The North of the Bulgarian Black Sea offers a fascinating diving experience with its diverse underwater attractions. The seabed in the region Varna features natural rock formations, sunken ships, submarines lost in battles or accidents, and even an intentionally submerged aircraft for recreational diving. These sites provide an exciting mix of history and adventure for diving enthusiasts.
While there are many beautiful dive sites to choose from, just check the map, and ask a local dive center. Local professional guides know other secret spots you might love to visit. If you love surprises, trust their expertise; they’ll tailor recommendations to your skill level. These guides have unmatched knowledge of hidden caves, lesser-known wrecks, and seasonal marine life patterns. By following their advice, you’ll discover dive locations perfectly suited to your experience and interests. Let them guide you beyond the obvious for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
The Black Sea’s weather is unpredictable due to its relatively small size, often causing sudden waves and strong currents. Experienced divers note that under certain conditions, the influence of the Danube River can be felt along the northern coast, affecting visibility and currents. The diving season runs from April to November, with water temperatures below 25 meters ranging between 6°C and 12°C, requiring proper thermal protection. Despite these challenges, the Varna region and the North of the Black Sea remain a compelling destination for divers. From wartime wrecks to artificial reefs, each dive reveals a piece of maritime history while offering encounters with marine life.
Tyulenovo has amazing rock formations where one can encounter the sea creatures. The name of the village is not accidental, it means Seal in Bulgarian. At the time when the Romanian princess lived in the palace in Balchik (in the mid-1930s), she received a pair of seals as a gift but the queen wished to let them live freely and not fenced in a cage. The animals settled in the waters near Tyulenovo. Divers consider this region the most stunning diving spot along Bulgaria’s coast, renowned for its striking underwater rock formations and vibrant reefs. The area features numerous caves, some rumored to have been pirate hideouts due to their dual land-and-sea entrances. The most famous is the 107-meter-long cave, the longest underwater cave in the country. With a single-level layout, branching passages, and full accessibility, it offers an exciting exploration opportunity.
Rising dramatically at Bulgaria’s easternmost point, Cape Kaliakra captivates visitors with its sheer 70-meter cliffs that drop vertically into the Black Sea. Over millennia, wind and waves have sculpted this rugged peninsula into a breathtaking spectacle of jagged rock formations and sea caves along its 25-kilometer coastline. The divers can dive into this living museum where nature reserves protect rare species and ancient villages preserve stories of forgotten civilizations.
What truly sets Kaliakra apart are the legends woven into its cliffs. Local lore tells of a Thracian king who supposedly hid an immense treasure near the Yaylata archaeological site. This hoard remains undiscovered despite centuries of searching. Equally intriguing is the tale of the Black Prince, a British royal vessel that sank during the Crimean War with its cargo of military rewards. While some claim the wreck has been located, adventurous divers still comb these waters hoping to find remnants of its fabled treasure.
As you stand on the windswept cliffs looking toward the Shabla Lighthouse shimmering in the distance, it’s easy to understand why this place has inspired so many stories. The cape’s raw natural beauty, combined with its aura of mystery, creates an experience that stays with visitors long after they leave. Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic landscapes, the rich biodiversity, or the whispers of hidden treasures, Kaliakra offers a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s natural and historical heritage.
North of the cape, the seabed conceals another layer of history, scattered remnants of shipwrecks and a labyrinth of underwater caves waiting to be explored. Divers who venture here encounter a submerged museum of maritime heritage, where time has preserved the echoes of ancient voyages. Nearby, the village of Tyulenovo offers a striking contrast with its crimson cliffs and sheer 20-meter drops into crystal-clear waters. This secluded paradise is a magnet for adventurers, combining rock climbing, spearfishing, and diving in an otherworldly setting. The underwater caves here are a spectacle of nature, their hidden chambers illuminated by the shifting light of the sea.
Just three kilometers north of Tyulenovo lies Rezishteto, the most captivating diving spot along the northern Black Sea coast. Once a ship graveyard where aging vessels were dismantled for scrap, the bay now harbors the skeletal remains of forgotten ships, their rusted hulls encrusted with marine life. The shallow, gradual descent makes it ideal for novice divers, offering an eerie yet accessible glimpse into maritime history. But the mysteries do not end there. Near the towns of Shabla and Ezerets, wooden shipwrecks from the 17th and 18th centuries lie half-buried in the sand, their fragmented hulls hinting at long-lost voyages.
The region’s historical significance stretches far beyond shipwrecks. Close to Ezerets, the Durankulak Lake Neolithic settlement reveals Europe’s earliest known agricultural community, with stone structures dating back to 5200 BC.
The waters near Shabla guard a chilling relic of modern history. A sealed Russian submarine, left untouched at Russia’s request. Surrounding it, dormant mines from both World Wars still pose a lethal threat, forbidding exploration. The submarine’s welded hatches hold untold secrets, fueling local legends of espionage and wartime intrigue. From ancient civilizations to maritime mysteries, this stretch of Bulgaria’s coast is a tapestry of natural wonder and human history, where every cliff, cave, and sunken wreck tells a story.
Near the resorts of St. Constantine and Helena and Golden Sands lays a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-154 airplane, once part of Bulgaria’s government fleet during the communist regime and Todor Zhivkov’s era. The aircraft was deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef in 2011. The massive aircraft, originally manufactured in 1971 and later acquired by Balkan Airlines, was carefully lowered to a depth of 22 meters, just under two kilometers from the shore. Measuring 50 meters in length, 11 meters in height, and with a 35-meter wingspan, its gutted fuselage now rests on the seabed, offering a striking spectacle for divers. This initiative not only saved the plane from being scrapped but also gave it a new purpose. Over time, marine life such as algae, fish, and crustaceans will colonize the structure, transforming it into a thriving underwater ecosystem.
If you’re eager to explore scuba diving, numerous schools along the coast will gladly guide you through your first underwater adventures. While the Northern Black Sea may not boast the vibrant coral reefs of tropical destinations, its waters hold a different kind of magic, sunken shipwrecks, mysterious caves, and a rich maritime history waiting to be discovered. The muted hues of our seabed are compensated by fascinating stories etched into every submerged relic. Local dive instructors know these hidden gems intimately and can tailor dives to match your curiosity and skill level. So, don’t just dive, immerse yourself in the untold tales beneath the waves.
Have a look at the diving options and the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast: