Side: Scuba Diving Tour Journey To The Depths Of The Blue

Side: Scuba Diving Tour Journey To The Depths Of The Blue offers an engaging way to explore Turkey’s stunning coastal waters without needing a lifetime of experience. For just $68 per person, you get a 5-hour excursion that includes two gentle dives around a unique underwater museum, boat cruising, and a delicious lunch with water views. Starting from Antalya Province, this tour is designed to bring underwater art and marine life comfortably within reach, regardless of your prior experience.

We particularly like how the tour strikes a balance between guided safety and independent exploration. The expert guides — who are multilingual — help beginners feel secure, and the scenic boat cruise adds a relaxing touch to the adventure. Another plus? The underwater sculptures are at a shallow depth of only 5-6 meters, making this experience accessible to all, including those new to diving.

One potential consideration? The timing of the tour can be quite full, with multiple stops and a packed schedule, so it might feel rushed if you prefer a slow-paced day. However, if you’re looking for a well-organized, affordable introduction to diving and underwater art, this trip fits the bill perfectly, especially for families, first-timers, or curious travelers eager to experience the Mediterranean’s underwater marvels.

If you love stunning water views, learning from knowledgeable guides, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially ideal for those interested in seeing the famous Side Underwater Museum and capturing memorable photos of submerged sculptures.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers excellent value for two 20-minute dives and boat cruise.
• Suitable for beginners with shallow depths and a detailed safety briefing.
• Includes hotel transport and all equipment, removing logistical worries.
• Highlights underwater sculptures, marine flora, and fauna, making it visually captivating.
• Lunch and water views add a relaxing element during the break.
• Multiple pickup locations make accessibility easier across the region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Side Scuba Diving Tour

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

This tour begins with hotel pickup from seven different nearby locations including Side, Kumköy, and Manavgat, making access quite straightforward. The bus ride to Side, lasting about 40 minutes, offers a chance to relax and review what’s ahead. Once you arrive at the port, a multilingual safety briefing is the first step — a crucial moment for understanding what to expect and feeling comfortable before getting in the water.

The core of the experience is two 20-minute dives around the Side Underwater Museum, a collection of approximately 110 sculptures designed for marine life to flourish over time. The shallow depth of 5-6 meters ensures that even those who are new to scuba can feel confident. The guides are experienced and ready to assist, which is particularly appreciated by reviews like Amit’s, who shared how a supportive guide helped him conquer his water fears.

After the first dive, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch on the boat with water views, offering a well-deserved break and a chance to chat with fellow travelers or simply relax. The second dive then brings you back into the water to explore more marine life, plants, and sculptures. You might find yourself marveling at how the sculptures have become part of the ecosystem, attracting fish and creating an underwater tableau.

The Underwater Museum: Why It’s Special

The Side Underwater Museum is the highlight of this journey. Comprising around 110 statues, it’s a visual feast that combines art with nature. The sculptures serve not only as an attraction but also as an artificial reef, supporting marine biodiversity. For many, taking photos here is the most memorable part — a chance to capture the surreal contrast between the sculptures and the lively marine environment.

Reviews emphasize the stunning visuals and the expert guidance. Adrian called it “Highly recommended,” and Tim, a first-time diver, praised the “top service” and recommended the tour highly. Amit’s review stood out with praise for how the guides helped him overcome his water fears, illustrating how supportive and encouraging the team is for all levels.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value: all necessary equipment, instructor guidance, lunch, hotel transport, and travel insurance are included. Photos, however, are not included, which might be a disappointment for those eager to relive the underwater scenes. You might want to bring your own waterproof camera or ask the guides about photography options.

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The Experience Provider and Group Size

Operated by Murat Atalay Seyahat Acentas, the tour is designed to be accessible and well-organized. The reviews suggest a friendly, professional team that caters to both novice and experienced divers. Since the tour runs with a group, expect a small to medium-sized group that maintains a relaxed yet efficient pace.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This scuba excursion is particularly suited for beginners and adventurers who want a safe, guided introduction to underwater exploration. The shallow depth, safety briefings, and friendly guides make it an accessible option. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in artistic underwater attractions, as the sculptures are both aesthetically intriguing and ecologically beneficial.

If you’re someone who values organized logistics and a comprehensive experience that includes lunch, transportation, and equipment all in one package, this tour offers great convenience. Plus, if capturing underwater memories is important, the photo opportunities around the sculptures are plentiful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting the Antalya region and want a cost-effective, well-organized way to explore the Mediterranean’s underwater world, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suitable for first-time divers, families, and water-shy travelers who want to try scuba in a safe yet beautiful environment.

The expert guidance, stunning underwater scenery, and convenient logistics make this a memorable experience. It’s more than a simple water activity; it’s a chance to see a carefully curated underwater museum, marvel at marine life, and enjoy the calming waters of Side. The combination of safety, scenic beauty, and affordability makes it a standout option.

However, if you seek a longer, more in-depth diving experience, or want to explore other underwater sites, you might need to look further. For most travelers looking for a short, manageable, and visually impressive introduction to scuba, this tour offers excellent value and authentic charm.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the shallow depths of 5-6 meters make it accessible for beginners, and guides are experienced in helping first-timers feel comfortable.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. All other necessary scuba equipment is provided.

Can I take photos underwater?
Photos are not included in the package, but you can bring your own waterproof camera, and guides may assist with photography.

What is the age limit for participants?
The minimum age for scuba diving is 14. Divers over 16 are required, but younger children can enjoy the boat cruise and water views from the surface.

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately 5 hours, including pickup, safety briefing, two dives, lunch, and the boat cruise.

Are there any cancellation restrictions?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from selected nearby locations are included in the tour price.

To sum it up, this Side scuba tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those wanting to add a splash of underwater art to their Mediterranean holiday, without the need for extensive training or experience. Whether you’re eager to overcome any water fears or simply want to explore a surreal underwater gallery, this tour will leave you with unforgettable memories—and plenty of great photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: