Nestled along the southern Turkish coast, Side offers a unique underwater adventure that captivates both seasoned divers and curious newcomers. The Underwater Museum, with its mesmerizing display of over 90 life-size statues, beckons visitors to explore the depths and uncover the secrets of the ancient city. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled encounter with marine life or a chance to learn about the region’s rich history, this scuba diving experience promises a truly unforgettable journey. As you prepare to take the plunge, the possibilities that await below the surface are nothing short of extraordinary.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Scuba Diving Experiences In Side.

Key Points

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Key Points

  • The scuba diving experience in Side includes two separate dives at distinct sites, showcasing a variety of marine life like octopus, grouper, and damselfish.
  • The Underwater Museum in Side features over 90 life-size ancient Greek and Roman sculptures submerged underwater, surrounded by vibrant marine life.
  • Experienced instructors provide guidance throughout the scuba diving adventure, which includes a hearty lunch and hotel pickup/drop-off.
  • The scuba diving package includes all necessary equipment, and participants can expect to see captivating marine encounters during the dives.
  • The excursion is well-organized, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers, ensuring a manageable and enjoyable underwater experience.

Overview of the Scuba Diving Experience

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Overview of the Scuba Diving Experience

The scuba diving experience in Side, Turkey, takes place over the course of approximately six hours.

Travelers will participate in two separate dives at different sites, where they can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife, including octopus, grouper, and damselfish.

The experience includes all necessary scuba and snorkeling equipment, as well as an instructor to provide support during the dives.

Pickup and drop-off at hotels in the Side area, including Antalya and Kemer, is provided, and a lunch is included.

While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 30 people.

Exploring the Underwater Museum in Side

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Exploring the Underwater Museum in Side

Upon arrival at the dive site, travelers are introduced to the remarkable Underwater Museum in Side. This unique attraction features over 90 life-size statues submerged beneath the waves, creating an enchanting underwater art gallery.

Some key highlights include:

  1. Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, including figures of gods and mythological creatures.
  2. A sunken shipwreck, adding to the historical and archaeological significance of the site.
  3. Vibrant marine life, including schools of colorful fish, surrounding the submerged artworks.
  4. Opportunities for both scuba divers and snorkelers to explore the museum’s captivating underwater world.

The Underwater Museum in Side offers a truly one-of-a-kind diving experience, blending the beauty of the Mediterranean with the wonder of ancient art.

Highlights of the Scuba Diving Adventure

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Highlights of the Scuba Diving Adventure

After exploring the captivating Underwater Museum, the scuba diving adventure truly comes alive.

The group dives at two distinct sites, offering the chance to encounter a diverse array of marine life, from captivating octopus to impressive grouper.

With the provided scuba and snorkeling equipment, travelers can enjoy the underwater world, guided by experienced instructors.

The excursion also includes a hearty lunch and hotel pickup/drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.

While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the scuba diving tour is accessible to most travelers, with a maximum group size of 30.

Marine Life Encounters During the Dives

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Marine Life Encounters During the Dives

Divers can expect to come across a diverse array of captivating marine life during the two-site scuba excursion.

Octopuses, known for their intelligence and camouflage abilities, may be spotted curiously observing the divers. Majestic groupers, with their impressive size and predatory presence, could make an appearance.

Plus, schools of vibrant damselfish, with their iridescent colors, may dance around the coral reefs. The marine ecosystem is further enhanced by the presence of a variety of other species, creating a truly awe-inspiring underwater experience for participants.

The highlights include:

  1. Octopus sightings
  2. Encounters with grouper
  3. Damselfish schools
  4. Diverse marine life

Inclusion and Booking Details

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Inclusion and Booking Details

The scuba diving experience in Side includes a comprehensive package that ensures a seamless and enjoyable outing. Travelers can expect to receive all necessary scuba and snorkeling equipment, a delicious lunch, and the guidance of experienced instructors throughout the dives. Hotel pickup and drop-off, travel insurance, and photos or a DVD movie are also included, providing a hassle-free adventure.

Inclusions
Scuba and snorkeling equipment
Lunch
Instructor support
Hotel pickup and drop-off

The experience is priced from $50.79 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start of the activity, and confirmation is received upon booking.

Meeting and Pickup Arrangements

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Meeting and Pickup Arrangements

Hotel pickups are conveniently arranged for the scuba diving experience in Side. The excursion starts at 8:30 am, with pickups from all hotels in the Side area, including Antalya and Kemer. This makes it easy for participants to get to the dive site without worrying about transportation.

The key details are:

  1. Pickup from all hotels in the Side area, including Antalya and Kemer.
  2. Start time: 8:30 am.
  3. Maximum group size: 30 travelers.
  4. Not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

The scuba diving experience in Side promises an unforgettable underwater adventure, with the convenience of hotel pickups and a well-organized itinerary.

Health and Safety Considerations

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Health and Safety Considerations

For the scuba diving experience in Side, certain health and safety considerations apply. The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

However, most travelers can participate. The maximum group size is 30 people, so there’s ample instructor support during the dives.

Participants should keep in mind that scuba diving carries inherent risks, and they must disclose any relevant medical conditions to the operators.

Reviews and Ratings of the Activity

Side:Scuba Diving Experience Underwater Museum Side - Reviews and Ratings of the Activity

Travelers have provided a mix of feedback on the scuba diving experience in Side, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

While there are no 5-star ratings, the activity seems to offer a generally positive experience for participants.

Here are a few key points from the reviews:

  1. Diverse marine life observed, including octopus, grouper, and damselfish.
  2. Knowledgeable and attentive instructors who provided support during the dives.
  3. Well-organized logistics, with hotel pickup, equipment, and lunch included.
  4. A few concerns raised about the group size, which has a maximum of 30 travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Scuba Gear?

The scuba diving experience generally provides all necessary equipment, but travelers can bring their own gear if they prefer. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure compatibility and safety.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

The scuba diving excursion offers a private tour option, allowing travelers to enjoy a personalized experience. Customers can inquire about this alternative when booking to determine availability and any additional costs.

Can I Rent a Camera for Underwater Photography?

Yes, the scuba diving experience offers an option to rent an underwater camera during the dives. Travelers can capture their underwater encounters and receive the photos after the excursion.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Included Lunch?

The excursion includes a provided lunch, but there’s no mention of any special dietary requirements. Participants should inform the tour provider of any dietary restrictions or preferences prior to the trip.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

The scuba diving excursion doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, participants should be in good health and able to swim comfortably, as the activity is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

The Sum Up

The Underwater Museum in Side offers a thrilling scuba diving experience for both novice and experienced divers. With two dives showcasing over 90 life-size statues, ancient shipwrecks, and diverse marine life, this excursion provides a unique and memorable adventure. Convenient transportation, a hearty lunch, and all necessary equipment make this an ideal choice for those seeking an unforgettable underwater exploration.