The City of Side in Turkey offers a unique underwater museum experience. Visitors can explore a captivating subaquatic world filled with over 110 sculptures and diverse marine life. The guided tour includes two 20-minute dives, providing both experienced divers and beginners a chance to enjoy this fascinating Mediterranean landscape. While the museum’s offerings seem intriguing, there are important details to consider before planning a visit.
Key Points
- The tour allows visitors to explore the unique Underwater Museum in Side, the only one of its kind in Europe, through scuba diving or snorkeling.
- The tour includes two 20-minute dives to discover the sculptures, plants, and marine life in the Mediterranean Sea, guided by an experienced instructor.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, necessary diving/snorkeling equipment, and a tasty lunch are provided as part of the tour package.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals under 16, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions, and previous scuba diving experience is not required.
- Snorkeling is an option for those who prefer to stay on the surface, making the tour accessible to both experienced divers and beginners.
Tour Details
The tour allows visitors to experience the Mediterranean Sea and Side’s Underwater Museum by scuba diving or snorkeling with an expert guide. They’ll take two 20-minute dives into the water and explore the sculptures, plants, and animals that make up this one-of-a-kind attraction in Europe.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary diving and snorkeling equipment, and a tasty lunch served on the boat. Guests can enjoy the picturesque views of the water as they relax between dives.
However, the experience isn’t suitable for everyone, as there are several restrictions in place for safety reasons.
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Side and surrounding areas, all necessary diving and snorkeling equipment, a tasty lunch, two 20-minute dives, an instructor for each guest, and insurance coverage.
This ensures that guests can focus on the exciting underwater experience without having to worry about any logistics or safety concerns.
The dives will take participants down to explore the remarkable sculptures, diverse marine life, and vibrant underwater flora of Side’s one-of-a-kind Underwater Museum.
With all the essentials provided, guests can enjoy the wonders of this unique aquatic adventure.
The only exclusions are optional add-ons like photos and DVDs, as well as personal beverages.
Exclusions
Aside from the inclusions, there are a few exclusions to be aware of for this tour.
Photos and DVDs are available for purchase should guests wish to capture and commemorate their underwater experience.
Plus, personal beverages aren’t included in the package. While the tour provides complimentary lunch, guests will need to cover the cost of any additional drinks they may want during the day.
These exclusions allow the tour operators to keep the overall price reasonable while still providing a comprehensive scuba diving experience at the Underwater Museum in Side.
Participants should plan accordingly and budget for these extra costs if they wish to have photographic mementos or purchase additional refreshments.
Experience Highlights
Guests can explore Side’s one-of-a-kind Underwater Museum, a unique experience in Europe.
They’ll get to scuba dive around 110 sculptures in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy lunch on the boat while taking in the scenic water views.
This is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity, as the Underwater Museum is the only one of its kind in Europe.
Divers will discover a magical underwater world filled with statues, plants, and marine life.
It’s an unforgettable adventure that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the stunning Mediterranean ecosystem.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, this tour promises an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget.
Important Information
This tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 16 years of age, pregnant women, or those with claustrophobia, vertigo, epilepsy, pre-existing medical conditions, or respiratory issues.
Previous scuba diving experience isn’t required. Participants must be in good physical health to safely explore the underwater museum.
The dive depths are relatively shallow, but divers should be comfortable breathing underwater and maneuvering through the submerged sculptures. All necessary diving equipment, including tanks and regulators, is provided.
Snorkeling is also an option for those who prefer to stay on the surface.
Safety is the top priority, so all dives are supervised by experienced instructors who ensure a comfortable and memorable underwater adventure.
Scuba Diving Requirements
To partake in the scuba diving portion of the tour, participants must meet certain requirements. Divers need to be at least 16 years old and in good physical health, without any conditions that could be exacerbated by the dive. While prior scuba experience is not mandatory, individuals should feel comfortable breathing underwater and maneuvering through the submerged sculptures.
| Scuba Diving Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Physical Health | Good, no pre-existing conditions |
| Scuba Experience | Not required, but comfortable underwater |
Those who do not meet these criteria can still enjoy the tour by opting for the snorkeling experience, which allows them to marvel at the underwater museum from the surface.
Booking and Availability
The underwater museum tour can be booked directly with the tour operator, who offers daily departures from Side and surrounding areas. Guests can choose between scuba diving or snorkeling options, with both providing the opportunity to explore the captivating underwater sculptures.
Advance reservations are recommended, as the tours tend to sell out, especially during the peak tourist season. The tour operator provides all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Guests are encouraged to check the weather and sea conditions prior to their visit, as the tour may be canceled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Safety Precautions
Safety is a top priority for the underwater museum tour operators. They require participants to undergo a medical screening process to ensure they’re physically fit for the diving or snorkeling activities. This screening helps identify any pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by the underwater environment.
The tour isn’t suitable for:
- Children under 16
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with claustrophobia, vertigo, epilepsy, or respiratory issues
Participants must also complete a brief training session before entering the water to familiarize themselves with the equipment and safety protocols. These precautions help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone exploring the underwater museum.
Recap
The City of Side’s Underwater Museum offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Explore a fascinating underwater world filled with sculptures, marine life, and lush vegetation during two 20-minute dives guided by experts.
With all necessary equipment, transfers, and lunch provided, this adventure is suitable for both experienced divers and beginners, ensuring a safe and immersive exploration of the Mediterranean’s captivating subaquatic landscape.
