Planning a trip to Side and looking to add a splash of underwater excitement? We’ve researched a popular scuba tour that promises a balanced mix of adventure, education, and beautiful scenery. This experience, rated 4.2 out of 5 from 18 reviews, offers a chance to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, see the famous underwater museum, and enjoy the comfort of hotel transfers.
What makes this tour attractive? First, the affordable price of $40 per person delivers excellent value for two dives and a boat trip in warm, easily visible waters. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable guides seem to make beginners feel safe and confident, which is key for those new to scuba. Third, the underwater museum is a unique feature that adds an educational twist to the exploration. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the dependence on weather conditions, which can influence visibility and overall enjoyment.
This tour is best suited for adventurers curious about the underwater world, those comfortable in water, and travelers who appreciate guided experiences that combine activity with relaxation. If you’re over 12, enjoy learning about marine environments, and want a taste of the Mediterranean’s secrets, this could be a great pick.
Good To Know
- Affordable Price: Just $40 offers access to two dives, boat trip, lunch, and equipment.
- Suitable for All Levels: Beginners and experienced divers are both welcome, with safety instructions included.
- Unique Underwater Museum: An artificial reef that offers an interesting glimpse into marine art and conservation.
- Comprehensive Experience: Hotel transfers, professional guides, and snorkeling gear included.
- Flexible Spots: The dives are at two different locations, chosen on the day of the tour for optimal conditions.
- Duration and Timing: Lasts around 5 hours with varying start times—check availability.
This scuba experience is designed to be accessible, fun, and safe, whether you’re trying it for the first time or are an experienced diver. For many travelers, the highlight is the chance to see the artificial underwater museum—a visually captivating site brimming with sculptures and structures created to support marine life. According to reviews, guides such as Yasar and Mustafa are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, making even nervous first-timers feel at ease. One traveler mentioned, “Strongly recommend that you go on this trip if you’re in Side or surrounding areas,” emphasizing the overall positive vibe.
You can check if your dates are available here:The Itinerary: What to Expect
Like museums? Other Side cultural attractions we've reviewed
Hotel Pickup and Transportation
Your day begins with a hotel pickup, usually from your accommodation in Side. The pickup is flexible, and a driver will take you to the boat’s meeting point at Side Deniz Feneri Diving Center. This transfer saves you the hassle of transport logistics and ensures you’re ready to start your adventure without stress.
Boat Trip and First Impressions
Once on board, you’ll enjoy a boat trip in the welcoming waters of the Mediterranean. The boat offers a sun deck—perfect for soaking up the sun or simply relaxing after your morning ride. The crew is experienced and attentive, with guides speaking several languages including English, German, Russian, and Turkish.
The Dive Briefing & Equipment Demo
Before hitting the water, a detailed briefing takes place. The instructors, led by seasoned professionals like Yasar, cover safety guidelines, communication methods underwater, and proper equipment use. This is especially reassuring for first-timers, as you’ll learn exactly what to do and how to signal your needs.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Two Dives
The two dives are made at spots chosen on the day to ensure the best visibility and conditions. Waters here are generally warm, with visibility often exceeding 10 meters, making for a comfortable and visually impressive experience.
- First Spot: Likely near the underwater museum, where you can observe the sculptures and structures that serve as a habitat for marine life.
- Second Spot: Could be a wreck, reef, or another scenic underwater location, providing variety and new sights to explore.
Enjoy diving? More Side underwater tours we've reviewed
The Underwater Museum Experience
The Underwater Museum is the star of this trip. The artificial reefs, featuring sculptures and structures, are crafted for both aesthetic appeal and marine habitat creation. Visitors often note the fascinating marine environment and the curiosity of observing sculptures encrusted with marine growth. One reviewer said, “The museum is a really unique feature, and the guides explained the purpose of each sculpture which added depth to the experience.”
Lunch and Relaxation on Board
Between dives, a light, nutritious lunch is served. Expect a meal of sautéed chicken, pasta, and salad, giving you enough energy for the remaining activities. The meal, included in the price, is appreciated by travelers who find it a welcome break amidst the underwater exploration.
Post-activity Transfer and Return
After completing the second dive, the boat makes its way back. A vehicle then transfers you from the port to your hotel, concluding a smooth and well-organized day.
When considering the $40 price point, the tour provides excellent value for a full half-day of activities. The inclusion of two supervised dives, modern diving equipment, professional guides, and the underwater museum makes for a memorable and immersive experience. The guides’ ability to communicate in multiple languages and their emphasis on safety—highlighted by reviews praising their professionalism—help ensure a confident experience for all.
The hotel transfer is another big plus, removing logistical headaches and making the day truly hassle-free. For those who want to combine a relaxing boat trip with underwater exploration, this tour balances activity and comfort well.
Based on the reviews, many participants loved the knowledgeable guides and the stunning underwater scenery. One reviewer, Nathan, called it “fantastic,” while Keith described it as “absolutely brilliant from start to finish.” These comments highlight the overall satisfaction and the strong impression made by the guides and the sights.
Some noted that conditions could vary, which is normal in outdoor activities, but overall, the warm waters and good visibility seem to make this tour reliable. The fact that beginners can participate easily—thanks to the instructors’ detailed briefings—means the experience is accessible to most.
If you’re over 12 years old with a basic confidence in water, this tour can be a fantastic introduction or a refreshing experience for seasoned divers. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a hassle-free way to enjoy the Mediterranean’s underwater beauty without the need for advanced training or equipment. The relaxed pace, combined with the guides’ professionalism, makes it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a new perspective on Side’s marine environment.
This scuba tour offers a value-packed way to see the underwater world of Side. The combination of two dives, a boat trip, a visit to the underwater museum, and hotel transfers makes for an all-inclusive, stress-free adventure. The moderate price point means it’s accessible for many budgets, especially considering the quality of guides and the variety of sights.
While weather can influence visibility, the generally warm waters and experienced crew help maximize your chances for an enjoyable experience. In addition, the inclusion of snorkeling gear allows a relaxing alternative if you’re not fully confident to dive.
This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore the marine side of Side without diving into complex or costly excursions. It’s perfect if you’re looking to combine a gentle boat trip with a unique underwater experience that leaves you with lasting memories.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Side, making your day more convenient and stress-free.
Are the dives suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The activity is designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced divers, with safety instructions provided beforehand.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Use the provided snorkeling gear if you want to swim on the surface.
Can I participate if I’m not confident in the water?
You need to have confidence in water to participate because the activity involves swimming underwater. If you’re not feeling ready, you might still enjoy the boat and snorkeling from the surface.
What age do I need to be?
Participants must be over 12 years old to join the tour.
What if weather conditions aren’t good?
The spots are chosen on the day of the tour based on visibility and weather, so the guides aim to give you the best experience possible.
Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness should consider their suitability before booking.
This Side scuba experience is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a well-organized, affordable, and visually captivating underwater adventure. The professional guides, warm waters, and special underwater museum make it stand out as a memorable activity, especially for those new to diving or those wanting a relaxing yet exciting day on the water.
If you’re in Side and eager to see the Mediterranean from a different perspective, this tour offers great value and a chance to connect with the marine environment in a safe, friendly setting. Whether you’re after your first underwater experience or just want to explore new snorkeling spots, this trip balances fun, education, and comfort beautifully.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Diving Tours in Side
- City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup
- Diving Tour from Alanya & Side with Lunch – 2 Dives Included
- Tour in Alanya with Lunch and Guided Scuba Dives from Side
- From City of Side: Scuba Diving Day Trip
- Scuba Diving Tour With Transfer From Alanya and City of Side
- Diving Tour From Side With Lunch Included
More Museum Tours in Side
More Tour Reviews in Side
- The Land of Legends: Air-conditioned Transfer Service
- Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at the Green Lake
- Side: Green Canyon Boat Tour With Open Buffet Lunch & Drinks
- Side: Dolphin Boat Tour With Lunch Foam party Swimming
- Private/Shared Side, Aspendos, Perge and Manavgat Fall tour
- Private Antalyas Ancient Excursion: Perge, Aspendos, Side
Looking for something different? Other Side activities we've written about
- The Land of Legends: Air-conditioned Transfer Service
- Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at the Green Lake
- Side: Green Canyon Boat Tour With Open Buffet Lunch & Drinks
- Side: Dolphin Boat Tour With Lunch Foam party Swimming
- Side: Scuba Diving & Under Water Museum with Hotel Transfer
- Private/Shared Side, Aspendos, Perge and Manavgat Fall tour
- Private Antalyas Ancient Excursion: Perge, Aspendos, Side
- Manavgat River Cruise With Waterfall & Bazaar Tour
- Side Combo Rafting, Zipline & ATV/Buggy Safari
- Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch
- Green Canyon: Catamaran Cruise & Jeep Safari Adventure
- Full Day Rafting/Lunch With Köprülü Kanyon Visit