Ayvalik, a picturesque coastal town in Türkiye, is becoming a primary destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Nestled on the northern Aegean coast, facing the Greek island of Lesbos, this charming district of Balikesir province boasts 24 diverse dive sites, attracting divers year-round with its rich marine biodiversity.
Diverse Marine Life and Stunning Dive Sites
Ayvalik’s underwater landscape is highlighted by unique red coral colonies, recognized as one of the rarest concentrations globally. This area also features robust stony corals, vibrant sea urchins, and a variety of fish species, creating a lush and biodiverse marine habitat. Local government efforts have invested in protecting this environment, with the establishment of artificial reefs at 50 locations, ensuring the sustainability of the local seabed and the marine life it supports.
Mayor Mesut Ergin emphasizes the importance of conservation, pointing out collaborations with the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, along with partnerships involving the TURMEPA marine environment association and Istanbul University. Together, they are working to enhance Ayvalik’s reputation as a leading dive tourism hub, further increasing the number of accessible dive points.
Record Tourist Interest in Ayvalik
The Ayvalik Chamber of Commerce has reported tourism occupancy rates exceeding 90% this season, particularly during August. This surge is attributed not only to traditional tourism but also to the town’s burgeoning diving and gastronomy offerings, providing year-round activities for visitors. Additionally, new dive sites have opened following special permissions from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, expanding the town’s diving portfolio significantly.
After three years of preparation, the district has gained permits to conduct dives at a historic shipwreck believed to date back to the Byzantine era. Dive instructors in the region have expressed a growing demand for additional dive points, highlighting the expansive potential of Ayvalik’s underwater tourism sector.
Thriving Dive Schools and Engaged Divers
Dive schools in Ayvalik report strong participation, with approximately 20,000 divers hitting the water during the summer season. Kubilay Kilic, the owner of Prodivers Ayvalik, notes that the growing interest suggests a healthy future for the local diving community. Instructor Berk Yalimer mentions the addition of new diving sites, underscoring the continuous growth of underwater tourism in the area.
Unal Unsal, an enthusiastic diver from Istanbul, shared his delight in exploring the rich underwater ecosystem, stating that it felt like “another planet, a separate world.” Divers like Yusuf Ziya Albas, who ventured to depths of 30 meters, confirm that Ayvalik offers an incredible diving experience filled with encounters with mesmerizing marine life such as red corals and moray eels.
In summary, Ayvalik is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for scuba diving in Türkiye. With its stunning dive sites, diverse marine life, and committed conservation efforts, this charming coastal town is set to attract more and more diving enthusiasts from around the globe.