City of Side: Scuba Diving with Lunch

Side has an underwater museum in plain view. On this scuba trip with lunch in Side, you get hotel pickup, full gear, and guided time at two underwater sites. I love the Submarine Museum stop because it gives the day more than just fish and coral, and I also like how hotel pickup removes the hassle of getting to the harbour. One possible drawback, plan for some waiting time at the harbour before you head out.

For first-timers, the instruction style is the main event, and several people praised how patient and attentive the staff were. You’ll still want to know your limits up front, especially if you’ve had sinus or ear-pressure issues, because equalizing underwater is part of the process. Lunch is included, but it’s often described as simple and basic.

What Makes Side’s Underwater Museum Stop Worth Your Time

The big hook here is that you’re not only going to see marine life. You’re also scheduled to visit the Submarine Museum area off Side, which turns the experience into something you can tell your friends about later.

In real terms, that matters because early in a scuba day, people often focus on getting comfortable with the gear and breathing. Having an underwater museum stop gives your brain a second job, it’s not only survival mode. It also helps even if you’re not a “coral hunter,” since museum features create a natural place to look.

Also, the museum stop is part of a guided plan. That’s reassuring if it’s your first time, because instructors can keep you oriented and help you move at a comfortable pace.

Two Guided Underwater Sessions, With Beginner-Friendly Coaching

You’re allotted two underwater sessions of about 30 minutes each. Between those sessions, you’re not just thrown in. You get training for beginners, and the crew generally stays close, especially during the first go.

From what I’d use to judge a tour like this, the best sign is how the staff handles first-timers. In several accounts, instructors were described as patient and giving clear explanations. One person even said they couldn’t continue on the second session due to ear pressure, and the instructor support was still described as top notch.

There’s also a strong “everyone gets attention” vibe. The groups tend to skew toward first-timers, so the boat crew and instructors are set up for coaching, not only for experienced participants.

Scuba Training That Actually Helps: Ear Pressure and Comfort

If you’re planning this as your first scuba experience, the training is the heart of the day. It’s not just how to wear the gear. You’ll be taught how to control your breathing and how to manage equalizing, the ear pressure adjustment you need as you go to different depths.

One review stood out for its practical warning: if you have sinus issues or a blocked nose recently, you should think twice. Equalizing caused pain for someone with hay fever, and they couldn’t equalize underwater. Another person had an issue clearing air from their ears during the second session due to pressure changes, and they couldn’t continue at that point.

So here’s the advice I’d follow: if you’re prone to ear pressure problems, don’t treat this like a casual activity. Talk to the crew before you suit up and be honest about recent sinus, allergies, or anything that affects your ability to equalize.

Getting to the Harbour: Pickup, Timing, and What to Expect on the Boat

Your day is built around hotel pickup and drop-off, with a driver meeting you between 8:30 and 9:30 AM at the main gate of your hotel. After that, you’ll head to the harbour area and wait for the group to organize.

One thing to plan for: there can be a harbour wait of about 1 to 1.5 hours before departure. That’s not ideal when you want to get moving, but it’s common with shared trips. Bring something simple for the wait, like sunscreen and water, and don’t assume the boat schedule is as tight as a city tour.

Once you’re on board, people liked that the boat is big and spacious, with seating in shade and sun plus loungers on the deck. If the sea is calm, there’s also an option to swim while others are in the water, and someone specifically mentioned being able to use the suits for swimming.

If the sea is rough, that snorkel or swim time might not happen. One person said the option for snorkelling was affected by rough water. Translation: conditions matter, and the crew will choose what’s safest and practical.

The Underwater Museum Experience: More Than a Pretty Spot

The Submarine Museum site is one of the main reasons to choose this tour over a straight “see fish” outing. In practice, the underwater museum gives structure to what you’re doing underwater, and that structure can make you feel more confident on your first day.

In one account, the underwater museum appeared as part of the itinerary at both sessions. That means if you’re doing well on the first one, you’ll likely be able to appreciate the museum again on the second stop. Another person mentioned a small wreck along with museum features, which adds variety beyond marine life alone.

Depth and visibility are part of the story too. One experienced participant estimated the first session around 23 meters, then the second around 12 meters with a small wreck. You don’t need to chase exact numbers, but it helps to understand you may go down to real scuba depths, not only shallow water.

What You Might See: Fish, Coral, and a Couple of Different Stops

Side’s Mediterranean waters are known for clear visibility in the tour description, and multiple people praised the experience overall. What you’re looking for is typical Mediterranean marine life, plus reef and museum installations.

The two-session format helps because the second site can bring different viewpoints. One review said the first session was more fish-focused and included underwater museum elements, while the second was slightly less exciting for them personally but still produced plenty of fish and more museum features.

Another important note is group pace. Because many passengers are first-time participants, instructors tend to prioritize safety and controlled movement. That means you might not experience the same freedom as a fully independent charter, but you will likely get a smoother path to comfort.

Lunch on Board: Included, But Keep Expectations Real

Lunch is included, served on board. Most people called it decent or edible, but not gourmet.

One review described the food as bland, and another complained that leftover food ended up floating in the water when the crew threw it overboard. That’s not something you can control, and it’s not necessarily the standard, but it does mean you should expect “functional” lunch rather than a chef-driven meal.

On the brighter side, at least one account said lunch was actually lovely, specifically mentioning chicken fillet, tomato pasta, and salad. Another person said lunch was good.

My practical takeaway: eat enough before the underwater sessions so you’re not stressed. If you’re picky, consider packing a small snack you can rely on. And if you care about photos, you may want to eat early rather than sit in the sun too long after lunch.

Equipment and Crew Support: Usually Strong, Sometimes Tired

The tour includes full scuba gear and training, and several reviews praised equipment quality. One first-time scuba participant rated equipment 10 out of 10, and instructors were also rated extremely highly.

That said, not every account was perfect. One experienced diver said the equipment looked a bit tired and they had to sort through to find something decent. Another said overall organization and equipment were good value, even if not every piece felt new.

So plan like this: the crew should help you get fitted, but if a regulator, mask, or fins feel wrong, speak up immediately. A good fit matters more than brand-new gear.

Photos and the GoPro Question: The Extra Cost Trap

This is where the day can get expensive fast. Multiple people said photos and videos are available for purchase, and one review called the pricing ridiculous at €90. That’s a big hit for most budgets.

If you want your own underwater shots, bring a GoPro or similar camera. One person said you can use it, but you’ll get to use it on the second underwater session. If you’re bringing gear, make sure you pack it properly and confirm with staff how they want it handled.

My advice: if you care about photos, budget for either the onboard package or a personal camera, not both unless you know you’ll actually buy.

Price and Value: Is $42 a Good Deal?

At around $42 per person for a 6-hour outing, this can be good value, mainly because you get:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• full scuba equipment
• beginner training
• lunch
• two underwater sessions of about 30 minutes each
• a guide in English, German, and Russian (plus Turkish by staff)
• travel insurance

That combination is what makes it feel “worth it.” A lot of Turkey coastal activities charge separately for gear, transport, and instruction. Here, you’re buying the full package.

The true “cost reality” is extras, not the main fee. Photos can be expensive. Drinks and snacks might be available for purchase on board, and one person mentioned wifi on the boat for a small fee. If you want to spend money, you’ll find places to do it.

So I’d judge the value like this: if you want a supervised beginner plan, gear included, transport included, and you’re okay with basic lunch and possible extra photo costs, then $42 is fair.

Who Should Book This (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is clearly set up for adults and for people who can handle being underwater safely.

It is 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

So who will love it? If you’re:

• taking your first scuba experience and you want instruction the whole way
• comfortable with water and basic fitness
• excited by the idea of the Submarine Museum and marine life

Who should reconsider? If you’ve got allergies or a blocked nose, or you’ve struggled with ear equalizing in the past. That’s not about bravery. It’s about whether you can do the physical part without pain.

Safety, Rules, and Practical Tips for a Smooth Day

The tour description emphasizes that Turkey has strict laws for underwater activities and that there are no dangerous animals. What you should still treat seriously is how your body responds at depth.

Before the first session, be honest with the instructors about:

• sinus congestion
• ear pressure issues
• any breathing concerns
• any history of feeling unwell on boats

Also, take the training seriously. It’s tempting to rush because you want to get underwater fast, but the control skills and equalizing practice are what make the second session easier than the first.

Finally, if you’re sensitive to motion, this matters. People prone to seasickness are not recommended for the tour. That’s not just “comfort.” It impacts your ability to follow instructions and stay calm.

Should You Book This Scuba Trip With Lunch in Side?

You should book it if you want a guided beginner-friendly scuba day that includes hotel pickup, full gear, lunch, and two underwater sessions plus the Submarine Museum stop. At this price, the package makes sense, especially if you don’t want to manage transport and equipment on your own.

You might skip it if you:

• have sinus or ear equalizing trouble
• get seasick easily
• are uncomfortable with possible harbour waiting time and an extra-cost photo culture

If you do go, come prepared for the basics: simple lunch expectations, bring sunscreen for harbour and deck time, and consider bringing your own waterproof camera if photos are important to you.

If you’d like, tell me your travel month and whether this is your first scuba experience. I can suggest how to plan around sea conditions and what to pack for comfort.

FAQ

How long is the Side scuba trip with lunch?

The total duration is 6 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get scuba equipment, training for beginners, lunch, two underwater sessions of about 30 minutes each, a guide in English, German, and Russian, hotel pickup and drop-off, and travel insurance.

Where and when does pickup happen?

Your pickup is in Side, and the driver meets you between 8:30 and 9:30 AM at the main gate of your hotel.

What languages will the live guide speak?

The guide is listed as English, German, Russian, and Turkish.

Who is this activity not suitable for?

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, and people with low level of fitness.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.