City of Side: Scuba Diving with Lunch

The main draw here is the chance to take your first underwater breaths in the warm Mediterranean and visit Side’s Underwater Museum along the way. Two 30-minute sessions give beginners enough time to learn the basics, see fish and reef, and decide if scuba is for them.

I like the patient instructors and the fact that equipment, lunch, transfers, and travel insurance are included for $42. I also like the roomy boat, with seating in sun and shade and space to swim when other people are underwater. The main caution is that the sessions are aimed at beginners, and rough seas, sinus trouble, or difficulty equalizing can cut your time short.

Key points at a glance

• Two 30-minute underwater sessions: You get a proper first try rather than a brief pool-style introduction.
• Side’s Underwater Museum: Sculptures and submerged exhibits add something unusual to the fish and reef.
• Strong beginner support: Instructors stay close, explain the steps, and help with full equipment.
• Large boat with shade and sun: You can relax, swim, or watch the sea while other groups are below.
• Good $42 package value: Transport, lunch, equipment, insurance, and instruction are all covered.
• Important health limits: The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with respiratory issues, high or low blood pressure, pregnant women, or anyone under 16.

What this Side boat trip is really like

This is a beginner-friendly sea excursion rather than a technical scuba outing. You leave Side by coach, board a large boat, receive instruction, and take part in two supervised underwater sessions. The total outing lasts about six hours, with hotel pickup scheduled between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning.

You should think of the day as a mix of instruction, boat time, swimming, lunch, and short underwater visits. The actual underwater time totals about one hour, split into two 30-minute sessions. That is enough for a first attempt, but an experienced diver may find the pace basic and the sessions shorter than expected.

The score is 4.3 from 189 ratings, which fits the experience well. The strongest parts are the crew, the care given to first-timers, and the overall price. The weaker points are occasional waiting at the harbor, basic food, tired equipment in some cases, and costly underwater photographs.

Morning pickup from Side

Your driver collects you at the main gate of your hotel, usually between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. Pickup is included, but it is worth waiting at the entrance rather than inside the hotel, especially if your property is large or set back from the road.

The coach transfer is practical, though communication can be imperfect. One passenger was picked up despite being close enough to walk to the meeting point, so tell the operator clearly where you are staying and where you will wait. A quick confirmation the day before is useful.

Once you reach the harbor, there may be a delay before the boat leaves. One account describes a wait of roughly one to one and a half hours at the harbor. That can feel long when you are ready to start, so bring water, sun protection, and patience.

The boat itself gets good marks for size and space. You should find seating in both shade and sun, plus a deck with loungers. That matters on a six-hour trip, since not everyone will want to sit in wet scuba gear or remain in direct sun all morning.

Training before your first underwater session

If you have never used scuba equipment, the crew gives you basic training before taking you below the surface. You learn how to wear the mask, breathing equipment, and suit, and how to follow instructions underwater.

The instructors are the best part of the operation. They are described as patient, helpful, and attentive, particularly with people trying scuba for the first time. First-timers remain with an instructor throughout both sessions, which helps take the fear out of breathing underwater.

You do not need to arrive with your own equipment. The price includes the full setup, training, and an English, German, Russian, or Turkish-speaking guide. Equipment quality can vary. One experienced participant found some of it tired and had to sort through the available gear for a better-fitting set, so check your mask, fins, suit, and air supply before entering the water.

Fit matters more than many beginners expect. A suit and equipment that feel comfortable on deck can become a problem underwater. Tell the crew immediately if a mask leaks, a strap feels wrong, or the breathing equipment does not sit comfortably.

The first 30-minute session near Side

The first underwater session is usually the moment when the day either clicks or becomes a lesson in patience. You enter slowly, get used to the equipment, and practice breathing while following your instructor.

Some people cannot equalize the pressure in their ears as they descend. This was a real issue for several participants, including one person whose sinus trouble after hay fever caused pain and prevented further descent. Even a minor cold, blocked nose, or sinus problem can make the second session impossible.

Do not force it. If your ears hurt, signal to the instructor and stop descending. The crew can help you test your limits, but no underwater visit is worth pushing through sharp ear pain.

Conditions can be pleasant, with warm, clear Mediterranean water and fish around the sites near ancient Side. The trip description also refers to coral reef and the submerged museum. What you see depends on water clarity, sea conditions, and your comfort underwater.

The first session may reach around 23 meters for experienced participants, while beginner groups are handled according to their ability. An account from a certified diver describes seeing a small wreck and part of the underwater museum at roughly 23 meters, followed by a shallower area around 12 meters. Do not treat those figures as a promise for every participant. Your instructor decides what is suitable.

Seeing the Submarine Museum

The Underwater Museum gives this excursion a useful point of difference. Instead of looking only for fish and reef, you have submerged exhibits to find and use as visual reference while moving through the site.

The museum is particularly helpful for first-timers because it gives the underwater time a clear purpose. You are not simply floating over a featureless seabed. You can look at the exhibits, follow your guide, and pay attention to your breathing and buoyancy.

Experienced divers should keep expectations measured. The sites are presented for beginners, and the underwater sessions are short. You may see a small wreck, fish, reef, and museum pieces, but this is not a demanding exploration trip or a long-distance boat charter.

The museum also makes the excursion more appealing to people who want a gentle introduction to Side’s coastal attractions. You see a different side of the area, one that cannot be reached by walking through the old town or visiting the shore.

The second session and time for swimming

After the first session, the boat provides a break before the second. You can use this time to dry off, sit in the shade, have lunch, or swim if sea conditions allow.

The second 30-minute session gives you another chance to settle into the equipment. If the first attempt felt awkward, the second can be easier because you already know how the mask, air regulator, and descent feel. If equalizing was difficult the first time, however, it may remain a problem.

One account describes the second site as less interesting than the first, though it still offered plenty of fish and more of the underwater museum. That is a fair expectation: the second session adds time in the water, but it may not provide a major new attraction.

Swimming and snorkeling can be available while other groups are underwater. Rough seas may cancel snorkeling or make it unpleasant, so do not book this mainly as a relaxed snorkeling cruise. The sea is the boss here, and conditions can change the balance of the day.

Lunch on the boat

Lunch is included and is generally simple rather than special. A typical meal described during the trip included chicken fillet, tomato pasta, and salad. Other accounts found the food acceptable but bland.

That is fine for a boat excursion, particularly since the price is low, but you should not expect a restaurant meal. If you are a selective eater, bring a small snack that meets your dietary needs, as long as the operator allows it.

One poor practice was also reported: leftover pasta was thrown overboard, leaving food floating near the place where people later entered the water. That is not an appealing sight and raises a fair concern about how food waste is handled. It appears to be an isolated crew practice rather than the central character of the trip, but it is worth noting.

Drinks and snacks may be available to buy on the boat. Wi-Fi was also available to one participant for a small extra charge, though this is not part of the included package. Bring cash if you want extras, but do not confuse optional purchases with the advertised $42 cost.

How good is the $42 value?

At $42 per person, this is a strong package for a six-hour sea outing. You receive hotel transport, full scuba equipment, beginner training, two 30-minute sessions, lunch, a multilingual guide, and travel insurance.

You are paying for convenience as much as for the underwater time. Arranging separate transport to the marina, hiring equipment, finding an instructor, and booking a boat would likely cost more and require far more planning.

The value is best for a first-timer who wants to test scuba without committing to a full course. You get enough time to learn whether you enjoy breathing underwater, managing equipment, and descending below the surface.

The value is less clear for a certified diver seeking depth, long bottom time, or varied sites. One experienced participant still found the day well organized and worthwhile, but described the sessions as simple and short. You may feel that the trip takes a step backward if you already have substantial experience.

Photos and videos are the one notable extra cost. Underwater images were offered for purchase, with one account describing a charge of €90. That price was considered excessive, so decide in advance how much a souvenir is worth to you. You may be able to use a GoPro on the second session, but confirm the rules with the crew before bringing one.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers aged 16 and over who are curious about scuba and want a low-cost, guided introduction. It also suits couples or friends where some people want to go underwater and others prefer to swim, sit on deck, or watch the activity.

It is a good match for you if:

• You want equipment and instruction included.
• You are comfortable spending much of the day on a boat.
• You like the idea of seeing the Underwater Museum.
• You want two attempts rather than a single short introduction.
• You can manage a basic onboard lunch.
• You understand that sea conditions affect the day.

It is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 16, pregnant women, people with respiratory problems, people prone to seasickness, or anyone over 150 kilograms. High blood pressure, low blood pressure, and a low level of fitness are also listed as reasons not to take part.

Medical details deserve serious attention. Sinus congestion, recent hay fever, or trouble clearing your ears can prevent you from descending safely. If you have any doubt about your health, ask a medical professional before booking rather than hoping the issue will disappear on the morning.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive ready for both sun and spray. Wear a swimsuit, bring sun protection, and pack a towel if the operator has not told you one is supplied. The boat has shaded and sunny seating, so you can choose your spot, but you still need to protect yourself during the surface breaks.

Use the first session as a test, not a challenge. Focus on slow breathing, listening to the instructor, and equalizing early and often. If something feels wrong, signal at once.

Expect some waiting around the harbor and between activities. A six-hour listing does not mean six hours of constant underwater action. Much of the day includes transfer time, boarding, instruction, lunch, equipment changes, and rest.

If you want underwater photographs, ask about the price before the trip begins. The reported €90 charge can change how you feel about the souvenir once the day is over.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and lets you reserve while paying later. Pickup is included, and the available guide languages are English, German, Russian, and Turkish. Check the start time for your date, since availability controls the exact schedule.

Should you book the Side underwater museum trip?

Book it if you want an affordable first taste of scuba, value attentive instruction, and are happy with two short sessions rather than a full day of serious underwater exploration. The crew care and the included equipment, lunch, transfer, and insurance make $42 hard to fault.

Skip it if you have sinus problems, dislike boat time, get seasick, or already expect advanced sites and long underwater sessions. If you are fit, comfortable in the water, and willing to accept simple food and possible harbor delays, this is a practical way to see Side from below the surface.

FAQ

How long does the Side scuba excursion last?

The activity lasts six hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, boat time, instruction, meals, and the two underwater sessions.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two sessions are included, each lasting 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Side. You should meet the driver at your hotel’s main gate between 8:30 and 9:30 AM.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. The package includes full scuba equipment.

Can a beginner take part?

Yes. Beginner training is included, and an instructor guides first-time participants during the underwater sessions.

Which languages are available?

Guides are available in English, German, Russian, and Turkish.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard. Food is described as a basic meal, with chicken fillet, tomato pasta, and salad noted as an example.

Is the Underwater Museum included?

Yes. Visiting the Submarine Museum is one of the main features of the underwater excursion.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, non-swimmers, people with respiratory issues, people prone to seasickness, people over 150 kilograms, people with high or low blood pressure, or people with a low level of fitness.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.