks
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Summer and early autumn provide warmer upper layer temperatures and calmer surface conditions between island crossings.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red GorgonianParamuricea clavata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow Sea FanEunicella cavolini | Common | ||||||||||||
| Black ScorpionfishScorpaena porcus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Common OctopusOctopus vulgaris | Common | ||||||||||||
| Mediterranean Spider CrabMaja squinado | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
Book with DIVEROUT
