Clear water, calm guidance, and a museum below. In Side, you’ll get hotel pickup and full gear, then enjoy two instructor-led underwater sessions that include the Undersea/Submarine Museum stop.
I like the focus on first-timers: you get hands-on beginner training so you can get comfortable with the basics before you go underwater.
One thing to plan for: you may wait at the harbor for about 1 to 1.5 hours before the boat heads out.
In This Review
- Key highlights to expect
- Side scuba with lunch: what you’re really buying
- Getting there: the hotel pickup and harbor wait
- Training and equipment: how they set you up
- Lunch onboard: a helpful pause, not gourmet food
- The underwater museum stop and the two 30-minute sessions
- Boat comfort, sea conditions, and the swim-snorkel option
- Photos, video, and other extra costs to watch
- Who should book, and who should skip
- Is it good value at about $42?
- Should you book the Side scuba with lunch tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the experience?
- Where does pickup happen?
- What’s included in the price?
- How many underwater sessions do you get?
- Is lunch provided?
- What languages are the guides available in?
- Is this suitable for children?
- Is it suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues?
- Is there a weight limit?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key highlights to expect
- Hotel pickup from your Side hotel, typically in the 8:30–9:30 AM window
- Two separate underwater sessions, each around 30 minutes with an instructor watching you
- Undersea/Submarine Museum visit plus classic Mediterranean fish-and-coral scenery
- Full rental equipment included, so you’re not scrambling to buy or pack gear
- A big boat with shade and sun areas, plus the option to swim when conditions allow
- Photo and video packages cost extra, and they can be steep
Side scuba with lunch: what you’re really buying
For $42, you’re not just paying for time in the water. You’re paying for a full day structure: pickup, equipment, guided instruction, two underwater sessions, and lunch included in the day plan. In Side, that combination matters because it lowers the hassle factor and keeps the focus on the experience.
The biggest draw is the underwater museum concept. You’ll see man-made displays underwater alongside natural sea life, which makes the outing feel more intentional than a simple “go look at fish” trip.
The second draw is instructor support for beginners. The tour is designed for people who may be trying scuba basics for the first time, while still allowing more experienced divers to enjoy themselves if they’re safe and confident.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Side
Getting there: the hotel pickup and harbor wait
Your day starts with pickup in Side—meet your driver between 8:30 and 9:30 at the main gate of your hotel. This saves you the stress of getting to the marina on your own, especially in the morning when the town is still waking up.
Once you arrive at the harbor area, expect a check-in and boarding rhythm. One review mentioned a harbor wait of roughly 1 to 1.5 hours before the group went out. That’s not uncommon for sea days, but it’s worth knowing so you don’t interpret the wait as something going wrong.
Boat size can help with comfort during this part of the day. Reports describe a large, spacious vessel with plenty of seating—shade and sun loungers both. If the waiting turns warm, shade helps.
Training and equipment: how they set you up
This is a beginner-friendly experience, and you’ll feel that in the way the day is staged. You’re given training for beginners, and instructors stay with you so you’re not left to figure things out on your own.
Equipment is included, including full scuba gear, and you’ll also be able to use suits for swimming. That matters because it means your day isn’t derailed by missing rentals or buying the wrong things.
Equalization is one of the practical skills that can make or break the comfort level. In one case, an air-and-ear issue during the second underwater session kept someone from continuing, even though the overall experience was fun and well guided. If you know you struggle with sinus or pressure changes, take this seriously.
Lunch onboard: a helpful pause, not gourmet food
Lunch is part of the day plan, served onboard. Some people describe it as good and straightforward—chicken fillet, tomato pasta, and salad have been mentioned. Drinks and snacks can also be purchased if you want something beyond what’s included.
Now for the not-so-perfect detail: one review described the food as bland, and also mentioned that leftover macaroni was thrown overboard, so when they went underwater the food was floating in the water. That’s obviously not the kind of detail you want in a “marine life” outing.
Still, lunch onboard does serve a purpose: it keeps everyone fueled and reduces stress. You don’t have to hunt for food mid-day, and you stay in the flow of the trip.
The underwater museum stop and the two 30-minute sessions
You get two underwater sessions, both guided by instructors. Each one is about 30 minutes, which is a solid rhythm for first-timers: long enough to settle in, short enough that the day doesn’t drag.
The underwater museum is the headline attraction. You’ll explore the Undersea Museum in the clear Mediterranean waters around Side. Expect it to feel like a mix of natural sea life and man-made underwater displays, which often makes the experience more memorable than a single “look around” stop.
Some additional specifics show up in experience reports. One account described two straightforward underwater spots, including a small wreck and museum elements. Another mentioned depths roughly around 23 meters for one session and 12 meters for the other (exact conditions and depth can vary with your comfort and local conditions).
Even if your main goal is the museum, the side effect is the sea life. Clear water in this region makes fish viewing easier, and you’re likely to spend at least part of each session looking at colorful fish around the structures.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Side
Boat comfort, sea conditions, and the swim-snorkel option
Boat setup is a real part of the value of this tour. People mention a large vessel with both shade and sun deck space, loungers, and enough room to breathe while you wait between sessions.
If conditions are rough, plans can shift. One review noted that the sea was rough, so snorkelling wasn’t done, though there was an option to swim or snorkel when the boat stopped. So if you’re hoping for extra surface swimming time, keep expectations flexible based on the day’s weather.
There’s also mention of small onboard add-ons. Wi‑Fi was reportedly available for a small fee (€1 in one case). Drinks and snacks are purchasable, which is normal for boat excursions—but it’s a reminder to set aside a little cash if you want them.
Photos, video, and other extra costs to watch
The tour includes guided instruction and the underwater time, but photos and video are separate. This is where costs can surprise people.
More than one report flagged the photo package as expensive (one figure given was around €90). If you want a lot of underwater pictures and you don’t want to make a separate purchase decision later, plan ahead.
A practical tip from one review: bring your own GoPro or action camera. You might only get to use it on the second underwater session, but it can still save you from paying a premium for packaged media you may or may not love.
Who should book, and who should skip
This tour is best for people who want structure, guidance, and a first-time-friendly plan. It’s a good fit if:
- you can swim and feel comfortable being in open water
- you want a guided experience with training and full equipment
- you like the idea of a museum-style underwater visit, not just general sightseeing
It’s not suitable for:
- children under 16
- pregnant women
- non-swimmers
- people with respiratory issues
- people prone to seasickness
- people over 331 lbs (150 kg)
- people with high blood pressure
- people with low level of fitness
Also take equalization seriously. One review specifically pointed out that sinus issues are a problem because you may not be able to equalize comfortably underwater. Another described an ear equalization issue during the second session. If you have recurring pressure-related pain, talk to a professional before you go—and consider whether you’re truly set up for scuba.
Is it good value at about $42?
At $42 per person for about a 6-hour outing, this is one of those deals where the “value” isn’t just the price—it’s what’s included.
You’re getting:
- hotel pickup and drop-off in Side
- lunch
- full diving equipment
- beginner training
- two underwater sessions (about 30 minutes each)
- an English/German/Russian guide team (with Turkish also mentioned as part of the service)
- travel insurance
Where value can drop is in extras. Photos and video packages can be pricey, and you may want to budget if you care about getting lots of professional shots. The good news is you can opt out. Many people simply use the experience as the souvenir.
If you’re trying scuba for the first time, this package is also efficient. You don’t need to coordinate rentals, transportation, or instruction yourself.
Should you book the Side scuba with lunch tour?
Book it if you want a guided, beginner-friendly scuba experience in Side with two guided underwater sessions, a museum stop, and lunch included—without having to manage the logistics.
Skip it if you know you struggle with pressure equalization (sinus/ear discomfort), have respiratory issues, or you’re likely to feel seasick. Also skip if you’d be disappointed by the possibility of waiting at the harbor for about 1 to 1.5 hours, because that part of the day is real.
FAQ
How long is the experience?
The duration listed is 6 hours.
Where does pickup happen?
Pickup is in Side, and you meet your driver between 8:30 and 9:30 AM at the main gate of your hotel.
What’s included in the price?
The included items are diving equipment, training for beginners, lunch, two underwater sessions (30 minutes each), a guide in English/German/Russian, hotel pickup and drop-off, and travel insurance.
How many underwater sessions do you get?
You get two underwater sessions, each for about 30 minutes.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, lunch is included and served onboard.
What languages are the guides available in?
Guides are listed as English, German, and Russian (Turkish is also mentioned for live tour guide support).
Is this suitable for children?
No. It’s not suitable for children under 16.
Is it suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues?
No. It’s not suitable for pregnant women and it’s also not suitable for people with respiratory issues.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. It’s not suitable for people over 331 lbs (150 kg).
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
