When most travelers think of Bulgaria, they picture sun-drenched beaches, cobblestone old towns, and the romantic hum of history echoing through places like Sozopol and Nessebar. But just beyond the coastline lies a different world, one few ever see. Beneath the surface of the Black Sea, a stunning underwater landscape unfolds: sunken forests, centuries-old shipwrecks, rocky reefs teeming with marine life, and even underwater chapels shaped by local divers.
From the ghostly hull of the Mopang, a sunken American steamship near Sozopol, to coral-covered rock formations and sea caves around Varvara and Primorsko, Bulgaria’s dive sites blend natural beauty with archaeological intrigue. For seasoned divers chasing depth and history, and curious snorkelers looking for the next aquatic thrill, this overlooked corner of Europe promises something extraordinary.
Strap on your fins and grab your mask. Bulgaria’s underwater world is calling.
Underwater Forests near St. Ivan Island: The Submerged Wild
Our first stop is just offshore from the romantic town of Sozopol. Here, hidden beneath the waves near St. Ivan Island, lies a lesser-known natural marvel, an underwater forest known among locals as Flora.
This “submerged forest” isn’t made of trees in the traditional sense, but of dense sea vegetation and coral-like formations that give divers the eerie yet enchanting impression of swimming through a sunken woodland. Bright green seaweed undulates like leaves in the current, while curious fish dart in and out of the natural columns.
Flora is best visited early in the day when sunlight filters through the surface like golden threads, casting dappled patterns across the sea floor. The dive here is relatively shallow, making it accessible for beginners, yet fascinating enough to keep advanced divers enchanted.
From Silistar to Ahtopol: Rugged Beauty and Coastal Adventure
If your soul craves untamed coastal landscapes, set your compass north from Silistar. This stretch of coastline toward Ahtopol offers a wild, cinematic dive route packed with dramatic underwater relief, rocky crevices, and small hidden bays.
The area is particularly rewarding for free divers and spearfishing enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge. As you glide over the seabed, keep an eye out for cuttlefish, eels, and the occasional school of silvery mackerel darting past.
The mouth of the Veleka River marks a great starting point. From there, follow the coastline north to Ahtopol and loop back. The changing seascapes and light play make every meter unique.
Sozopol: Where History Lies Beneath the Waves
The ancient town of Sozopol is more than charming cobbled streets and sun-drenched beaches, it’s also one of Bulgaria’s richest regions for underwater archaeology. Beneath its turquoise waters lie the ghosts of long-lost ships, some now transformed into underwater museums.
The Legendary Shipwreck of MOPANG
One of the most accessible and captivating dive sites near Sozopol is the wreck of the American steamship Mopang. Built in 1920 in New Jersey as part of a U.S. wartime recovery program, this 100-meter-long Liberty-style ship met a dramatic end just a year after its launch.
On June 30, 1921, Mopang struck a naval mine while transporting goods from Istanbul and sank off the coast of Sozopol. Miraculously, there were no casualties, only a haunting metal shell now resting between 24 and 32 meters below the surface.
Today, the ship lies on its starboard side, remarkably well-preserved. Divers can explore its intact propeller, visible cargo such as crates and even a pile of vintage shoes, and penetrate the breached hull through an accessible gash. Atop the wreck, sea life has made a home, wrasses, sea anemones, and even the occasional seahorse.
Thanks to UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, Mopang is now officially recognized as an archaeological site and cannot be salvaged. It remains a fascinating, eerie monument to Bulgaria’s maritime past.
Rodina: A Wartime Casualty Turned Dive Haven
Not far from Mopang, another wreck tells a darker tale. The Bulgarian freighter Rodina, built in 1922, sank during World War II after hitting two Bulgarian mines near Cape Kolokita on September 19, 1941.
Unlike the Mopang, this tragedy claimed three lives. The ship had been carrying grain from Istanbul to Varna, protected by two naval escorts. When it sank, 37 crew members were rescued, and the vessel joined the growing ghost fleet beneath Sozopol’s waters.
Lying at a depth of 35 to 39 meters, Rodina is ideal for advanced divers. It tilts at a dramatic 45-degree angle, its massive hull and anchor chains still visible. The superstructure and cargo holds are accessible, though largely empty. The mood is solemn, but the dive is unforgettable, a powerful reminder that every shipwreck has a story to tell.
Nesebar: Reefs, Sea Horses, and Unexpected Life
Moving north along the coast, the ancient city of Nesebar offers something different, colorful coral-like formations and vibrant marine life.
While the Black Sea isn’t typically associated with coral reefs, Nesebar’s underwater landscape boasts an intricate network of rock outcrops, sponges, and soft corals that mimic their tropical cousins. Divers often spot pipefish, gobies, and swarms of sardines here. With luck, you might even spot a Black Sea seahorse dancing in the current.
Nesebar is beginner-friendly and perfect for underwater photography, thanks to its relatively shallow reefs and playful light.
Primorsko: The Crocodile Rock and the Mermaid’s Gaze
Primorsko may be better known for its family resorts, but beneath its surface lies a world sculpted by locals into an underwater experience unlike any other.
In an area dubbed Crocodile Rock, local divers have created a submerged chapel complete with a carved stone icon. The altar rests at around 5–6 meters, easily reachable even for those diving without tanks. Just a few meters deeper, at 11 meters, a stone mermaid rests serenely on an underwater terrace.
Also nearby is the Seal Cave, named after the monk seals that once roamed the area in the 1970s. Though the seals are gone, the cave’s mysterious passageways and chambers remain a favorite for cave diving fans.
Maslen Nos: Where History and Artifacts Meet
Tucked between Sozopol and Primorsko, Maslen Nos is a remote diving paradise, known for its rugged terrain, ancient anchors, and scattered artifacts. The site is tricky to reach due to poor road access, but those who brave the journey are richly rewarded.
Here, researchers have found pieces of old ship machinery, including two engines and even a gun mount, resting at various depths between 5 and 11 meters. Divers often surface to enjoy a quiet drink at a rustic seaside restaurant favored by locals and marine biologists from the nearby Bulgarian Academy of Sciences station.
This is a site where history and leisure merge seamlessly.
Kiten and Varvara: Quiet Coves and Hidden Havens
Heading further south, near Kiten, lies Marmalata, an area with natural rock formations that block fishing nets, turning it into a sanctuary for marine life. Shoals of fish and rare species can often be spotted hiding in these underwater cathedrals.
Close to Varvara, the Dardanelles area offers another peaceful retreat. Protected by rocky arms that guard the bay from the wind, it’s a favorite for tranquil shallow dives. Even when the sea outside roars, the waters here remain still, ideal for less experienced divers or those seeking meditative underwater experiences.
Deep Dive into the Unknown: The Lost Brig
In late June, an ambitious dive team including artist Vladimir Yavachev and marine explorer Mihail Zaimov descended 90 meters below the Black Sea, 26 nautical miles east of Maslen Nos. Assisted by divers Stoian Stoyanov and Luben Dilov Jr., they reached a mysterious wreck believed to date from the 17th or 18th century.
The vessel, nicknamed Mina, is a 50-meter-long brig, likely French in origin, with two or three broken masts and a remarkably preserved deck. Despite 5°C water temperatures and near-zero visibility, the team captured haunting footage of the wreck.
Nearby, another potential find awaits exploration. Dubbed Klavdia, after Zaimov’s daughter, it represents the next chapter in what may be Bulgaria’s most exciting underwater archaeological quest.
Bulgaria’s Black Sea, A Diver’s Hidden Gem
Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast may not yet be on every diver’s bucket list, but it’s a place where every dive is part adventure, part time travel. Whether you’re swimming through a sunken chapel, tracing the rusted ribs of a century-old freighter, or just hovering above seahorse-filled seagrass, one thing is certain, the Black Sea keeps its secrets well. But for those willing to plunge below the surface, Bulgaria offers one unforgettable revelation after another.
If you want to visit a particular site, your best option is to consult the local divers and guides. They’ll know the current weather conditions, accessibility, and the safest routes. Their real-time knowledge ensures you won’t waste time on closed paths or risky conditions. Plus, they can suggest hidden alternatives if your original plan isn’t feasible. Relying on their expertise guarantees a smooth and well-informed visit. After all, no one knows the area better than those who explore it daily.
Have a look at the diving options and the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast: