City of Side: Scuba Diving with Lunch

Exploring Underwater in Side: Scuba Diving with Lunch

If you’re looking to combine adventure and relaxation in Turkey’s Mediterranean waters, the City of Side’s scuba tour offers an excellent option. For about $48 per person, you’ll spend around six hours exploring beneath the waves, with two guided dives, lunch, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour is perfect for those curious about the underwater world, whether you’re trying scuba for the first time or have some experience.

We love that the experience includes full diving equipment and training for beginners, making it accessible and safe for newcomers. The undersea museum is a highlight—an unusual and fascinating feature that adds a touch of history to your underwater adventure. Plus, the professional guides speak multiple languages, including English, German, and Russian, which helps ensure clear communication.

However, one consideration is that the activity is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues, such as respiratory problems or seasickness. Also, physical fitness plays a role, so if you’re not comfortable in the water or prone to seasickness, you might want to think twice.

This tour suits travelers who crave an authentic, well-organized experience in calm, warm waters with safety and enjoyment front and center. Whether you’re new to diving or just want to see Side’s marine life from a different perspective, this tour offers good value and memorable sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Accessible for beginners: Full training and supportive guides make this a great introduction to scuba diving.
Includes the underwater museum: A unique feature that combines history and underwater scenery.
All equipment provided: No need to bring your own gear, making it hassle-free.
Hotel pickup and drop-off: Convenient and saves time and effort.
Short, manageable dives: Each lasting about 30 minutes, ideal for beginners and casual divers.
Limited suitability for some travelers: Not recommended for those under 16, pregnant women, or with certain health conditions.

For broader city exploration in Side, we've covered these other tours

What to Expect from the Tour

When you book this tour, what you’re really signing up for is a well-rounded introduction to scuba in the scenic waters around Side. The day begins with hotel pickup, usually between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, depending on your location. From there, you’ll transfer to the boat, which reviewers describe as spacious and comfortable—a relief after a morning of early starts.

Once aboard, your guides will give a comprehensive safety briefing and training, especially tailored for beginners. This ensures you’re comfortable and well-informed before heading into the water. The crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for first-timers—warm, clean, and calm, with no dangerous animals to worry about.

The two dives, each about 30 minutes long, are scheduled at different points, offering diverse views of marine life and the underwater museum. One reviewer noted, “the equipment was top-notch, and the instructors 10/10,” reflecting the professionalism and care taken by the team. Expect to see colorful fish, coral reefs, and perhaps some interesting relics from the underwater museum.

Lunch is included in the package—likely a modest but tasty meal—allowing you to relax and share stories with fellow travelers. Afterward, you’ll be transported back to your hotel, completing a day filled with aquamarine wonder and friendly guidance.

The Highlights: Why This Tour Stands Out

The Underwater Museum

One of the most distinctive features of this experience is the Undersea Museum, accessible during the dives. This site adds a historical dimension to your underwater exploration, offering a glimpse of submerged relics that make each dive intriguing. Visitors have described it as “spectacular” and “a unique experience”, especially for those interested in combining marine life with a touch of history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Professional and Multilingual Guides

Guides speak English, German, and Russian, which ensures clear instructions and makes non-Turkish speakers feel comfortable. Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ patience and attentiveness, especially for first-time divers. One said, “they let you go at your own pace but are always there to support,” emphasizing the stress-free atmosphere.

While in Side, here are other experiences we've covered

Safety and Equipment

Safety is a recurring theme in reviews. The full gear provided is described as “well-maintained” and “high-quality”, giving peace of mind to beginners. The instructors are attentive, and the strict regulations in Turkey mean that safety standards are high—the kind of reassurance travelers appreciate.

Value for Money

At $48, this tour packs in the essentials of a memorable underwater adventure—two dives, equipment, training, lunch, and transfers—making it a very reasonable price for the experience. Several reviewers commented on the good value, noting that the professional guidance and all-inclusive setup make it worth every penny.

The Potential Drawbacks

While overall positive, some reviews pointed out minor inconveniences. For example, transport communication could be clearer—one guest mentioned being picked up with a bus despite being close to the meeting point. The photo packages are considered overpriced by some, with one reviewer remarking that $90 for pictures was a bit steep, so you might want to bring your own waterproof camera if possible.

Plus, dive length and site options seem somewhat limited, which might not satisfy more experienced divers looking for longer or more challenging dives. This tour is clearly geared toward beginners and casual divers, which is perfect for most travelers but less so for those seeking a more advanced experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This scuba experience is ideal for first-time divers or those with limited water experience. The training included makes it accessible even if you’re nervous about trying something new. It’s also suited for travelers who want a convenient, all-in-one experience with hotel pickup, professional guides, and an interesting underwater museum.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day with scenic views and marine life, and you’re comfortable with basic physical activity, you’ll find this tour a good fit. However, if you have severe health issues, are pregnant, or dislike short, guided excursions, you might want to consider other options.

In The Sum Up

This scuba diving tour in Side offers a well-organized, safe, and engaging way to discover Turkey’s underwater beauty. The inclusion of two dives, professional instruction, and a visit to the underwater museum makes it particularly appealing for beginners and curious explorers alike.

We appreciate that the guides are multilingual and attentive, helping newcomers feel secure and confident. The cost provides excellent value considering the full equipment and lunch included. Plus, the warm, clear waters ensure a comfortable environment for your first breath underwater.

For travelers seeking a taste of underwater adventure without the hassle or complexity of advanced dives, this tour offers a fun, safe, and memorable experience. It’s especially suited for those who want to see marine life, explore history beneath the waves, and enjoy a hassle-free day in Side.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes training for beginners and is designed to be accessible for those new to scuba diving.

What is included in the price?
The price covers full diving equipment, two 30-minute dives, training, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and travel insurance.

Are the dives beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. The guides are attentive, and the waters are warm and calm, ideal conditions for first-timers.

Can I go if I can’t swim well?
The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, so basic swimming ability is required.

What about safety?
Turkey’s strict laws and professional guides ensure high safety standards. The equipment is well-maintained, and guides are attentive.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, with the possibility of different starting times depending on availability.

Is the underwater museum worth seeing?
Most reviewers say yes. It adds a unique element to the dives and is a highlight for many.

Can I bring my own camera?
While the tour offers photo packages for purchase, bringing your waterproof camera is a good idea if you want to capture the moments without extra costs.

Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime underwater experience or just curious about what lies beneath the surface of Turkey’s Mediterranean, this tour offers a friendly, professional, and memorable introduction.