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

If you’re dreaming of exploring the captivating waters of the Mediterranean and want a memorable, educational, and fun underwater experience, the Side Scuba Diving Tour deserves your attention. This tour offers two 20-minute dives around some of the most intriguing underwater sculptures, coupled with a relaxing boat cruise, and includes a visit to the famous Side Underwater Museum. Perfect for both beginners and those with some experience, it’s a fantastic way to see a different side of Turkey’s scenic coastline.

One feature we really appreciate is the expert guidance provided throughout. From safety briefings to the actual diving, knowledgeable instructors like Murat and his team make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident. Plus, the underwater museum with its striking sculptures and marine life offers a uniquely artistic and natural backdrop. The only snag? The tour length—about five hours—can feel a bit compressed if you like to take your time. Still, if you’re after a well-organized, value-packed experience that balances adventure with stunning sights, this tour is likely to fit the bill.

This experience is best suited for travelers eager for a short but immersive underwater adventure, especially those curious about underwater art and marine ecosystems. It’s also ideal for beginners, thanks to the shallow depths and thorough safety briefings. However, note that divers must be over 14 years old, so it’s not suitable for younger children or complete water novices.

Key Points

• Convenient hotel pickup from multiple locations around Side and nearby areas ensures stress-free start and end.
• Two 20-minute dives allow plenty of time to explore the sculptures and marine flora without feeling rushed.
• The underwater museum features around 110 statues, providing an artistic dimension to marine exploration.
• Experienced guides like Murat and his team offer safety, encouragement, and photo opportunities, making it friendly for beginners.
• The lunch on the boat provides a relaxing break with water views, adding a picnic vibe to the adventure.
• Photos and DVDs are available after the tour, allowing you to keep those special underwater moments forever.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Easy Pickup and Safety Briefing

Your adventure begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus pickup from your hotel (seven locations in the surrounding regions are available, including Side, Kumköy, and Manavgat). This helps eliminate the hassle of organizing transport, especially if you’re staying outside the main town. Once aboard, the guide will give a multilingual safety briefing, crucial in setting you up for a relaxed yet safe experience. The briefing covers gear, hand signals, and what to expect under the water, making it especially reassuring if you’re new to diving or a bit nervous.

The Journey and Preparation

After the safety talk, you’ll head towards the boat, just a short jaunt from the port. The boat itself is typically well-equipped, offering enough space for the group to relax and enjoy the scenery. The duration of the trip to the dive site is about 40 minutes, giving you plenty of opportunity to take in the coastline views and get excited about what’s ahead.

The Underwater Museum: A Sculptural Wonderland

The centerpiece of the tour is the Side Underwater Museum, home to approximately 110 statues. These sculptures are positioned at a shallow depth of 5-6 meters, making the experience suitable even for those who are less experienced or simply curious. The sculptures are artfully designed to mimic human figures and marine life, creating a surreal environment where art meets nature. From the comments we’ve seen, many visitors are impressed with how lifelike and hauntingly beautiful the statues are.

One reviewer, Amit, called it an “amazing experience,” highlighting how the sculptures helped him conquer his fear of water. The sculptures form a kind of underwater gallery, and the water clarity in this part of the Mediterranean ensures that photographs—both underwater and above—turn out spectacularly. Photographers will love the opportunity to capture this fusion of art and marine environment.

The First Dive: Exploring the Sculptures and Marine Life

Your first 20-minute dive kicks off with a guided exploration of the sculptures. The guides are praised for their patience and encouragement, especially for those who might be feeling nervous. The depth of 5-6 meters is ideal for beginners, and the guides take extra care to ensure everyone is comfortable. During the dive, expect to see a variety of sea plants and marine creatures that inhabit the sculptures and surrounding waters.

Many reviewers, like Tim, note that the top service and friendly guidance made their first experience diving smooth and enjoyable. The shallow depth allows for clear viewing and easy maneuvering, making it a perfect intro for those curious but inexperienced.

Lunch Break: Relaxation with Water Views

After your first dive, you’ll enjoy a lunch on the boat—lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. The meal is included and offers a chance to rest, recharge, and soak in the sea views. It’s a laid-back, scenic break that lets you reflect on the underwater sights or simply relax with your fellow travelers.

The Second Dive: Discovering Marine Flora and Fauna

Post-lunch, it’s time for the second 20-minute dive. This round is often rated just as enjoyable, with many commenting on how the marine life seems to flourish around the sculptures. Expect to see interesting plants, schools of fish, and possibly other marine animals. The underwater environment feels like wandering through an open-air art exhibit with vibrant life swirling around.

The Boat Cruise: A Gentle Wind-Down

Following your dives, a 40-minute boat cruise offers a gentle wind-down, allowing you to enjoy the coastline from the water. This cruise is often highlighted for its relaxed vibe and stunning scenery, rounding out the day with a different perspective of Side’s beaches and cliffs.

Photos and DVDs: Capturing Memories

Before returning to the port, guides will share photos and DVDs of your underwater adventure. Many reviewers, like Amit, have cherished these mementos, especially since the guides take care to capture moments of everyone, whether underwater or on deck.

The Value of This Tour

At $68 per person, this tour offers exceptional value considering the included activities, transport, and equipment. The two dives alone, each lasting 20 minutes, provide ample underwater time, and the inclusion of lunch, safety gear, and professional guidance makes it a comprehensive package. It’s especially good for those who want a taste of scuba without committing to a full day or more expensive dive courses.

The shallow depths and friendly guides make this an accessible experience – even for those who might be hesitant or doing it for the first time. Plus, the opportunity to photograph the sculptures and marine life means you leave with memorable images to cherish.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers looking for a short, well-organized underwater adventure that combines art, nature, and relaxation. It’s perfect for beginners or those with limited time, wanting to explore the Mediterranean sea’s beauty without a major commitment. The family-friendly nature of the activity (over 14s only) makes it suitable for teens and older children interested in marine environments.

If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or just curious about underwater art, this experience delivers both, with the added bonus of expert guidance. But those seeking a full-day diving expedition or advanced underwater exploration might find this tour a little too limited in scope.

Final Thoughts

This scuba experience in Side offers a wonderful introduction to underwater exploration with a focus on art and marine life. The expert guides, along with the shallow depths and clear waters, make it an approachable yet immersive activity. You’ll love the variety—artistic sculptures, marine ecosystems, and scenic boat rides—packed into just a few hours.

While it’s not the most intense dive experience, the value here is high, especially for beginners or those seeking a relaxed, scenic outing. The combination of safety, stunning visuals, and the chance to capture memories makes it a highly recommended option for a memorable day in Turkey.

If you’re looking for a mix of culture, natural beauty, and adventure, this tour strikes a great balance. Suitable for families, solo travelers, or couples eager to add something unique to their trip, it’s worth considering for your itinerary.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from hotels in Side, Kumköy, Çolakl, Evrenseki, Manavgat, Gündodu, and other nearby areas is included. Just select your location when booking.

How long does each dive last?
Each dive is approximately 20 minutes long, providing enough time to explore the sculptures and enjoy marine life at a comfortable depth.

What’s the minimum age for diving?
Participants must be over 14 years old to join the diving activities. This ensures safety and maturity during the experience.

Is the water suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The water depth is only 5-6 meters, ideal for beginners or those who are a bit nervous about diving. The guides go at your pace.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. All diving equipment is provided, so no need to worry about gear.

Are photos included?
Photos and DVDs can be purchased after the tour, but they are not included in the base price. Many reviewers find these photos valuable souvenirs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

To sum it up, the Side Scuba Diving Tour with its accessible depths, artistic underwater sculptures, and scenic boat ride provides a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want a memorable underwater adventure in Turkey, this tour offers great value, expert guidance, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.