Side Scuba Diving – Two Boat Dives at the Underwater Museum off the Ancient Harbour
Two dives with an instructor at the Side Underwater Museum, where 117 sculptures rest on the seabed a short boat ride from the ancient harbour – beginners welcome, equipment and lunch on board.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- 09:00 → 16:00
- Destination
- Side & Manavgat
Side is famous for the Roman theatre and the Temple of Apollo on its harbour point – but the town has a newer sight that you can only see with a mask on. About a mile and a half off the coast lies the Side Underwater Museum, a field of sculptures resting on the seabed. On this Side scuba diving tour you visit it twice, on two boat dives with professional instructors, and you do not need any diving experience at all.
A museum on the seabed
No fewer than 117 sculptures have been lowered into the sea here: a camel caravan, figures of ancient goddesses, a whirling dervish, scenes from Turkey’s War of Independence and a garden of flowers and children. Fish have made their homes among them, and the clear water around Side lets you make out the shapes from a distance. Each dive takes about 20–30 minutes, in a small group that stays with its instructor.
Your diving day from Side
- Pickup at your hotel in Side, Manavgat or a nearby resort and a short drive to the ancient harbour of Side
- Briefing on board about breathing, equalising, hand signals and safety on the boat
- First dive in shallow water, about 3–5 metres deep, to get used to the regulator
- Lunch on deck, sunbathing and snorkelling
- Second dive in another part of the museum – how deep you go depends on your experience
No certificate is needed: most people on the boat dive for the very first time, and even non-swimmers can join with the instructor right beside them. If you already hold a licence, talk to the instructors about a deeper dive; internationally recognised PADI, CMAS and TSSF courses are also offered. Changing cabins, toilets and showers are on board. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Coming along without diving
Friends or family who prefer to stay on the surface can join the boat as passengers, swim and snorkel during the dives and share the lunch. If you would rather spend a whole day in the water without tanks, look at the Side boat tour; for the turquoise bays of the far west, the Adrasan and Suluada boat tour makes a long, memorable day.
Highlights
- Two boat dives at the Side Underwater Museum
- 117 sculptures on the seabed, from a camel caravan to a whirling dervish
- No licence needed – ideal for first-time divers
- Small groups with professional instructors
- Lunch on board, time to snorkel and sunbathe
- Non-divers can come along as passengers
Itinerary
-
09:00
Hotel pickup
Pickup in Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts; the exact time follows after booking.
-
Ancient harbour of Side
Boarding the dive boat at the old harbour.
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Briefing on board
Safety rules and diving basics; the instructors form small groups.
-
First dive
A shallow dive of about 3–5 m at the Underwater Museum.
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Lunch and snorkelling
Lunch on deck, then time to sunbathe and snorkel.
-
Second dive
Another section of the museum, at a depth that suits your experience.
-
16:00
Back at the hotel
Return to the pier of Side and drive back to your hotel.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts
- Two dives with an instructor
- All diving equipment
- Guide and instructors
- Lunch on board
Not included
- Drinks
- Underwater photos and video (on DVD)
- Tips and personal expenses
Packages & options
Diver – two dives
Two dives with an instructor, all equipment and lunch
Passenger – no diving
Boat day with lunch, swimming and snorkelling
Good to know
Good to know
- No diving during pregnancy. Tell the instructors about any health problems before the briefing.
- Children can dive from about 10–12 years with their own instructor, who decides on the day – please give the child’s age when booking. Younger children come along as passengers.
- Plan at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight home.
- Which part of the museum you dive and how deep depend on the sea and your experience.
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Shorts and a towel
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for the deck
- A little cash for drinks and photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diving licence for this tour?
No. The tour is designed for beginners: after the briefing you dive with an instructor at your side. Certified divers are welcome as well and can ask about a deeper second dive.
I am not a strong swimmer – can I still dive?
Yes. Even non-swimmers can take part, because the instructor holds and guides you the whole time underwater.
What is the Side Underwater Museum?
A collection of 117 sculptures placed on the seabed about a mile and a half off Side – among them a camel caravan, ancient goddesses, a whirling dervish and scenes from the War of Independence.
Can my partner or children come without diving?
Yes, they join the boat as passengers at a lower price, have lunch with you and can swim and snorkel while you are underwater.
From what age can children dive?
From about 10–12 years, always with their own instructor, who has the final say after the briefing. Please tell us the child’s age when you book.
Can I get a diving certificate?
Yes – PADI, CMAS and TSSF courses are available on request. Contact us before you book so we can plan the extra days.
