Lake Ohrid Try Diving: Bay of the Bones Review
Okay so, picture this, you are looking for an adventure that blends history with a dash of adrenaline? Very well, Lake Ohrid’s Bay of the Bones might just be the place. More or less, located in North Macedonia, this spot isn’t just another scenic location, oh no, it’s virtually an underwater archaeological site. In some respects, what was once a prehistoric settlement is almost a dive spot. Actually, I’m going to share my take on if it’s very good for those thinking of dipping below the lake’s surface at this spot, which is the Bay of the Bones.
First Impressions: What to Expect
At the end of the day so, getting to the Bay of the Bones involves a scenic drive with seriously breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid. It’s virtually like arriving at a location that time forgot – it’s incredibly tranquil. We know so, the “Bay of Bones” moniker? Pretty much, it’s a direct hint to what you might see because the settlement was built on a platform supported by stakes, parts of which are still underwater. Usually, these stakes preserved animal and human bones. At the end of the day, that’s what the divers will find, amongst other relics.
It’s pretty cool, right? That said, before you think it’s always bone chilling discoveries, honestly, let’s set expectations. A little bit, it is not, for instance, a vibrant coral reef teeming with aquatic life. I mean, so Lake Ohrid is famed for its clarity and geological setting; the underwater world at the Bay of the Bones actually has a different type of appeal, a somber, historical one.
The Diving Experience: What You’ll See
I want to share that the underwater visibility there tends to be quite awesome, typically making it easier to see the remnants of the ancient settlement. More or less, you’ll spot the reconstructed stilt foundations of the original settlement, that is for one thing. Pretty much, they are not in tip-top shape now but the outline shows what the setup once looked like. Very well, it might feel eerily special.
At the end of the day, here’s a thing: so, do not go in expecting technicolor corals because it doesn’t have them. Really, Lake Ohrid doesn’t even have those things. By the way, what’s more fascinating is a slightly spooky view with finds of pottery pieces, or perhaps very old tools. Definitely, keep an eye out for small fish and other freshwater species though because so, the lake has some unique biodiversity which are all pretty interesting in their own right. Alright, and then there are the bones themselves which are sometimes there.
Suitability for Different Skill Levels
It’s very important to remember so, the Bay of the Bones could be appropriate for divers of very different experience levels, right? Right so, the depth tends to be manageable; it’s also fairly close to shore, that is. Typically, brand new divers often come. Also, it could make for a quite awesome intro to freshwater diving. Even still, there are conditions that make it less than perfectly ideal. For example, you should always look at what weather has been like and consider what equipment to wear. Basically, you can find experienced professional who do those types of water sports in the area so do that.
However, those already certified might find the spot uniquely charming too, as a matter of fact. At the end of the day, archaeological diving comes with its own level of appeal so maybe you can come expecting an Indiana Jones sort of gig, or that the water will be crystal, crystal, crystal clear. I mean, in reality it’s still nice to enjoy the slow-pace views plus maybe the chance to sight old artifacts. Honestly, the spot creates an different feel from those dives down at tropical sites with coral, so maybe consider that. It is what it is though!
Dive Operators and Logistics
In general, a bunch of dive shops hang out on the shores that run guided outings to the Bay of the Bones. At the end of the day, going with one such company almost gets rid of the headache from logistics such as renting kits to just generally transporting one’s person and stuff, you know? Usually, they’re going to have instructors all ready for your level, be you total newbie or an advanced certified diver, you know? At the end of the day, you could usually find the dive businesses in Ohrid town as well as various lakeside areas. To be honest, a booking made early during high tourist times can certainly spare any later frustration, if you are keen on doing this on certain days!
It’s fair to consider a bunch of the logistics before actually coming out there for the event. In particular, for instance, is knowing that some of those stores also sell beginner classes if maybe someone near you might now have even set foot underwater previously! The thing about it however, so, is always to confirm what exactly the costs are for any gear rental packages as well as dive session lengths to keep anything unexpected right away as soon as you show up.
What to Bring and Consider
So really, thinking practically regarding packing things up for a dive outing like this should involve a little bit more thinking. Anyway you have your obvious suit. Though that is pretty plain! Typically, those colder months almost will ask that someone strap on something a bit thicker, so definitely double check if things might necessitate such warmer layers before going under because so, nobody likes frigid surprise when something has been otherwise touted to have been warm initially. Okay, I guess it is only honesty.
Basically, I might want to encourage bringing various waterproof cases and coverings for tablets and so on plus, certainly for just ID/wallet/keys in case they almost get wet somehow too. Anyway so, never not consider carrying water regardless, that is, especially while waiting a bit following a descent since the physical parts might get something of a buzz from some added exertion levels that comes naturally to being submersed like that. Anyway okay!
Personal Reflections
Basically I had a chance, finally, on one nice sunny July afternoon, anyway so, to go see The Bay. Really there’s not that much more than piles or so, for example, but at some point there does dawn this real sense concerning how long everything has remained underneath! Okay, just for the experience alone in totality I seriously urge trying if anyone is going, for real, in this place as it provides something memorable instead that other shore vacations would otherwise not even bring in this way!
Okay, really just thinking what sorts of olden eyes there once passed alongside those same spaces definitely is kinda humbling to mull later even hours after. As a matter of fact you are so close to everything. Anyhow, I really almost loved getting that sort of perspective concerning histories here!
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
And really in closing; the Lake Ohrid Bay dive almost is worth pursuing. Literally you have two combined together in ways barely few places all ever give and for that reason I’d obviously offer positive affirmations relating going here so long it may interest some! Actually it isn’t overly touristy compared elsewhere so it is still very real instead almost becoming a sort of circus or side gig either that you will obviously recognize, but yeah. More or less definitely see because it almost can never be repeated!
