Russia's Black Sea coast faces a sheltered inland sea whose character differs markedly from open-ocean diving. The eight sites in our database cover reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures between Novorossiysk and Gelendzhik, with depths ranging from shallow beginner-friendly reefs to a bulk carrier at forty metres for advanced divers. Visibility is variable, typically moderate, and can be affected by sediment. Marine life includes scorpionfish, gorgonians, wrasses, groupers, and giant barrel sponges. Operators are based in Anapa and as far inland as Volgograd, reflecting the broad catchment of divers this coast attracts.
2 areas
Monthly water temperature across Black Sea Coast's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Surface temperatures peak in late summer and remain mild enough for a wetsuit through the main season, which generally runs from late spring into October. Winter temperatures drop but stay above those of Russia's Arctic or Pacific coasts, keeping the region diveable for those with appropriate exposure protection.
13 operators
Water temperature around Black Sea Coast ranges from about 10°C in February to 20°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 20°C) a 5mm suit is comfortable in Black Sea Coast; in the coldest months (about 10°C) step up to a drysuit.
Fin maps 8 sites in Black Sea Coast (8 scuba diving sites), organised into 2 areas.
