Side is a fantastic place for scuba diving, especially if you’re interested in exploring the Turkish Mediterranean underwater. With its warm waters, clear visibility, and a variety of dive sites, it’s perfect for both first-timers and seasoned divers. Among the options, we particularly like tours that combine easy access, expert guidance, and unique sights—like the underwater museum. For those seeking a structured experience with great reviews, the Side: Scuba Diving with Expert Diving Option offers a solid choice. It’s rated 4.5/5 with over 130 reviews and includes two dives plus a glimpse into the underwater museum.
If you want a full-day adventure that combines multiple dive sites and a taste of local scenery, the Side: Scuba Diving, Underwater Museum, 2 Dives incl. Lunch is another excellent pick. For those looking for hotel convenience and a relaxed, beginner-friendly atmosphere, the City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup rounds out the list with great customer feedback. Lastly, if you’re based in Alanya or want a guided experience with flexible options, the From Alanya: Scuba Diving Tour with Hotel Transfers provides a budget-friendly introduction or skill-enhancement experience. Read on to find the perfect fit for your diving aspirations.
1. Side: Scuba Diving with Expert Diving Option
At number one, this tour offers a balanced mix of professionalism and fun. For around $30 per person, you get two dives in the Mediterranean with the option to choose Standard or Expert Diving based on your experience level. This flexibility makes it ideal whether you’re a novice or a seasoned diver. The tour lasts around 5 to 8 hours, making it a manageable half-day outing. What sets this experience apart is the inclusion of a visit to the underwater museum, a fascinating site with sculptures that are both artistic and intriguing. The boat provides complimentary snorkeling gear, so if you want to stay in the water longer or switch between snorkeling and diving, you’re well covered.
The tour departs from various locations depending on the selected option, and it includes a light lunch on board, which is a thoughtful touch after your dives. The reviews are excellent, with a 4.5/5 rating from 131 travelers, who praise the clarity of the water, the professionalism of the guides, and the overall value. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized diving experience without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: A reliable, flexible choice for divers of all levels wanting to explore Side’s underwater scenery and museum.
2. Side: Scuba Diving, Underwater Museum, 2 Dives incl. Lunch
For those craving a full-day of underwater exploration, this tour offers two dives at different sites, including a trip to the famous underwater museum. It lasts about 9 hours, and you can check availability for specific start times. What makes this tour stand out is the combination of crystal-clear waters, experienced instructors, and a delicious onboard lunch that you can enjoy while sailing between dive sites.
Many travelers praise the guides for their friendliness and professionalism, with comments like “The guides were really nice and caring, diving went well, and the food was good.” The tour caters to both beginners and experienced divers, with the option of 1 or 2 instructors depending on your comfort level. The underwater museum’s sculptures provide a unique perspective on marine life and art, making this a memorable experience. The cost isn’t specified here, but the value is evident considering the inclusions and positive reviews.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, full-day adventure that balances multiple dives, excellent guidance, and tasty meals—ideal for day-long explorers.
3. City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup
This tour is perfect for travelers who want hassle-free access to diving. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient option if you’re staying in Side. The tour lasts about 8 hours, during which you’ll get two fully guided dives, including a visit to the underwater museum. The experience suits both first-timers and more experienced divers, thanks to the attentive instructors and safety protocols.
The review highlights the friendly and skilled staff, with one traveler noting, “They kept me calm during my first dive, and I appreciated the photos taken underwater.” The transport is a bit older, but it doesn’t detract from the overall good vibe and professional service. The dives occur at a depth of 10-12 meters and 3 meters, providing a gentle introduction or a relaxed exploration for those with some experience. The only extra cost is cash for underwater photos, which many find worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A reliable, stress-free way to experience Side’s underwater world, especially suited for those who prefer hotel pickups and easy logistics.
4. From Alanya: Scuba Diving Tour with Hotel Transfers
Finally, if you’re based in Alanya or want a more flexible, guided experience, this tour offers two dives in the Mediterranean with hotel transfers included. Lasting about 8 hours, it’s a convenient choice for those who want to maximize diving time without worrying about transport. This tour welcomes both beginners and certified divers, providing the necessary equipment and professional guidance.
While the reviews are more mixed, they still highlight friendly staff and a good overall experience. One reviewer mentioned, “The instructors were super nice and explained everything well.” The main challenge is the limited review count and slightly lower rating, which suggests it’s a good option if you’re in Alanya but perhaps not quite as polished as the Side-based tours. Still, it provides real value, especially if you want a guided day of underwater exploration without the hassle of organizing transport yourself.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for divers in Alanya, offering guided dives with hotel pickups, suitable for all skill levels.
How to Choose the Best Scuba Diving Experience in Side
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, experience level, and desired length of the trip. If you’re new to diving or on a budget, the Side: Scuba Diving with Expert Diving Option offers a great balance of affordability and quality. For those wanting a full-day experience with multiple sites and a scenic sail, the Side: Scuba Diving, Underwater Museum, 2 Dives incl. Lunch fits perfectly.
Travelers staying in Side who prefer easy logistics should opt for the City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup, especially if you’re a beginner or want a relaxed day with minimal hassle. If you’re in Alanya or want a guided experience with flexible pickup options, the From Alanya: Scuba Diving Tour with Hotel Transfers can be a good fit, though it might be slightly less polished.
Book early during peak season, especially if you want to guarantee your preferred date, and don’t forget to confirm diving experience requirements beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Side provides a variety of scuba diving experiences that cater to all levels and interests. Whether you want a quick session exploring the underwater museum or a full-day adventure sailing along the coast, the options are plentiful. The Side: Scuba Diving with Expert Diving Option is ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking quality, while the Underwater Museum tour offers a longer, richer experience. If convenience is your priority, the City of Side makes for an easy, stress-free day.
No matter which tour you pick, Side’s warm waters and accessible dive sites promise an engaging and memorable underwater adventure. Consider your skill level, schedule, and preferences carefully, and book early to ensure your spot in the water—diving in Side is well worth it.