Spend a day on the Turkish Riviera with two guided dives off Side’s coast. Expect clear water, short exploratory dives, on-boat lunch, and a good chance to see colorful reef fish and loggerhead turtles.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Salt spray on your face, a harbor that hums with diesel and gulls, and a turquoise horizon that dares you to slip beneath it — that’s the opening frame for a day diving off Side’s coast. You board a day-boat from the shallow bays where Roman ruins still skirt the shoreline, and the Mediterranean pulls you into clear water warmed by summer sun and fed by the Taurus range’s runoff.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable swimming and able to move in and out of a boat; no heavy hiking required but basic stamina helps.
Wildlife
History
Side was an important ancient port with Roman theatre and temples; submerged archaeological fragments and coastal ruins reflect millennia of maritime activity.
Conservation
The Turkish Riviera faces pressure from coastal development and tourism; choose operators who use reef-safe products and follow no-take, no-anchor practices to protect seagrass and turtle habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Side: Scuba Diving Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive hydrated
Drink water before boarding — boats often only offer limited drinks and dehydration increases risk of narcosis.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before the dive briefing to protect local marine life and avoid oily residues on rental suits.
Listen to the briefing
Follow the instructor’s signals and surface procedures — short dives mean focused time to explore safely.
Motion-sickness prep
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before embarkation; boat rides can be choppy in afternoon winds.
Wetsuit (shorty or full)
A thin wetsuit keeps you warm for short dives and protects against scrapes on rocky ledges.
summer
Mask and snorkel
Personal mask fit improves comfort and visibility on surface swims between dives.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and minimizes harm to marine ecosystems during surface intervals.
summer
Light windbreaker or fleece
Boat decks get cool returning to shore, especially in spring and fall; easy to stow.
spring