When people imagine scuba diving, Bulgaria isn’t usually the first destination that comes to mind. But that’s precisely what makes it so special, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Nestled along the western edge of the Black Sea, Bulgaria offers a surprising variety of diving experiences, from gentle coastal waters to eerie shipwrecks and even adrenaline-pumping ice dives in mountain reservoirs.
Diving into the Black Sea: A Beginner’s Paradise with a Twist
From emerald coves and secret caves to shipwrecks steeped in history, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is a dream for divers looking to combine adventure with heritage. Though it may not yet rival the Red Sea or the Maldives in fame, the Bulgarian coastline offers a distinct and mesmerizing underwater world where nature and history collide.
The Black Sea has long been the subject of mystery and misconception. Its ominous name might conjure images of dangerous waters, but the reality is quite the opposite, at least on the surface. During the summer months, from June through September, the water temperature along the Bulgarian coast warms to a pleasant 24–26°C and 16-20. Unlike other seas, the Black Sea is only half as salty. The waters for beginners are with mild currents and minimal tides, making it ideal for beginner divers or those looking for a calm underwater experience.
Another advantage is the relatively low marine traffic. With fewer large vessels navigating the waters, divers enjoy a more serene and undisturbed environment. Dozens of diving centers line the Bulgarian coastline, offering lessons, excursions, and even child-friendly programs. Children as young as eight can learn to snorkel, and by age ten, they’re welcome to try scuba diving in shallow, protected bays under professional supervision.
While the surface is calm and inviting, the deeper layers of the Black Sea tell a very different story. Beneath 200 meters, the water becomes anoxic, devoid of oxygen, making it one of the world’s largest dead zones. However, this unique environment helps preserve sunken relics, as the absence of oxygen halts decay. Shipwrecks and ancient artifacts lie practically untouched, like time capsules sealed beneath the waves.
For thrill-seekers and advanced divers, Bulgaria offers a growing technical diving scene. Many wrecks remain unexplored or only partially documented, holding untold stories of war, trade, and tragedy. Sites like the Christina, the Pelesh, Rodina, Mopang, Sefak, and Campidolio are must-sees for wreck enthusiasts. Submarines like the Sh-210 and L-24, as well as the Ukrainian vessel Tolstoy, which sank in 2008, add to the underwater drama, some resting at challenging depths of over 70 meters.
One of the most exciting projects in recent history has been the artificial reef near St. Ivan Island, created by sinking the 100-ton fishing trawler Pioneer. Since its placement, it’s become home to thriving marine life and a popular dive site, attracting thousands of divers and underwater photographers.
The Two Faces of the Coastline
Bulgaria’s coastline is diverse. The northern coast is more rugged and pristine, ideal for nature lovers looking for peace and scenic dives. The southern coast, in contrast, is dotted with more wrecks and offers easier access to deeper sites, making it a hotspot for advanced diving adventures.
While visibility in the Black Sea isn't always crystal-clear, it challenges divers to sharpen their skills and adapt, a step forward in anyone’s diving journey.
Sunken Submarines
For history buffs and experienced divers, the depths off Bulgaria’s coast hide relics from a lesser-known chapter of World War II naval warfare. During the war, the Bulgarian Navy operated under Axis command, fielding a modest fleet of aging boats and modern motor torpedo craft. While Bulgaria and the Soviet Union were not officially at war, tensions played out below the surface. Soviet submarines patrolled Bulgarian waters, and one of the most significant naval actions, saw Romanian and Bulgarian forces lay extensive minefields along the coast in 1941. These defenses proved effective, contributing to the sinking of several Soviet submarines, including S-34, L-24, and Shch-210.
Diving to the wrecks of these submarines is a profound experience, but not one for the faint of heart. These sites typically lie at considerable depths and require advanced technical diving skills, along with specialized equipment and preparation. However, for those with the interest, such expeditions can be organized through professional dive operators. It’s a rare opportunity to explore the underwater remnants of wartime history, silent steel witnesses to a conflict that played out far from the public eye.
Freshwater Frontiers: Diving in Bulgaria’s Reservoirs
Beyond the sea, Bulgaria’s inland waters offer a completely different kind of adventure. Reservoir diving is less common and often overlooked, but it comes with its own set of thrills, and challenges. Bulgaria is dotted with natural lakes, dams, and rivers, each presenting unique conditions. These freshwater environments often have low visibility, sudden changes in depth, and chilling thermoclines where temperatures can plummet just a few meters below the surface but these features attract adventure seekers.
In summer, the water at the surface of most dams might be a comfortable 20°C, but drop just five meters and you’ll be met with a shocking 5°C. This dramatic temperature shift can cause muscle cramps or even cold shock if you're not prepared. Sharp slopes, thick vegetation, and muddy bottoms also make freshwater diving a test of skill and composure. Professionals say that carrying a dive knife is essential because abandoned fishing nets and debris are common hazards.
It’s crucial to stay vigilant in these unpredictable waters. Avoid diving near sluices or dam outlets, where strong currents can develop suddenly. And above all, never enter the water during thunderstorms or in high winds.
Ice Diving: A Chilling but Thrilling Experience
For the boldest divers, winter in Bulgaria unlocks a surreal world under the ice. Reaching the sites can be an adventure in itself, navigating broken roads in freezing conditions. Once there, other challenges are waiting for the adrenaline lovers like drilling through 15 centimeters of thick ice, relying on ropes to guide them back to safety.
Submerging into the greenish, -1°C water beneath the frozen surface can be an otherworldly experience. Visibility varied depending on how much silt was disturbed, and massive stalactite-like structures of mud can clung to the underside of the ice. Bubbles from exhaled air floated just below the surface, trapped in mesmerizing pockets, creating a surreal spectacle.
The sense of isolation and silence beneath the ice is profound. It's both eerie and beautiful, with cracks in the ice above catching your eye as you move below them. Once the dive is complete, you follow the rope back to the surface, emerging into the sunlight with a renewed sense of awe, and appreciation for warmth.
Never Go Alone
Diving is a beautiful experience but it can be dangerous in certain situations. Local guides and diving professionals know the risks and are trusted companion for those adventures. With many diving schools around, you can not miss the good opportunities!
Bulgaria might not be the first place divers look to when planning their next underwater escape, but perhaps it should be. From the inviting waters of the Black Sea to the silent, mysterious world beneath frozen reservoirs, the country offers a wide array of dive experiences to suit every skill level. Whether you're a curious beginner, a shipwreck hunter, or an adventurer chasing the thrill of ice diving, Bulgaria’s underwater world is rich with discovery, and full of surprises.
Have a look at the Northern and Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast: