🤿 No Experience Needed
Free Cancellation
Side Scuba Diving Underwater Museum Tour
Discover the hidden world beneath Side’s coastline on a 2-tank dive at Europe’s largest Underwater Museum. Explore underwater sculptures with PADI-certified instructors, with equipment, boat trip, lunch and hotel transfer included. Perfect for first-time divers.
Experience Highlights
Free air-conditioned hotel transfer from Side & Manavgat
2-tank scuba dive at Europe's largest Underwater Museum (9-25m depth)
PADI-certified instructors with full safety briefing
All professional diving equipment included (wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank)
Riverside BBQ lunch with unlimited soft drinks on the boat
Explore unique sculptures: Blossoming Garden & Dervishes exhibitions
About This Tour
Scuba diving in Side is one of those experiences that sounds intimidating but is actually one of the most accessible adventures on the Turkish Riviera. The main attraction is the Side-Manavgat Underwater Museum — the largest of its kind in Europe — where you will explore over 100 sculptures at depths between 9 and 25 metres.
Your day starts with a short transfer from your hotel to the local port, where a dive boat is waiting. On board, PADI-certified instructors give a clear safety briefing and fit you with professional-grade equipment. If you have never dived before, don't worry — the first dive is done one-on-one with an instructor holding your hand (literally) the entire time.
You will complete two dives during the tour. The first takes you through the Blossoming Garden exhibition, where coral-shaped sculptures are already becoming home to local fish. The second dive visits the Dervishes sculptures, a surreal underwater gallery that looks like something from a dream. Between dives, you relax on the boat with a fresh BBQ lunch while the crew prepares for the next descent.
The whole experience takes about 6 hours, including transfers, and you will be back at your hotel by around 16:00. No certification is required — this is a discovery dive designed for complete beginners.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Morning collection from your hotel in Side or Manavgat (approx. 09:00)
Arrival at Port
Short transfer to Side harbour, meet the dive team and board the boat
Safety Briefing
PADI instructor explains hand signals, breathing techniques, and safety rules
Equipment Fitting
Personal wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask and fins fitted to your size
First Dive
Guided descent to the Blossoming Garden exhibition (approx. 9-12m depth, 25-30 min)
Surface Break
Return to boat for rest, hydration and fresh BBQ lunch
Second Dive
Explore the Dervishes sculptures exhibition (approx. 12-18m depth, 25-30 min)
Return to Port
Boat returns to harbour, change into dry clothes
Hotel Drop-off
Comfortable transfer back to your hotel (approx. 16:00)
What's Included
Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned hotel transfer from Side & Manavgat
- 2-tank scuba diving experience at the Underwater Museum
- Full professional diving equipment (wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank, mask, fins)
- PADI-certified diving instructor (1-on-1 for beginners)
- Comprehensive safety briefing and underwater hand signals training
- Riverside BBQ lunch with unlimited soft drinks on the boat
- Full activity and travel insurance
- Underwater museum entry fees
Not Included
- Professional underwater photo & video package (approx. €10-15, purchased on the boat)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Gratuities for the instructor or crew
- Diving certification card (PADI Open Water course available separately)
Tour Information
Duration
7 Hours
Pickup Time
09:00
Meeting Point
Side Underwater Museum, Manavgat
Operates
Mon & Tue & Wed & Thu & Fri & Sat & Sun
Child Price
€45
Cancellation
Free (24h)
Local Tip
Pro tip: The underwater visibility is best in the early morning, which is why we depart at 09:00. If you wear contact lenses, bring daily disposables — salt water can irritate reusable lenses. Also, don't skip the medical questionnaire, even if you feel fine. The instructors are strict about safety, and it protects everyone on the boat.
Good to Know
Know Before You Go
- Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years old. Children under 12 can join as passengers on the boat (€18).
- No prior diving experience or certification is required — this is a discovery dive for complete beginners.
- You must complete a short medical questionnaire before diving. Guests with heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, or pregnancy cannot participate.
- The Underwater Museum is at 9-25m depth. Most dives stay between 9-18m, which is comfortable for beginners.
- Ear equalisation is the only skill you need to learn — your instructor will teach this during the briefing.
- Professional photos and videos are taken by the crew but are an optional extra purchase, not included in the tour price.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit
- Towel and a complete change of dry clothes
- Sunscreen (applied BEFORE putting on the wetsuit)
- Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness (take 30 min before boarding)
- Waterproof case for your phone if you want to take surface photos
- Cash or card for optional photo/video package (€10-15)
- Any personal medication (asthma inhalers, etc.)
Guest Reviews (5)
Emma H.
United Kingdom
First time diving and honestly terrified, but my instructor Mert stayed with me the entire time and made me feel completely safe. The underwater museum is surreal — swimming past the Dervish sculptures felt like something from a dream. The briefing on the boat was clear and the ear equalisation tip was a lifesaver. Only downside: wish we had more time at the deeper sculptures.
Thomas K.
Germany
Much better value than booking through our hotel rep in Side. The two dives were well paced and the Mediterranean visibility was excellent — we saw plenty of damselfish around the Blossoming Garden exhibition. Lunch on the boat was basic but fresh. The photo package on USB was €15 and actually worth it, good quality shots.
Sophie V.
Netherlands
Great experience overall but a few practical things to know. The wetsuit smelled a bit and could have been cleaner, and the boat gets crowded at pickup with multiple groups joining. That said, the actual diving was brilliant and our instructor was patient with our 14-year-old son who was nervous. Bring your own towel — they don't provide one.
Marek D.
Poland
I've done diving in Egypt and Croatia before, and this was a surprisingly good experience for the price. The underwater museum concept is unique — nowhere else in Europe has anything like it. The 9-18m depth range is perfect for a relaxed dive. Instructor spoke good English and the safety briefing was thorough. Would recommend the morning slot for best visibility.
Claire B.
France
Beautiful experience but be prepared for the logistics. Pickup was at 07:30 and we didn't start diving until nearly 11:00 because of the transfer and boat briefing. The two dives themselves were wonderful, especially seeing octopus hiding near the sculptures. One star off because the boat toilet was not very clean and there was limited shade on deck while waiting. Still, good value at €25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a diving certification to join this tour?
No, you do not need any certification. This is a PADI Discovery Dive designed for complete beginners. Your instructor will guide you one-on-one throughout the entire experience.
How deep will we dive?
The Underwater Museum is at 9-25m depth, but most beginner dives stay between 9-18m. Your instructor will adjust the depth based on your comfort level.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic comfort in water is helpful, but you do not need to be a strong swimmer. You will wear a buoyancy control device (BCD) that keeps you afloat, and your instructor stays with you at all times.
What is the minimum age for scuba diving?
The minimum age is 8 years old. Children under 8 can join the tour as passengers on the boat for €20 (includes lunch and boat trip, but no diving).
Is the underwater photo package included in the price?
No, professional underwater photos and videos are taken by the dive crew but are an optional extra. You can view them after the dive and purchase them on USB for approximately €10-15.
What happens if I have a medical condition?
All guests must complete a short medical questionnaire before diving. Guests with heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, recent surgeries, or pregnancy cannot participate for safety reasons. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor before booking.
How long is each dive?
Each dive typically lasts 25-30 minutes underwater, depending on your air consumption and comfort level. The total tour is 6 hours including transfers, briefing, and lunch.
What equipment is provided?
Everything you need is included: wetsuit, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator, tank, mask, fins, and weight belt. All equipment is professional-grade and inspected daily.
Can I wear my contact lenses underwater?
You can, but daily disposable lenses are recommended. Salt water can irritate reusable lenses, and if your mask floods, you may lose them. Bring a spare pair just in case.
What marine life will I see?
The Mediterranean around Side is home to damselfish, grouper, bream, octopus, and occasionally sea turtles. The sculptures at the Underwater Museum are already becoming artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine life.
What is the Underwater Museum exactly?
The Side-Manavgat Underwater Museum is the largest of its kind in Europe, with over 100 sculptures at depths of 9-25m. The main exhibitions are Blossoming Garden (coral-shaped sculptures) and Dervishes (whirling dervish figures).
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions. However, if sea conditions are unsafe (strong winds, heavy waves), the dive may be cancelled for safety. In this case, you receive a full refund or can reschedule to another date.
Can I get a PADI certification during this tour?
No, this is a discovery dive, not a certification course. If you want a full PADI Open Water certification, it requires 3-4 days of training. Ask us about our certification courses via WhatsApp.
Is the boat suitable for people with motion sickness?
The dive boat is stable and designed for calm coastal waters. However, if you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness tablets 30 minutes before boarding.
What should I do if my ears hurt during descent?
Your instructor will teach you how to equalise ear pressure during the safety briefing (the Valsalva technique). If you feel pain, signal your instructor immediately — never push through ear pain.
Are there weight or height restrictions for diving?
There is no strict weight limit, but all guests must be able to fit into the provided wetsuits and equipment safely. Very tall or heavy guests may need to confirm equipment availability in advance.
Can pregnant women join the diving tour?
No, pregnant women cannot participate in scuba diving for safety reasons. However, they can join as passengers on the boat for €20 and enjoy the lunch and scenery.
What if I wear glasses?
Dive masks come with prescription lens inserts, or you can wear daily disposable contact lenses. Inform the dive team in advance if you need prescription lenses.
How do I communicate underwater?
Your instructor will teach you basic hand signals during the briefing (OK, problem, ascend, descend, etc.). These are universal diving signals used worldwide.
Is the underwater museum ethical?
Yes. The sculptures are made from pH-neutral materials that do not harm marine life. In fact, they serve as artificial reefs, providing new habitats for fish and helping to relieve pressure on natural coral reefs.
From
€50
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