Byzantine Amphora Field
Dive site
One of the Black Sea's most remarkable archaeological dive sites, this protected amphora field lies at 22 to 30 metres and holds hundreds of intact Byzantine ceramic vessels believed to date from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. The low-salinity Black Sea water and near-absence of wood-boring organisms have kept the site exceptionally well preserved. Divers must obtain a permit through a licensed Bulgarian archaeological dive operator before visiting. The amphorae scatter across a sandy seabed with fine silt between them; buoyancy control is critical to avoid disturbing the sediment layer protecting the artefacts. Black Sea gobies shelter among the ceramics and encrusting algae has slowly colonised the outer surfaces.
Conditions
Depth
22 to 30 m
Open water and up
Current
Variable
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
5 to 8 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
7 to 22°C
5mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 7 |
| Vis (m) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Current | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle |
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