City of Side: Scuba Diving Underwater Museum with Pickup

Explore the Underwater Wonders of Side with a Guided Scuba Diving Tour

The City of Side in Turkey offers an exciting chance to discover its underwater treasures through a scuba diving adventure that includes two guided dives in the Mediterranean Sea. This 8-hour tour from Payless Turizm is designed for both beginners and experienced divers, featuring full equipment, expert instructors, and hotel pickup across Side. The tour’s highlight is the chance to explore Europe’s largest underwater museum and enjoy the stunning clarity of the waters, which provide excellent visibility for underwater exploration.

While the tour emphasizes ease and safety, it’s important to note that children under 15 are not permitted to participate, and pregnant women should consider their safety. The tour balances adventure and comfort, making it suitable for those new to scuba diving as well as seasoned enthusiasts eager to see Side’s underwater environment.

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Key Points

• Two guided scuba dives lasting approximately 20 minutes each with professional instructors
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Side for convenience
• Lunch included on the boat, featuring sautéed chicken, pasta, and salad
• Underwater communication and safety instructions provided during a detailed briefing
• Photos and videos of your dives are taken and available for purchase
• Suitable for adults 15 and over, with English and Russian-speaking guides

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Seamless Transportation in Side

The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup from your accommodation. A comfortable vehicle transports you to the boat departure point, eliminating any taxi or transportation worries. The driver waits at your hotel’s main security gate, ensuring a smooth start to your day. This organized pickup service makes the experience accessible, especially for travelers unfamiliar with the area.

The transport to the port is straightforward, and once at the boat, guests are greeted by professional instructors who guide you through the entire process. The boat crew is praised for their friendly attitude, and the music played during the transfer adds to the relaxed vibe. This setup is ideal for those who value convenience and want to focus on the underwater adventure.

Meet Your Certified Instructors and Receive Safety Briefings

Before entering the water, comprehensive instructions are provided by certified scuba diving instructors. The briefing covers all essential safety tips, technical details, and underwater communication signs. This ensures even first-timers feel prepared and confident.

Guests are shown how to operate all the necessary equipment, and there’s an opportunity to test the breathing apparatus with professional oxygen tubes. The emphasis on safety and clarity helps reduce nerves and ensures a relaxed experience underwater. Underwater communication using sign language is demonstrated, making it easier to follow instructions once submerged.

Two Dives in the Clear Waters of Side with Different Depths

The tour includes two dives of roughly 20 minutes each in different spots around Side. The first dive typically takes place at a depth of 10-12 meters, offering an immersive experience among reefs and possibly wrecks. The second dive is shallower, around 3 meters, providing a calmer environment perfect for observing marine life and enjoying the scenery.

The diving spots are chosen during the morning by the guides and are located in the greater Side area, close to the biggest underwater museum in Europe. The visibility in these waters is excellent, allowing for clear views of reefs, wrecks, and abundant fish species. The experience is tailored to suit all skill levels, and guides remain close by to ensure safety.

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Enjoy a Delicious and Light Lunch Aboard the Boat

After your first dive, a lunch break offers a welcome rest. The menu includes sautéed chicken, pasta, and salad, providing a light yet satisfying meal to replenish energy for the second dive. The spacious boat offers a comfortable space to relax, chat with fellow participants, and enjoy the sea views.

The lunch is highlighted as tasty and well-prepared, contributing to a pleasant onboard experience. This break gives divers time to reflect on their underwater sights and prepare for the upcoming dive.

Capture Your Underwater Moments with Photos and Videos

Throughout the dives, the diving team takes official photos and videos of your underwater movements and surroundings. These souvenirs are available for purchase at an additional cost once the tour concludes. Reviewers mention that these photos make great keepsakes and help preserve the memories of the experience.

Guests are advised to bring cash (approximately 60-80) if they wish to buy these mementos. The availability of visual records is a perk that enhances the overall value of the tour, especially for those eager to share their underwater adventures.

What Makes Side’s Underwater Museum a Unique Dive Spot

The tour’s underwater exploration focuses on Side’s renowned underwater museum, which is the biggest in Europe. The waters around Side are known for their crystal-clear visibility, often allowing for spectacular views of reefs, wrecks, and marine life.

Guides select the diving locations during the morning, ensuring participants experience varied underwater environments. The museum features include wrecks and statues, making the dives particularly interesting for those who enjoy history and marine archaeology. The area’s calm and transparent waters make it an ideal site for first-time divers and seasoned underwater explorers alike.

Safety, Insurance, and Equipment Provided

Safety is a top priority on this tour. The full insurance coverage and all diving equipment are included, so nothing extra is needed beyond swimwear, towel, and cash for photos or souvenirs. The equipment includes all necessary gear, and instructions ensure proper use.

English and Russian are the languages spoken by guides, making communication straightforward for most travelers. The presence of professional instructors guarantees guidance and reassurance throughout the dives. The tour explicitly states that pregnant women and children below 15 years are not suitable, emphasizing safety considerations.

Review Highlights: What Past Participants Appreciate Most

Based on reviews, the guides’ professionalism shines through. Selman, the main guide, is described as brilliant, funny, and friendly, leading to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The instructors are praised for their patience and ability to make beginners feel safe and confident.

Many mention the quality of the underwater photos and videos, which add value to the experience. The lunch is also consistently appreciated as delicious and filling. While the transport to the boat is described as old and worn by some, this does not seem to detract from the overall enjoyment, as the crew’s attitude remains positive.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Side scuba diving tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, safety, and comfort. It caters well to beginners, thanks to professional guidance, and appeals to experienced divers eager to see Side’s underwater museum and reefs. The hotel pickup and lunch add convenience, making it a practical choice for a full-day excursion in Side.

While the pacing is smooth, travelers should be aware that children under 15 and pregnant women cannot participate. The photos and videos provide a special way to remember the experience, and the friendly guides ensure each diver feels secure. This tour shines with stunning underwater views and the chance to learn about marine life and history in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dives are included in the tour?
The tour offers two guided dives, each lasting about 20 minutes.

What is the minimum age for participation?
Participants must be at least 15 years old; children younger are not allowed.

Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, a light lunch with sautéed chicken, pasta, and salad is included on the boat.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all diving equipment is included in the tour.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners are very welcome, and guides provide detailed safety and technical instructions.

Can I purchase photos and videos of my dives?
Yes, photos and videos are taken during the dives and available for extra purchase.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English and Russian.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and cash if you wish to buy photos or souvenirs.

Is the tour accessible for people with health issues?
No, pregnant women and children under 15 are not suitable for participation.

How long is the tour overall?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including pickup, dives, lunch, and return.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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