C47 Airplane Wreck

The C-47 Airplane Wreck near Bodrum is one of the most evocative and photogenic dive sites in Turkey's Aegean waters, where a deliberately sunk Douglas C-47 military transport aircraft rests on the seabed at thirty meters, its wings spread wide as if frozen in eternal flight. This advanced dive site combines the thrill of wreck exploration with the historical resonance of one of aviation's most iconic aircraft, all set against the backdrop of the crystal-clear waters that make the Bodrum peninsula a premier diving destination. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the military variant of the legendary DC-3, is one of the most significant aircraft in aviation history. Thousands served during the Second World War and beyond, carrying troops, supplies, and parachutists across every theater of the conflict. The example resting near Bodrum was carefully prepared and sunk as an artificial reef, stripped of hazardous materials and positioned on the seabed to create maximum habitat value while preserving the aircraft's recognizable form for diving enjoyment. Descending toward the C-47 is a memorable experience. The aircraft first appears as a ghostly silhouette in the blue Aegean water, its distinctive twin-engine profile unmistakable even from distance. As divers draw closer, the details resolve with increasing clarity: the wing shape that revolutionized air transport, the circular fuselage that once held paratroopers bound for battle, the twin radial engines that now serve as artificial caves for marine residents. The aircraft sits relatively upright on the sandy bottom, its landing gear visible beneath the fuselage, creating the uncanny impression that it has simply landed on the seabed and decided to stay. At thirty meters, the C-47 demands the respect that all deep diving requires. Gas management must be carefully planned, and bottom time at depth is limited by no-decompression considerations that responsible divers take seriously. The depth also means that ambient light is reduced, lending the wreck a moody, atmospheric quality that photographers find compelling but that also requires awareness of depth gauges and dive computers in the lower light conditions. A torch reveals the true colors of the marine growth that has colonized the aircraft, transforming what appears in ambient light as grey-green coating into vibrant oranges, reds, and purples. The marine life community that has adopted the C-47 demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of artificial reef programs. In the years since its sinking, the aircraft has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem. Sponges and soft corals encrust every surface, creating the complex habitat that reef organisms need. Fish populations are dense and diverse, with species that would otherwise have no structural habitat on the surrounding sandy seabed finding shelter and food in the aircraft's complex geometry. Grouper have established territories in the engine nacelles and wheel wells, while schools of bream swirl around the fuselage in formations that echo the aircraft's own aerodynamic lines. Moray eels inhabit the fuselage, and octopus have been observed making homes in the aircraft's various cavities. The surrounding seabed near Bodrum adds context to the C-47 experience. The Bodrum peninsula has a rich maritime heritage that stretches back to the ancient Carian and Helicarnassian civilizations, and the waters around the peninsula hold numerous archaeological sites alongside modern artificial reefs. This combination of ancient and modern underwater heritage makes Bodrum diving uniquely layered, with the C-47 representing the latest chapter in a maritime story that spans millennia. Visibility at the wreck site benefits from Bodrum's generally excellent water clarity, with good days offering visibility that allows the entire aircraft to be appreciated in a single sweeping view. The best conditions typically occur from June through October, when the Aegean's water temperatures peak and visibility is at its most reliable. The relatively calm seabed around the wreck means that sediment disturbance is minimal, maintaining clear conditions throughout the dive. The C-47 Airplane Wreck near Bodrum is a world-class dive experience that honors the history of a remarkable aircraft while creating new life on the Aegean seabed. For advanced divers seeking the combination of wreck exploration, marine life, and historical significance, it represents one of Turkey's most compelling underwater destinations.