City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup

Taking a plunge into the clear waters off Side, Turkey, for a guided scuba diving experience offers an exciting way to see a unique underwater landscape. This tour, provided by Payless Turizm, combines two supervised dives with hotel pickup and a relaxing lunch, making it ideal for travelers seeking a memorable, accessible adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned diver, this excursion promises a safe, fun way to explore the Mediterranean’s hidden treasures.

What we really like about this tour is how inclusive and straightforward it is—you don’t need prior experience, thanks to clear instruction and friendly guides. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies the logistics, especially in a busy tourist area like Side. That said, a potential consideration is the length of the day, which can be quite full and may not suit those seeking a shorter activity or the very faint-hearted about long excursions. This tour suits anyone eager to experience the sea’s wonders without the fuss of organizing their own transport or equipment.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: No prior experience needed; professional instructors handle everything.
• Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day stress-free.
• Two Supervised Dives: Each around 20 minutes, with locations chosen by guides for maximum visibility.
• Includes Lunch and Insurance: Tasty meal and full coverage add to the value.
• Authentic Underwater Environment: See reefs, wrecks, and the famous underwater museum.
• Memorable Photos: Optional souvenirs captured during the dives.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Side Scuba Diving Tour

How the Tour Begins: Pickup and Briefing

The adventure starts early, with a comfortable vehicle arriving at your hotel during the morning hours. The pickup experience is smooth—just be ready at the main security gate about 10 minutes before your scheduled time, and the driver will be waiting. This ease of access is a significant plus, especially if you’re tired of arranging transport or dealing with busy streets.

Once onboard, the journey to the departure port is relaxed. We appreciate how the process takes care of the logistics, allowing you to focus on the upcoming experience. Meeting your certified instructors at the port, you’ll get a detailed safety brief. This is a critical part, especially for first-timers, as it covers everything from equipment use to underwater communication.

Training and Preparation: What to Expect

The instructors clearly understand that many participants are new to scuba. They show you how to handle all necessary gear, and you’ll even get to test your breathing with professional oxygen tubes—no surprises later. The briefing also covers sign language for underwater communication, which reassures nervous divers. As one reviewer noted, the instructors are “really friendly” and handle “everything perfectly,” making beginners feel at ease.

The Diving Experience: Two Dives of 20 Minutes Each

The core of the tour is the two dives, each lasting around 20 minutes. The locations are randomly selected but are generally in the area of Side, renowned for its underwater museum, the biggest in Europe, and its crystal-clear waters that provide excellent visibility.

During these dives, you’ll observe reef formations, wrecks, and a variety of fish—an underwater playground that delights both novices and experienced divers. One reviewer mentioned, “The underwater environment is beautiful, with reefs, wrecks, and lots of fishes,” which captures the essence of what you’ll see.

Another traveler commented, “The guides pay a lot of attention to you and help you deal with your difficulties,” highlighting the importance of professional guidance for a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Lunch Break: Rest and Replenish

After the first dive, you’ll enjoy a light and tasty lunch aboard the boat. The menu includes sautéed chicken, pasta, and salad, providing enough energy for the second dive. While some reviews mention the food isn’t gourmet—”the food isn’t super good”—most agree that it’s satisfactory and convenient after a morning of activity. Bringing your own snacks or entertainment might be wise if you’re particular about your eating preferences.

Second Dive and Final Moments

Post-lunch, the boat heads to a different spot for the second dive. This site offers a chance to see additional marine life and structures such as wrecks and reefs. As one reviewer said, “You’re amazed by the underwater environment and the feelings that diving creates,” which is a testament to the emotional impact of such experiences.

Return and Souvenirs

The tour wraps up at the port, where the diving team takes official photos and videos. These are available for purchase as souvenirs and can serve as wonderful reminders of your adventure. Once back on land, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, ending a full day of discovery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $45 per person offers excellent value. Included in this are hotel pickup and drop-off, all diving equipment, professional training, full insurance, and the lunch. The only extras are drinks and DVDs of your underwater footage, so bring cash for souvenirs and any additional snacks or beverages.

Why the Price is Reasonable

Compared to organizing your own dive, paying for equipment, insurance, and guides separately, this package simplifies everything and reduces hassle. The small group size and professional guidance ensure safety and personalized attention, often hard to find in more commercialized activities.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Voices

“Was so nervous at the beginning as we were non-swimmers and it was our first dive. They handle everything perfectly and give us clear instructions… everything went perfect,” shared one first-time diver. This highlights how well the guides manage beginners and create a supportive environment.

Another reviewer called it “a very cool experience” and appreciated “the guides’ attention” and the overall value for money. Conversely, some mention that “the food isn’t super good,” and “there’s a long wait,” so being prepared for a full day and bringing your own snacks is advisable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers interested in exploring marine life and underwater structures without needing prior experience or equipment. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup, good guidance, and a safe, friendly environment. The inclusion of a meal makes it a good value, especially if you’re looking for a full-day activity.

It’s not ideal for children under 15 or pregnant women, per safety guidelines, but for adults curious about the underwater world, it offers an authentic, enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up

This Side scuba tour provides a well-rounded, accessible introduction to the underwater environment of the Mediterranean. The combination of professional guidance, two supervised dives, convenient transportation, and a tasty meal makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable adventure without the fuss. While the food might not impress everyone, the overall experience—seeing reefs, wrecks, and the famous underwater museum—is truly worthwhile.

If you’re someone who values safety, friendly guides, and authentic marine sights, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially great for beginners and those looking for a hassle-free way to add a splash of adventure to their trip.

For seasoned divers, the experience might be more about the convenience and quality of guidance than the diving itself. For first-timers or non-swimmers, the professionalism and safety measures can turn a nervous start into a confident plunge into the sea.

FAQ

Do I need previous diving experience?
No, the tour is suitable for beginners. Instructors provide all necessary training and support.

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

How long is the entire tour?
The activity lasts about 8 hours, including pickup, briefing, two dives, lunch, and return.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and cash for optional extras. The tour provides all diving gear.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the dives safe?
Yes, full insurance is included, and guides are certified professionals focused on safety.

Will I get underwater photos?
Yes, official photos and videos are taken during the dives; you can purchase them afterward.

What is the quality of the food?
The lunch is simple but satisfying—includes sautéed chicken, pasta, and salad. Feel free to bring snacks if preferred.

How are the guides?
Reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, attention to safety, and helpfulness.

What if I’m not a good swimmer?
Nervous swimmers are well-cared-for; instructors handle everything and make sure everyone is comfortable.

This scuba tour in Side offers an excellent balance of adventure, safety, and convenience. Perfect for those eager to see a different side of Turkey’s coast, it’s a day packed with sights, new skills, and fun memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: