While the southern resorts of Bulgaria attract the summer crowds, it’s the wild northern shores that call to divers. Here, between Cape Kaliakra and the border village of Durankulak, the Black Sea turns mysterious, a realm of submerged aircraft, hidden caves, Cold War wrecks and thousand-year-old legends. The Black Sea diving near Varna in north Bulgaria is for adventure seekers open to discover wrecks and caves.
Forget coral gardens and colourful reefs. The Northern Black Sea is not about tropical beauty. It’s about drama: jagged cliffs, haunting stories, and the thrill of discovery. The diving in the Northern Black Sea in Bulgaria is where history sleeps underwater, waiting for those curious enough to descend.
- Bulgaria’s Untamed Northern Coast
- Wrecks with Stories to Tell
- Marine Life & Mystique in the Northern Black Sea
- Caves and Rock Cathedrals in Tyulenovo
- Kaliakra is Bulgaria’s Cliff of Legends near Varna
- Diving near Varna in the Ancient Past at Yaylata
- Diving near the Shabla’s Lighthouse
- The Ship Graveyard of Northern Bulgaria
- Diving the Northern Frontier of Durankulak near Varna
- Diving to the Tupolev Tu-154 Airplane
- When to Dive near Varna & What to Expect
- Diving near Varna & Safety in Northern Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria
- Can I Dive in the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea with my Kids
- Why This Coast Belongs on Your Dive Bucket List
- FAQ About Diving near Varna and the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
- Useful Links for Diving in Bulgaria’s Northern Black Sea
Now check the map and dive in!
Bulgaria’s Untamed Northern Coast
Stretching from Balchik to the Romanian border, Bulgaria’s northern coastline feels worlds apart from the beach-bar bustle of Sunny Beach. The terrain here is rugged and poetic. Steep limestone cliffs plunge straight into deep blue, while small fishing villages like Tyulenovo, Shabla, and Ezerets still live to the rhythm of wind and wave. This is what you will see when you book your Black Sea diving near Varna in North Bulgaria.
Cape Kaliakra, the region’s most iconic headland, rises 70 metres above the sea, its crimson rocks contrasting the cobalt water. From this vantage point, legends whisper of Thracian kings, sacrificed maidens and sunken treasures. Beneath, divers find not myth but metal: the eerie silhouettes of wartime wrecks, lost anchors, and time-carved stone formations that tell their own story.
For adventurous travellers, the Northern Black Sea it’s a place to explore.
Wrecks with Stories to Tell
The Black Sea has long been a stage for naval drama. Merchant vessels, submarines, even aircraft have met their fate along this coast. Among the most famous is the Russian submarine near Shabla, believed to have sunk during the Second World War. Its torpedo tubes still gape silently on the seabed, wrapped in seaweed and mystery.
Farther south, near Varna, lies a sunken Tu-154 plane, intentionally placed to create an artificial reef, Not it is home to anemones, small crabs, and curious schools of fish. Diving near Varna here feels like entering a forgotten film set, each fin-kick revealing a new frame in a cold-water story.
These wrecks are not just dive sites. They’re underwater museums and frozen evidence of Bulgaria’s turbulent maritime past.
Marine Life & Mystique in the Northern Black Sea
Prepare your body and soul for a temperature change when you do Black Sea diving near Varna in North Bulgaria. The Northern Black Sea is colder and less colourful than tropical waters, yet its subtleties reward the patient eye. Visibility ranges from 5 to 15 metres depending on the season, and below 25 metres temperatures can drop to a brisk 6–12 °C.
Still, life thrives in this temperate realm: crabs scuttle over kelp-draped stones, flounders lie camouflaged in silt, and jellyfish drift like translucent ghosts. In early summer, schools of horse mackerel flash silver in the sunlight, while nudibranchs (tiny, neon sea slugs) add unexpected bursts of colour.
This is diving for explorers. It is not cute and cuddly like a postcard, it is a world of subtle hues, quiet tension, and raw authenticity.
Caves and Rock Cathedrals in Tyulenovo
If wrecks offer history, the caves near Tyulenovo deliver geology at its most theatrical. The coastline here is riddled with fissures, arches and tunnels. One of them is stretching 107 metres beneath the land before opening dramatically into the sea.
Divers enter through narrow, light-flecked passages, their torches slicing through darkness to reveal walls sculpted by millennia of wave erosion. In some caverns, stalactites hang above saltwater pools; in others, you surface into hidden chambers accessible only from below.
It’s no wonder Tyulenovo, literally translated to “Seal Village”, once hosted a small colony of monk seals. Though the animals have long vanished, the name and the wild spirit remain. 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.
Kaliakra is Bulgaria’s Cliff of Legends near Varna
Few places blend myth and landscape like Cape Kaliakra. According to legend, forty Bulgarian maidens braided their hair together and leapt into the sea rather than be captured by Ottoman invaders. The cape’s dramatic cliff, topped with fortress ruins, remains one of Bulgaria’s most atmospheric coastal viewpoints.
Cape Kaliakra captivates visitors with its sheer 70-meter cliffs that drop vertically into the Black Sea. It is the perfect place to experience the Black Sea diving near Varna in North Bulgaria. 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.
From here, you can gaze north toward Tyulenovo’s jagged coastline or south toward Balchik’s white cliffs. Each is hiding dive sites still being mapped.
Diving near Varna in the Ancient Past at Yaylata
A short drive north of Tyulenovo lies the Yaylata Archaeological Reserve, where Thracian cave dwellings, early Christian tombs and fortress remains overlook the sea. Local lore speaks of a Thracian king’s treasure hidden in the coastal caves, a legend that draws both archaeologists and dreamers. 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.
Dive beneath the same cliffs and you can almost imagine those ancient sailors who once anchored in these sheltered coves. The diving near Varna is always dramatic and full of legends.
Diving near the Shabla’s Lighthouse
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. Shabla is one of the most famous places for diving near Varna. 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.
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.
The Ship Graveyard of Northern Bulgaria
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 Black Sea diving near Varna in this part of North Bulgaria is pleasant and suitable for people of all ages and experience.
Diving the Northern Frontier of Durankulak near Varna
At Bulgaria’s farthest corner, near the Romanian border, Durankulak Lake reveals a different kind of depth. This place is archaeological rather than aquatic. Excavations here uncovered one of Europe’s earliest Neolithic settlements, dating back over seven millennia. The Durankulak Lake Neolithic settlement reveals Europe’s earliest known agricultural community, with stone structures dating back to 5200 BC.
For divers and history buffs alike, the juxtaposition is irresistible: prehistory on land, Cold War relics at sea, myth between them.
Diving to the Tupolev Tu-154 Airplane
Near the resorts of St. Constantine and Helena and Golden Sands lays a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-154 airplane. It was 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.
When to Dive near Varna & What to Expect
The Black Sea diving season in North Bulgaria runs roughly April to November, with late spring and early autumn offering the best balance between visibility and temperature. Summer brings calm seas and pleasant air temperatures, though thermoclines can still send a chill through your wetsuit.
Local dive centres operate out of Varna, Balchik and Kavarna, with day-trips to Tyulenovo and Shabla. Most wrecks and caves lie between 10 and 30 metres, making them accessible to advanced open-water divers. Beginners can enjoy shallower reefs or guided introductions near the coast.
When you are planning your diving near Varna, do not forget the essential gear: a thick wetsuit or semi-dry, a dive light for caves, and gloves for exploring the rock formations. Nitrox is available in Varna and local centres for those planning repetitive dives.
Diving near Varna & Safety in Northern Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria
The Northern Black Sea, while alluring, demands respect. Cold thermoclines, sudden currents, and limited emergency infrastructure make good preparation essential. Dive only with certified local operators familiar with the area, and always log your dive plans onshore.
Always check local currents because the Black Sea’s weather is unpredictable. The relatively small size of the sea is 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. This is affecting its visibility and currents. The diving season near Varna 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.
Never disturb wrecks. Many are protected heritage sites. Removing artefacts is illegal and unethical. Instead, photograph, record, and leave everything as found.
Last but not least, avoid restricted military zones. Bulgaria is member of Schengen area and a member of NATO. Hanging around near military areas might rise questions at best.
Of course, wherever you dive, bring surface marker buoy.
Can I Dive in the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea with my Kids?
Diving near Varna can be unforgettable experience for the whole family. To make your stay as pleasant as planned, double check with the diving center of your choice. The diving with children in the Black sea, as well as any other place, depends on the age of your children and their skill level.
Some diving clubs might decline diving with children or require minimum age. For example some clubs might say that if your children are between 8 and 10 years old, they can dive and explore beneath the water’s surface, but only at a depth of up to 2 metres.
In other cases the dive can be shorter in duration for safety resons, as children lose body heat more quickly underwater than adults. However, their enthusiasm for exploring the underwater kingdom remains undiminished.
Why This Coast Belongs on Your Dive Bucket List
Nowhere else on the Black Sea offers such variety within a single stretch of coast. In one weekend you can dive a WWII submarine, swim through a 107-metre cave, and surface beneath ancient Thracian cliffs. You’ll trace legends older than Rome and stories newer than the Cold War. All beneath the same unpredictable water.
The Northern Black Sea coast doesn’t try to impress with postcard perfection. Its beauty lies in its rawness. It is in the rust of its wrecks, the echo of its caves, and the whispers of history rising through the bubbles.
For divers who crave substance over spectacle, this is Bulgaria’s best-kept secret.
FAQ About Diving near Varna and the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
The primary diving season runs from April through to November. During these months, weather conditions are generally more favourable, and the water is at its calmest, providing the best visibility for exploring the underwater sites.
Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 15 metres. It can vary depending on recent weather, plankton blooms, and currents. It’s always wise to check conditions with a local dive centre on the day of your dive.
The water can be chilly, especially at depth. Below 25 metres, expect temperatures between 6°C and 12°C. A drysuit or a thick, high-quality wetsuit is highly recommended for comfort and safety on most dives.
Many of the most famous sites, such as the wrecks and sea caves, are best suited for intermediate to advanced divers. They often involve greater depths, potential overhead environments, and variable currents. Beginners can enjoy shallower, guided dives, but should build experience before attempting the more challenging locations.
The key towns serving as hubs for divers are Varna, Balchik, Tyulenovo, and Shabla. Each offers access to different highlights, with Varna being the largest city with multiple dive centres.
The Bulgarian coast offers several unique underwater attractions:
– The Submarine Wreck near Shabla: A fascinating historical wreck for experienced divers.
– Tyulenovo Sea Caves: A stunning network of underwater caves and rock formations.
– The Tu-154 Airplane Reef: An artificial reef created by a submerged aircraft, teeming with marine life.
For your first dives in the area, or when exploring wrecks and caves, always use a qualified local guide. Strong currents in the Black Sea are not uncommon and if you are novice in the area, it is always good to have a guide for your first dives.
Useful Links for Diving in Bulgaria’s Northern Black Sea
- Wreck Dive Tec, Varna: wreck-divetec.com
- Black Sea Diving Centre, Varna: bsdc.bg
- Baracuda, Varna: Baracuda on Padi.com
- Diving Center, Shkorpilovtsi shkorpilovtsi.com
- Diving Centre, Golden Sands: blackseadiving.com
- Rock Diving center, Tyulenovo: rockdiving.bg
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 on your Black Sea diving trip in North Bulgaria. 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:
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