In the strait between the northern part of Sozopol and the "St. Ivan" Island, at a depth between 18-20 meters, the bottom is sandy and leveled. Suddenly, gloomy stony branches loom before the underwater divers, with a diameter of 4 - 5 meters. There are hundreds of them and impart the strange feeling of being in an apocalyptic ancient wood. This is really a petrified forest, which sank 70 millions years ago under the Black Sea waters.
Scientists’ researches have determined the trees species to be swamp cedar. A swamp existed here 70 million years ago, not far from the shore. It seems that due to a great geological cataclysm, the sea abruptly raised its level with about 20 meters. It is supposed that the water did not contain oxygen and this led to petrifaction and not to decomposition of the ancient forest.
The underwater tour in the forest among the stone tree trunks is an unforgettable and exciting experience for every underwater diver. Pleasant finds from all historical ages are quite possible here – ancient anchors, amphorae, pottery ware and others. It is supposed that on entering the harbor bay of Sozopol, sailors used to throw away all unnecessary and damaged pottery in the sea.
Facts about Stone forest, Sozopol
It is in Bulgaria- Stone forest, Sozopol is in the Black Sea.
- The typical depth is 0-20 Metres 0-60 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.