Side: Scuba Diving, Underwater Museum, 2 Dives incl. Lunch

Contents show

Exploring the Turkish Coast Beneath the Waves: A Review of the Side Scuba Diving Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring the clear waters of Turkey’s Eastern Mediterranean, a popular option is the full-day scuba diving experience from Side. This tour promises to take you on two different dives, explore an intriguing underwater museum, and enjoy a relaxing lunch on board. With a solid 4.3-star rating based on 122 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this trip worth their time — but what exactly can you expect?

We love that the tour offers a blend of adventure and comfort: expert instructors guide beginners and seasoned divers alike, the scenery is stunning, and the food is highly praised. Plus, the flexibility to join as a non-diver and snorkel makes it accessible for friends or family members who prefer to stay above water.

One thing to consider is the quite long downtime on the boat after the second dive — some reviewers mentioned they felt the waiting around could be a bit much. Still, if you’re after a well-rounded day with plenty of underwater exploration, this tour is likely to suit your needs.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers, beginners eager to try scuba, or even snorkelers wanting to enjoy Turkey’s crystal-clear waters from a different perspective. Now, let’s break down what makes this tour both enjoyable and practical for your upcoming trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Two dives at different sites give you varied underwater scenery.
Expert instruction ensures safety and confidence, regardless of experience level.
Luxurious onboard lunch with scenic views adds to the overall value.
Flexibility for non-divers to snorkel or swim makes it inclusive.
Beautiful coastline scenery both above and below water.
Small group feeling with personalized guidance enhances the experience.

Museum hopping your thing? Check out these other cultural spots we've reviewed in Side

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day of Diving

Starting Out — Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The day kicks off with hotel pickup, which is included in the price, making logistics simple. After a comfortable transfer to the harbor, you’ll board a well-equipped boat headed toward your first dive site. The tour runs around 9 hours, with flexible starting times — just check availability when booking.

Preparing for the First Dive

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, the staff tailor the experience for your skill level. For beginners, you’ll receive thorough instructions to ensure confidence before entering the water. More experienced divers can choose their gear and dive freely with the instructors. The guides, who speak Turkish, English, and German, are highly praised for their professionalism and friendliness, making even nervous first-timers feel at ease.

More Great Tours Nearby

The First Dive: Exploring the Underwater World

Once at the first site, experienced divers will head into the water first, often with one or two instructors. Reviewers mention that the instructors, like Ozan and Deniz, are caring and knowledgeable, ensuring safety without sacrificing fun. You’ll spot marine life, rocks, and possibly some colorful fish that thrive in the Mediterranean waters.

For beginners, the instructor-led group in pairs makes the experience less intimidating, and many reviewers like Sara commented, “The guides were really nice and caring, diving went well, and the food was good.” It’s a safe environment that allows even hesitant divers to enjoy their first underwater adventure.

Want to go deeper? We've reviewed these other diving experiences in Side

Sailing and Lunch Break

After the first dive, everyone heads back to the boat for a delicious lunch served onboard. The food is consistently praised — simple, fresh, and satisfying. While sailing to the next site, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Turkish coast, making lunch a relaxing break amidst a beautiful setting. As one review mentioned, “the food was good, and the guides were really nice,” adding a comforting touch to the day.

The Second Dive and Additional Snorkeling

Following lunch, the boat moves to a second, equally captivating site. Here, experienced divers can explore further, while non-divers and snorkelers can enjoy floating above the underwater scenery. The water clarity in these sites is consistently highlighted, allowing for excellent sightseeing even from the surface.

Some guests wish the dive times were longer, as Ricardo noted: “the dive times should be bigger,” but the overall quality of the underwater experience remains high. After the second dive, everyone has extra time to swim and snorkel, making the trip versatile for all participants.

Return Journey

Once back at the harbor, a minibus transfer whisks you back to your hotel. The entire day is structured to balance adventure with relaxation, leaving you with memories of underwater beauty and Turkish coastlines.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Underwater Museum: A Unique Underwater Attraction

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to visit an underwater museum. Not all diving tours include this, making it an especially interesting feature. You’ll get to see sculptures and exhibits designed to promote marine life and create a fascinating underwater landscape. Reviewers, such as Lida, appreciated the professionalism of the guides and the safety protocols, which are crucial when exploring unfamiliar sites.

Expert Instructors and Small Group Feel

The guides, like Deniz and Ozan, are repeatedly credited for their friendly attitude and deep knowledge. They make sure beginners feel comfortable and experienced divers enjoy their time without feeling rushed. The small-group setting enhances safety and allows for more personalized attention.

Scenic Coastline and Clear Waters

The Turkish coast’s beauty isn’t just seen from the boat; the underwater views are equally stunning. The water is described as crystal-clear, making it perfect for sightseeing or snorkeling. The scenery above the water, with rugged coastlines and lush greenery, complements the underwater experience beautifully.

Value for Money

At a glance, the package includes two dives, all equipment, lunch, and hotel transfers—adding up to a comprehensive day trip. Reviewers like Ricardo point out that the price-quality ratio is excellent, especially considering the level of instruction and safety. It’s a good option if you want a hassle-free, all-inclusive adventure that doesn’t break the bank.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Book in advance to secure your preferred date and time. The tour offers flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before, so you can plan confidently.
Bring your own snorkel equipment if you prefer, or rent on the boat.
Dress comfortably and bring sun protection — the Turkish sun can be intense.
Be prepared for a long day — roughly 9 hours — but know that the majority of time is relaxed and scenic.
Non-divers are welcome, so consider bringing friends or family who prefer snorkeling or relaxing on deck.
Check the water temperature and your gear to ensure comfort during your dives.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits a wide range of travelers. Beginners will appreciate the professional instruction and safety focus, while seasoned divers can enjoy the variety of sites and underwater museum. The inclusion of snorkeling makes it perfect for non-divers or those who prefer staying above water but still want to explore.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic, and educational underwater adventure in Turkey, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. The friendly guides and beautiful settings ensure you’ll leave with both new skills and stunning photographs.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for both beginners and experienced divers. Beginners will receive full instructions, and all safety measures are in place.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes two dives, full diving equipment, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and instruction. Drinks, snacks, and underwater DVDs are not included.

Can non-divers participate?
Absolutely. Non-divers can snorkel or swim in the clear waters while others are diving. You can bring your own snorkel gear or rent it on the boat.

How long does the tour last?
The full day lasts around 9 hours, with flexible starting times. It’s a long but relaxed day with plenty of scenic and underwater highlights.

What about safety and guides?
The guides are well-reviewed for their professionalism, friendliness, and safety focus. They make sure everyone feels comfortable, regardless of experience level.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all necessary diving gear is provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Snorkel equipment is also available for rent.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced dive experience that combines adventure, scenic beauty, and good value, this full-day tour from Side ticks all the boxes. The professional guides, beautiful underwater sites—including the underwater museum—and delicious onboard lunch create a memorable day for both beginners and seasoned divers alike.

While the longer downtime on the boat after the second dive might not suit everyone, most guests find that the overall experience offers great bang for your buck. Whether you want to try scuba for the first time or explore Turkey’s underwater treasures, this tour provides a safe, friendly, and visually stunning adventure that you’ll remember long after your trip.