On the sides and undersides of the rocks, however, is usually a layer of thin red sponge, and holes in the rocks provide homes for diverse creatures, including octopuses, conger eels, shrimps and tiny crabs less than 1 centimetre in length. Below 15 metres the bottom is covered with green weed whose ribbon-like fronds are 30 centimetres in length. This continues down to 20 or 30 metres, where there are rocks of gigantic size, sometimes forming sheer walls. These provide a home for a wealth of marine life, and are the areas underwater divers enjoy exploring most.

The surface of the rock is covered with red sponges resembling cacti, and the crevices in the rock are lined with yellow and red sponge.

These crevices are the home of white bream, small goby, cardinal fish, conger eels, moray eels, groupers, Corvina nigra, and so on.

These soft corals are also found around the Marmara Islands and near Antalya, but only at much greater depths of over 50 metres.
At these diving points the rocks are covered with crimson and vivid yellow corals like a brilliantly decorated fan. These soft corals are also found around the Marmara Islands and near Antalya, but only at much greater depths of over 50 metres.
Kerbela Shallows covers an area of over 500 square metres and varies in depth from 30 to 50 metres. Divers at Kerbela must strictly comply with the regulations of deep sea diving. If you dive with a diving company, then there are no formalities involved. However, if you wish to dive at points outside the areas permitted for recreational diving, then you must apply to the authorities plenty of time in advance.
At these diving points the rocks are covered with crimson and vivid yellow corals like a brilliantly decorated fan. These soft corals are also found around the Marmara Islands and near Antalya, but only at much greater depths of over 50 metres.

Kerbela Shallows covers an area of over 500 square metres and varies in depth from 30 to 50 metres. Divers at Kerbela must strictly comply with the regulations of deep sea diving. If you dive with a diving company, then there are no formalities involved. However, if you wish to dive at points outside the areas permitted for recreational diving, then you must apply to the authorities plenty of time in advance.
Most of the marine fish species native to the Aegean are to be found at Ayvalik, and this diversity is one of the primary attractions of the area for divers. Over the past decade Ayvalik has become an increasingly popular diving destination. The colourful and mysterious alternative world beneath the surface of that sapphire sea holds a fascination that no diver can resist.

* Ali Ethem Keskin is an underwater photographer.