What was always known as European dive centre (English company)would be our recommendation . They had many branches thoughout turkey that were run as franchises but I believe The Fethiye and Marmaris (Based in Icmeler) branch are now run independantly and the other branches have disappeared.. Maybe someone will know what they are now known as or alternatively there is an english number here for the Fethiye branch who would be happy to help you locate them if they are still there . http://www.europeandivingcentre.com/

If you are staying in icmeler there is a PADI dive school there called divers delight. They actually work with all the big tour operators and do a lot of try dives at the hotels and stuff but they are really good and not too expensive. You will be able to get your first PADI certs with them no problem. They are right at the end of the beach or right at the end of the main road that runs through icmeler near to Deniz Kapisi and Harmony bar.

Thanks Lyn and RWB46, i am fully qualified (advanced open-water) so will just be looking to do a couple of dives with my son.

J.

i recommend European Seasports. they were part of European diving but went by themselves. They dive over on the north coast at Defneli.
check the website for more details. europeanseasports.com.

sort out all your bookings before you go and there are discounts available.

Thanks, have checked them out and looks OK!

J.

Ah that explains where the icmeler branch are now then Roger . Thanks for that .

julian01,

I've dived with European Seasports (formerly European Diving Centre) since 2001. There isn't a lot to see around the Marmaris / Icmeler area and because of local issues, they moved over to Defneli Bay in 2006 (about 45 minutes drive away). It's a lovely place although marine life is still a bit limited. I know the owners pretty well and I'm going over to see them again in September for a couple of days. It's one of the best dive centres I've ever used and the staff / owners are great people. You won't be dissapointed and come hightly recommended.

I filmed the following video (as well as many others) when EDC were based in Icmeler and shows diving in and around Icmeler / Marmaris to give you an idea of what to expect. I can only publish 5 minute clips because of bandwidth restrictions and they are hightly compressed so the quality is reduced. You'll get the idea though (click on the Fireworm to play!):



The visibility around Defneli is generally better than this and the fish population slightly better. The only thing you won't see around Defneli is amphora, but the ones around Icmeler are battered anyway.


This is the dive boat for the experienced groups; Delphinus (the skipper is a character!)


Plenty of room in the saloon


Easy entry (giant stride) and egress via the ladder


Defneli beach to relax between dives



See you down there

Darren

That was worth a look! cheers Darren.
Have dived many times in Cyprus, is the vis as good in Turkey? (25M)

julian01 wrote:

is the vis as good in Turkey? (25M)

It varies depeding on time of year, but expect 25m+ in Defneli, it's pretty good. Water temperatures are tropical when I go in September (and normally have the boat to myself!) at about 26C, but the thermoclines don't half wake you up if you come across one! You still should have 24/25C in July. The water in that part of the world is very (and I mean very) salty so you need more lead than usual, another 2kg or so. I'd normally use 4kg with a 5mm wetsuit but I use 6kg over there or you end up too light at the end of a dive using an aluminium cylinder. You might be a little dissapointed with the marine life, but that's Turlkey for you. You won't be dissaponted with the dive centre or staff though. Say hello to John for me!

Darren

PS, this is more my type of diving:


I love playing around sharks!

My family have dived around Olu Deniz/fethiye, icmeler and around bodrum/Turgetreis . The later for the better marine life . Ok it's not the Red sea but they have thoroughly enjoyed all their diving there as it's often more relaxed than the hectic dive scene in Sharm .

The water in that part of the world is very (and I mean very) salty so you need more lead than usual, another 2kg or so. I'd normally use 4kg with a 5mm wetsuit but I use 6kg over there or you end up too light at the end of a dive using an aluminium cylinder.

I normally use about 10K, big lungs!

J.

Thanks Lyn, will certainly try it

lynwestie wrote:

Ok it's not the Red sea but they have thoroughly enjoyed all their diving there as it's often more relaxed than the hectic dive scene in Sharm

That's so true. One of the reasons I've been reluctant to go to the Red Sea is because of the congestion under the waves. I hate diving in big groups on congested sites. Although the marine life is limited in Turkey, it's so relaxing in comparison and you can do pretty much as you please without having other groups all over the place. Last September, I had the boat to myself for two days and there were only 2 or 3 others on the other days so we could dive where we wanted and there was no rush (qualifications and expereince pending). The beginners groups (DSD's) stay on the shore in the confined waters, which also makes for excellent snorkelling. Scuba Diver / Open Water etc students dive from the boat but it's never busy.

Darren

nice pics darren... i can agree on the comments about the captain... such a character.

also , we always get a warm welcome by the restaurant staff as they remember us from year to year.

think we should be on more commission for recommending the place !!!