Side Scuba Diving for Beginners with Lunch and Transfers

Side’s best first taste of scuba comes in a tidy six-hour package: a morning transfer, two guided underwater sessions, lunch on the boat, and time to swim between them. You begin with a safety lesson, then descend only 5 to 12 meters, making this a manageable choice if you are curious but nervous.

I like the small-group format and the way the day leaves room for swimming and sunbathing instead of keeping everyone in the water nonstop. I also like the clear value at $49.21, since equipment, instruction, transfers, and lunch are included. The catch is that your actual underwater time is about 20 minutes per session, and the first pickup can be quite early.

• Two guided sessions: Each beginner session reaches roughly 5 to 12 meters and lasts about 20 minutes underwater.
• Hotel pickup included: Collection begins around 08:00, with exact timing confirmed the day before.
• Lunch between sessions: Snitzel and pasta are served on board, with drinks available to buy.
• Maximum 15 people: The group cap helps keep instruction personal and the boat day manageable.
• Beginner-friendly training: You receive a safety briefing, basic instruction, and full scuba equipment.
• Good weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Two underwater sessions, not a rushed single try

The main appeal is simple: you get two chances to settle into scuba. The first session lets you learn how the equipment feels, how to follow instructions underwater, and how to stay calm while breathing through the regulator. The second gives you a chance to enjoy the setting with less of the first-time nerves.

Each session takes place in a small group with an instructor. The planned depth is about 5 to 12 meters, well within the range stated for beginners. Underwater time is around 20 minutes, so do not book this expecting a long technical outing or a full certification course.

I think that short format works well for a holiday activity. You are not committing to a full day below the surface, and you can stop and enjoy the boat, the coast, and the water around the sessions. At the same time, two sessions give you more than a brief trial in a shallow training area.

The setting may include fish and, depending on the route and conditions, underwater historical features. Some accounts describe an underwater museum with Roman-era remains, but that should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure. The confirmed promise is two guided sessions in Side’s coastal waters.

The morning transfer from Side hotels

Pickup starts at around 08:00, although your exact time depends on where you stay. The vehicle collects you at your hotel entrance when access allows. Hotels in pedestrian areas or streets closed to tour vehicles use a nearby meeting point instead.

You should receive the final pickup time by message or phone one day before the trip. Build in a little patience: traffic and routing can cause a delay of five to ten minutes. This is a useful detail for anyone booking a tight morning schedule, airport transfer, or separate excursion later in the day.

The ride brings you to the marina at about 09:30. The boat departs around 10:00, leaving time for the briefing and equipment preparation. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and both the outward and return transfers are included, which removes one of the more annoying parts of arranging a water activity in Side.

I like this setup because you do not need to find the marina yourself with tanks and fins in tow. The tradeoff is the early start. If you are staying far from the harbor, your morning may begin well before 08:00.

The safety lesson sets the tone

At the marina, the team explains the rules and gives you basic training before you enter the water. This is especially important if you have never used a regulator or worn a full scuba setup. The instructors are described as patient and careful, with clear explanations and regular checks that beginners feel safe.

Full equipment is supplied. That includes the suit if needed, tank, mask, fins, regulator, and other standard scuba gear. You do not need to arrange a separate rental package for the activity itself.

Still, listen closely during the briefing. A short holiday session is not a substitute for a full scuba certification course, and the time underwater is limited. Tell the instructor if you feel uncomfortable, confused, or unable to equalize. The point of a beginner program is to build confidence at a sensible pace, not to prove anything.

The group limit is 15 people, though the actual underwater groups are organized in smaller units. While one group is below the surface, the others remain on the boat. That means you may spend part of the day waiting for your turn, but you can use that time to swim, sunbathe, or watch the coast rather than simply stand around on a dock.

The first session at 5 to 12 meters

The boat leaves around 10:00, and the first underwater session takes place before lunch. The planned depth ranges from about 5 to 12 meters, with approximately 20 minutes below the surface.

For a first attempt, this is a useful balance. You get enough time to see fish and adjust to the underwater setting, but the session is not so long that fatigue takes over. The first few minutes are likely to be about breathing steadily, following the instructor, and getting comfortable with your mask and regulator.

The experience is guided, not independent. You remain with the instructor and your small group. That matters for beginners who want help with buoyancy, hand signals, or simple nerves. It also means the pace is not entirely yours. If you are already an experienced scuba participant, the shallow depth and basic structure may feel too limited.

Visibility, fish sightings, and the exact route will depend on the day. The descriptions of seeing many fish are encouraging, but sea conditions and the chosen site can change what you see. Treat the underwater scenery as an added pleasure rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

Lunch, swimming, and a break on the boat

Between the two sessions, lunch is served on board. The included meal is Snitzel and pasta. It is straightforward boat food rather than a restaurant meal, but it gives you a proper break before the second session and removes the need to carry or buy lunch elsewhere.

Drinks are available for purchase, including alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not included in the price, and you should plan sensibly around the second session. Personal expenses are also separate, so bring money if you want anything beyond the included meal.

This middle part of the day is more valuable than it may first appear. New scuba participants can feel tired after the first session, and the pause lets you dry off, eat, and decide how you are feeling before going back into the water. You can also swim or sunbathe while another group is using the equipment.

The boat itself becomes part of the outing. You get sea views and a relaxed break between structured activities. If you dislike boat time or want continuous sightseeing, the pauses may feel long. For most first-timers, though, they make the day less intense.

The second session gives you a better chance to enjoy it

After lunch, the groups return to the water for the second guided session. Again, expect about 20 minutes underwater at roughly 5 to 12 meters.

This is often the more enjoyable part for a beginner because the basic mechanics are no longer completely new. You have already handled the equipment, practiced the instructions, and learned how your body responds underwater. That leaves more attention for fish, rocks, and the quiet feeling of moving below the surface.

The two sessions are also useful for couples, siblings, and families with older children who want to try something new together. The staff can guide participants at a beginner pace, but everyone still needs to be comfortable following instructions and using the equipment.

Children under 10 can join the boat trip, but they cannot take part in the scuba activity. The supplied information does not set out the full age rules for older children, so families should confirm suitability before booking. The activity is described as suitable for most people, but anyone with specific medical concerns should check before committing.

What the $49.21 price really covers

At $49.21 per person, this is a strong package price for a first scuba outing in Side. You are paying for the vehicle from and back to your hotel, the boat trip, the equipment, the briefing, two guided sessions, and lunch.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange several pieces separately. A taxi to the marina, equipment rental, a boat seat, instruction, and lunch can quickly add up. Here, those basic parts are bundled into one booking.

The price does not cover personal spending, optional snorkeling equipment rental, or the underwater photo and video package. The photo and video option costs €40. That can be tempting, especially if this is a special family or couple activity, but it is not part of the advertised price.

You should also budget for drinks if you want them on board. The included meal is practical and convenient, not a reason to book the trip by itself. The real value comes from combining two beginner sessions with transport and a full boat day at a modest rate.

Group size, pace, and the waiting periods

The maximum group size is 15 people. Underwater sessions are arranged in smaller groups, which helps the instructor give direct attention and keeps the first attempt from feeling like a crowded pool lesson.

That does not mean every minute is private or personalized. You may wait while another group takes its turn, especially if the boat is full. The good news is that the waiting is built into a day at sea, with swimming, sunbathing, and free time available.

I would choose this outing if you like a relaxed group atmosphere and want support from an instructor. I would look elsewhere if you want a private instructor, long underwater sessions, or a quiet charter with no other participants.

Several practical details make the format friendly for first-timers. Equipment is prepared for you, instruction comes before the first session, and the staff are described as friendly and patient. The boat also gives non-scuba companions something to do while others are below the surface.

What to bring and what to plan for

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, and dry clothing for the return trip. These items are not listed as inclusions, so plan as you would for any full day on the water.

Bring some money for drinks, personal expenses, or optional equipment. Snorkeling gear is not included, although rental is available. If someone in your party prefers not to use scuba equipment, the boat setting and swimming time still offer an alternative, but the trip is built around the two guided sessions.

Keep your morning open. Pickup begins around 08:00, arrival at the marina is about 09:30, and the boat returns later in the day before the transfer back to your hotel. The stated duration is approximately six hours, though the exact end time depends on the hotel route and the day’s operation.

The activity requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a full refund when you cancel yourself, you must do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book the Side beginner scuba experience

This is best for a first-time participant who wants a guided introduction without spending certification-course money. Couples can share the novelty, siblings can make it a joint activity, and families with eligible children can enjoy the boat day together.

It also suits you if you value convenience. Hotel transfers, equipment, instruction, lunch, and two sessions are handled in one package. The maximum of 15 people keeps the scale reasonable, while the free time prevents the day from becoming a nonstop schedule.

I would be cautious if your priority is advanced scuba, a long underwater route, or guaranteed access to a specific historical site. The underwater museum and Roman remains described by some participants may not be part of every route, and the confirmed details focus on beginner sessions at 5 to 12 meters.

Should you book it?

Book this Side scuba outing if you want two gentle, guided attempts at scuba, simple hotel logistics, and a boat day that includes lunch and swimming time. At $49.21, the package offers good value, especially for couples and small family groups.

Skip it if you dislike waiting between group sessions, need a private guide, or expect a full certification experience. For most curious beginners, though, the patient instruction, modest depth, two-session format, and included transport make this a sensible way to test the water.

FAQ

How long does the Side scuba activity last?

The program lasts approximately six hours, including hotel pickup, the boat trip, two guided scuba sessions, lunch, free time, and the return transfer.

What time does hotel pickup begin?

Pickup starts around 08:00, depending on your hotel location. The exact time is confirmed one day before the activity by message or phone.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is arranged at your hotel entrance when vehicles can reach it. If your hotel is in a pedestrian zone or another restricted area, you receive a nearby meeting point.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat is scheduled to depart around 10:00, after arrival at the marina, the safety briefing, and equipment preparation.

How deep are the scuba sessions?

The guided sessions take place at depths of approximately 5 to 12 meters.

How long is each underwater session?

Each session includes around 20 minutes of underwater time. The activity includes two guided sessions.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. The package includes the suit if needed, tank, mask, fins, regulator, and other required scuba equipment, along with a safety briefing and basic training.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board between the two sessions and includes Snitzel and pasta. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are available to purchase separately.

Can children join the activity?

Children under 10 can join the boat trip but cannot take part in the scuba activity. The activity is described as suitable for most participants, but specific suitability for older children should be confirmed before booking.