City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup

Imagine gliding beneath the shimmering surface of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by vibrant marine life and ancient wrecks. That’s exactly what you get with the City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum tour. While we haven’t personally strapped on fins (yet), this experience promises an accessible, well-organized adventure, even for first-timers.

What truly appeals are the inclusive hotel pickup, comprehensive safety briefing with professional instructors, and the chance to explore in crystal-clear waters that showcase the biggest underwater museum in Europe. Plus, the delicious Turkish lunch and the chance to capture your moments on camera add extra value.

One potential consideration? The day is quite long—at around 8 hours—and the food might not be gourmet, so packing some snacks wouldn’t hurt. This tour is best suited for those eager to try scuba in a friendly, safe environment without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for beginners, curious travelers, and anyone interested in experiencing the marine wonders of Side.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: At $45 per person, it offers great value for a full day of activity.
• All-Inclusive Package: Includes hotel transfers, equipment, training, and lunch.
• Suitable for Beginners: No previous experience needed; instructors are friendly and clear.
• Flexible Spots: Dives are in different locations chosen on the day, offering variety.
• Family Friendly: Though children under 15 are not permitted, the tour suits most adults.
• Memorable Photos: Official photos and videos are available for purchase, making great keepsakes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour Experience

This scuba adventure is designed to be straightforward and accessible, making it appealing for those new to underwater exploration. As the tour begins with a hotel pickup, you can relax knowing transportation is sorted, with drivers waiting at your hotel’s main security gate. This saves the hassle of taxis and gives you one less thing to worry about before the fun begins.

Once at the port, the team of certified instructors will guide you through a detailed safety and equipment briefing. We loved how thorough the instructions were—reviewing everything from how to handle your regulator to testing breathing tubes, and even demonstrating underwater sign language communication. This demonstration is especially useful for nervous first-timers, as it boosts confidence and prepares you for the underwater environment.

The First Dive: Exploring the Underwater Museum

The first of two dives typically takes about 20 minutes, with the location chosen by instructors on the day. This unpredictability adds a touch of excitement, as each spot offers different sights—sometimes reefs, wrecks, or artificial structures.

Travelers have raved about the clarity of the water and the visibility, which allow for exceptional views of marine life, wrecks, and structures that make the underwater museum so fascinating. One reviewer noted that the underwater museum in Europe is a highlight, with clear waters providing maximum visibility that makes exploring easy and enjoyable.

The instructors are attentive and helpful, especially for beginners. One reviewer shared, “They handle everything perfectly and give us clear instructions,” which speaks volumes about the professionalism of the team. Their guidance ensures your safety and helps you relax and enjoy the experience, even if it’s your first time underwater.

Lunch Break: A Taste of Local Flavors

After the first dive, everyone heads back to the boat for a light, tasty lunch. The menu features sautéed chicken, pasta, and fresh salad. While some travelers mention the food isn’t gourmet, it’s filling enough to give you energy for the second dive. One guest humorously noted that the hot dog was cold, suggesting bringing some personal snacks if you’re particularly hungry or picky.

This break is also a great chance to chat with fellow explorers, share impressions, or simply unwind in the spacious boat. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the guides are friendly, focusing on making sure everyone feels comfortable.

The Second Dive: Discovering Reefs and Wrecks

The second dive is at a different spot, which means you’ll likely see new sights—more reefs, wrecks, and a variety of fish and marine flora. Many reviewers mention being struck by the beauty of the underwater environment and the feeling of floating weightlessly among the marine life.

For those wondering, the guides again provide support and instructions, making sure everyone is comfortable. One reviewer commented, “The guides made two beginners feel a lot of pressure, but in a good way—they helped us overcome our nerves,” highlighting the attentiveness and encouragement offered.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Return and Photo Souvenirs

Once the second dive ends, you’ll head back to port, where the team offers photos and videos of your underwater adventure. These souvenirs are optional but highly recommended—they capture moments you won’t want to forget. Many past participants expressed delight at having these keepsakes, describing them as “great memories to take home.”

The entire day wraps up with drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with a sense of achievement and new stories to tell.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Professional and Friendly Guides

Throughout the experience, the guides stand out for their professionalism and friendliness. Reviewers consistently praise how they handled beginners’ nerves and paid close attention to safety and comfort. Their clear instructions and approachable demeanors make even the most anxious feel at ease.

Great Value for Money

At just $45, this tour offers a comprehensive package: hotel transfers, equipment, training, and lunch. Considering the typical cost of a single introductory dive, this package provides excellent value—especially since it includes two dives and professional guidance.

Unique Underwater Environment

Exploring the largest underwater museum in Europe is the main attraction. The clear waters, combined with the variety of wrecks and reefs, make each dive feel like a new adventure. Reviewers loved the diversity of sights and the ease of exploring in such favorable conditions.

Authentic and Enjoyable Experience

From comments about delicious food and attentive guides to the opportunity to capture photos, this tour emphasizes authentic, memorable moments. It’s not just about ticking a box but about genuinely enjoying the underwater environment in a safe, supportive setting.

Practical Aspects to Consider

Duration and Flexibility

The tour lasts about 8 hours, which is a full day but manageable for most travelers. Check the availability for specific starting times, as they can vary. The long day is partly due to the transfer, briefing, dives, and meal, but most find it worthwhile.

Suitability

This experience is not suitable for children under 15 or pregnant women, aligning with safety guidelines. Be sure to bring swimwear, a towel, and cash for extras like souvenirs. The pickup process is simple—just wait at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes early.

Additional Tips

While the tour includes equipment, it’s advisable to wear comfortable swimwear and pack a small snack if you’re concerned about the quality of the provided lunch. Also, keep in mind that beverages are not included, so bring water or drinks if you need.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience

This scuba diving tour in Side offers an accessible, well-organized way to see the underwater museum and marine life of the Mediterranean. It’s especially suitable for beginners or those with limited diving experience, thanks to the professional instructors and manageable dive durations.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, value for money, and a friendly atmosphere will find this tour rewarding. The inclusion of hotel pickup, detailed safety briefings, and the chance to photograph your adventure makes it an excellent choice for a memorable day.

However, if you’re a seasoned diver or seeking gourmet food, this might feel a bit basic. The long day can also be tiring for those not accustomed to full-day excursions. Still, most reviewers find it to be a worthwhile, fun, and safe introduction to underwater exploration in Side.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, a comfortable vehicle will pick you up from your hotel during the morning and drop you off at the end of the tour.

Are the dives suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to be accessible to first-timers, with comprehensive instructions and supportive guides.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and some cash for extras. It’s also smart to pack a snack, considering the food may not satisfy all appetites.

How long does the entire tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, including transfers, briefing, two dives, and lunch.

Can I see underwater wrecks and reefs?
Yes, the locations include wrecks and reefs, and the specific spots are selected by instructors on the day, providing variety.

Is this suitable for children?
No, diving is prohibited for children under 15 years old.

Are photos taken during the tour?
Yes, official photos and videos are captured and available for purchase afterward.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Russian, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

To sum it up, the Side scuba diving tour offers a fantastic blend of safety, authenticity, and value. It’s a perfect way to see the Mediterranean’s underwater treasures without any prior experience. Whether you’re eager to tick off a new activity or simply want a memorable day at sea, this tour provides the perfect setting—friendly guides, beautiful sights, and a taste of local flavors.

You can check if your dates are available here: