Side: Undersea Museum Diving Tour

Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your trip in Side? This Undersea Museum Diving Tour offers a chance to see the underwater world without needing any prior experience. It’s designed for beginners and those curious about marine life, with all equipment and guiding provided. We’ll walk you through what makes this tour appealing, along with a few things to keep in mind.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of history and natural beauty—you get to explore ancient underwater statues and then relax in clear waters. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious onboard lunch makes it feel more like a full-day escape. That said, the tour isn’t for thrill-seekers or those uncomfortable with shallow water, so it’s best suited for calm, interested travelers.

If you’re someone who enjoys light adventure, appreciates learning about history, and wants a relaxed, well-organized day out, this tour could be a great fit. It’s particularly good if you prefer a guided experience with a small-group vibe, ensuring personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Perfect for beginners with all equipment and instructor guidance included
Includes a visit to the Underwater Museum with ancient statues and marine life
Scenic boat ride with morning pomegranate tea and a relaxing atmosphere
Tasty onboard lunch featuring chicken, rice or pasta, and salads
Second shallow dive near Cleopatra’s tomb
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before

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What to Expect from the Tour

This 8-hour adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup, so you won’t have to worry about organizing transport—just give them your hotel details, and they handle the rest. The group assembles in the local language of your choice—English, German, Russian, or Turkish—and you’ll receive a detailed briefing to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

The Morning Start: Scenic Boat Ride & Pomegranate Tea

Your day begins with a refreshing morning treat of pomegranate tea, a nice touch to energize before the boat trip. You’ll then set sail from the Ancient Side Harbor at 10:00 a.m., heading toward the underwater museum. The boat ride itself is relaxing, offering views that set the tone for a day of discovery.

Exploring the Underwater Museum

The highlight is the visit to the Side Underwater Museum, where you’ll spend around 15-20 minutes at a depth of 8-10 meters. With your instructor by your side, you’ll see ancient statues—some probably resembling relics that have rested beneath the waves for centuries—and vibrant marine life. It’s a fantastic way to combine history and nature in one experience.

This part of the trip is ideal for those who want to see something memorable without diving deeply. The shallow depth makes it accessible, even for those who haven’t tried diving before. Expect a relaxed, guided exploration rather than an intense underwater expedition.

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Lunch Break at Kumköy Bay

After your underwater sightseeing, you’ll head over to Kumköy Bay for a delicious onboard lunch. The menu typically features chicken chop, rice or pasta, and fresh salads—an uncomplicated, satisfying meal that keeps you energized. The food quality is generally seen as quite good for a boat lunch, and it’s nice to sit down and enjoy a meal with fellow travelers.

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Second Dive Near Cleopatra’s Tomb

Post-lunch, the tour includes a second shallow dive at 4 meters depth near Cleopatra’s Tomb. This isn’t a deep or complicated dive, but it offers another glimpse into the Mediterranean’s underwater treasures. If you’re lucky, you might see some more marine life or interesting structures that add to your underwater experience.

Photos, Videos, and Return

Throughout the day, the instructor will take underwater photos and videos—a great way to remember your adventure. When the tour wraps up around 15:30-16:00, you’ll head back to the harbor and be transferred back to your hotel.

How the Experience Feels for Travelers

Many reviews highlight how well-organized and friendly the guides are, making it easy even for nervous first-timers. The one-on-one guiding is a standout feature, as it ensures safety and personal attention.

Some travelers mention that the underwater statues are surprisingly well-preserved, adding a unique element that makes the dive more than just a swim—it’s like stepping into a submerged archaeological site. Marine life is described as vibrant and lively, bringing the underwater environment to life.

On the negative side, a few guests comment that the second dive near Cleopatra’s Tomb is quite shallow, which might disappoint those hoping for more underwater exploration. Plus, since the tour is focused on beginners and shallow water, serious divers might find it too limited.

Pricing-wise, the tour offers good value considering it includes all equipment, insurance, guiding, and lunch. You’re paying for a full-day experience that combines light adventure, historical sights, and scenic relaxation.

Details That Matter

Duration: 8 hours, starting with hotel pickup
Group Size: Typically small groups for personalized guidance
Language Options: English, German, Russian, Turkish
Inclusions: All diving equipment, insurance, guided instruction, lunch, boat ride, and photos
Customer Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead
Level Suitability: Ideal for beginners, with shallow dives at 4-10 meters

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a mildly adventurous day that combines history, marine life, and good food, this tour hits the spot. It’s especially suited for beginners or travelers who prefer guided, low-pressure experiences. It works well for those who want a relaxed pace, enjoy scenic boat rides, and don’t mind shallow water.

It’s not designed for thrill-seekers or serious divers wanting deep or technical dives. Also, consider your comfort with water—if you’re uneasy in open water, the shallow depth makes this manageable but check your confidence beforehand.

Ready to Book?

Side: Undersea Museum Diving Tour

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, it’s specifically designed for beginners, with all equipment and guidance provided. The shallow depths and one-on-one instruction make it approachable.

What kind of marine life will I see? The tour features vibrant natural marine life, along with ancient statues in the underwater museum. The experience is more about visual interest and history than big marine animals.

How long are the dives? The first dive lasts about 15-20 minutes at 8-10 meters, and the second shallow dive near Cleopatra’s tomb is at 4 meters depth.

Is lunch included? Yes, you’ll enjoy a meal with chicken, rice or pasta, and salad onboard. It’s straightforward but satisfying.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Absolutely, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Will I get photos? Yes, your instructor will take underwater photos and videos during the dives, which you can review afterward.

This Side Undersea Museum Diving Tour offers a nice blend of history, scenery, and gentle adventure. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, guided introduction to the underwater world of the Mediterranean without the need for prior experience. If you’re curious about marine life or want to see ancient statues beneath the waves, it could be just the right outing for your trip.