Turkey

Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing – if diving is only one of your favourite watery pursuits, then check out the In Depth resort in Turkey

So what’s new?
All-inclusive watersports clubs have been popular in the Mediterranean for decades, but have only recently included diving. UK company Mark Warner has introduced ‘In Depth’ dive centres at seven of its European hotels. Palm Beach Hotel, 18km from Bodrum in Turkey, now has resident dive staff ready to whisk you away from the volleyball or sailing to sample the local diving.

And how’s the diving?
Although they cannot be compared with destinations such as the Red Sea in terms of diversity of life, the Aegean waters offer fascinating volcanic topography, uncrowded dive sites and excellent visibility. In Depth visits the 15 dive sites around Black Island, an undeveloped island opposite Bodrum. A generation ago, sponge divers were common around Black Island, and many locals can tell a tale or two about the risks that these hardy divers took. Around the island there are caverns, half-caves, funnels, walls, and even a meteorite hole – plenty to keep more advanced divers happy.

If you look in the right places there is a surprising amount of life. Anemones, gorgonians and lace corals thrive in the caverns and tunnels, and the drop-offs can bring shoals of tuna, baraccuda, jacks and larger grouper. Smaller fish such as wrasse, gobies, small groupers and sea bream are relatively abundant, while other species migrate to and from these waters. You are also likely to see moray eels and octopuses.

The most outstanding features of Turkey’s seas are the hundreds of wrecks lying on the sea bed. Unfortunately, it is forbidden to dive many of these historic sites and the In Depth team does not dive any wrecks at present. The In Depth team charters a very comfortable, 15m steel-hulled, purpose-built dive boat from The Aegean Pro Dive Centre for all the diving. A 30-minute minibus ride takes you to the boat at Bodrum in the morning and it takes an average of 45 minutes to get to the dive sites.

The Aegean coast has a Mediterranean climate. Diving with a wetsuit is possible all year round, although the best time to go is between May and October, when the water temperature ranges from 17 to 22°C and the visibility ranges from 20 to 30m.

Hotel any good?
There is a very ‘clubby’ type atmosphere to the hotel, with various sun-kissed staff shouting out which activities are about to commence. There is always something going on, from table tennis to water polo. The hotel is well laid-out, with rooms that are simple but adequate, all en suite and air-conditioned. The rooms with sea views reap the benefit of great sunsets. The buffet-style food is not out of this world but there is a huge variety of it and you will never go hungry. As well as the buffet, there is fresh food cooked or barbecued on request – an excellent option. The restaurant is laid out with informal long tables and overlooks the sea.

Tell us about the other watersports
As well as diving; sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing are all on offer, with ample equipment. If you are an experienced
watersports enthusiast you can just take the equipment out, or, if you are a beginner, you can join in the weekly courses. The informal windsurfing and sailing courses consist of one hour lessons every morning, with some theory on the beach and the rest of the hour on the water. In the afternoon the winds regularly pick up to a Force 4, making things quite exciting for the more experienced windsurfers and sailors. Other pursuits include waterpolo, tennis, football and volleyball for adults and children.

f you want a family holiday where you can dive during the day (guilt-free, as kids or non-diving partners will have lots to do), or if you are interested in other watersports as well as diving, this could be your perfect holiday. Unfortunately, diving is the only watersport you do have to pay for. The other activities are all included.

A week’s stay at the Palm Beach Hotel costs between £438 and £987 (depending on the time of year) including all meals with wine, and all the activities excluding scuba diving. A day’s diving with a minimum of two boat dives with tanks and weights, buffet lunch and transfers costs £85 per day. Contact In Depth or Mark Warner.