Side Scuba Diving for Beginners with Lunch and Transfers

Side’s beginner scuba trip gives you two chances to see the underwater world, not just one nervous first attempt. After a short lesson, you enter the water in small groups at depths of roughly 5 to 12 meters, then return to the boat for lunch, swimming, and a second guided session.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the need to find the marina early in the morning. I also like the calm pace: while one group is in the water, you can swim, sunbathe, or watch the coast from the boat. The main consideration is that the day begins early, and the actual time underwater is about 20 minutes per session rather than several hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Two beginner-friendly underwater sessions: You get one session before lunch and another afterward, both with an instructor and full equipment.
• A small maximum group: The boat accepts up to 15 participants, helping the day feel more personal than a large party cruise.
• Lunch is served onboard: The included meal is listed as schnitzel and pasta, with drinks available to buy.
• Shallow training depths: The sessions take place at approximately 5 to 12 meters, a manageable range for newcomers.
• Transfers save time and stress: Pickup starts around 8:00 am, with the boat reaching the marina at about 9:30 am.
• Under-10s can join the boat trip only: Children younger than 10 may come along but cannot take part in the scuba activity.

What this Side boat day is really like

This is a gentle introduction to scuba rather than a serious certification course. You spend about six hours moving between your hotel, the marina, the boat, and two underwater sessions, with plenty of rest in between.

The appeal is simple. You do not need prior experience, and the operator provides the tank, mask, fins, regulator, suit if needed, and other basic equipment. A safety briefing and training session come first, so you can learn how the equipment works and how to behave underwater before entering the sea.

I would choose this trip if you want to try scuba without committing to a full training program. It also works well for couples, friends, and families with older children. The mood is intended to be friendly and practical, not highly technical.

The listed price is $49.21 per person. That is good value because it includes transport, equipment, instruction, two guided sessions, and lunch. You still need to budget for personal spending, optional snorkel equipment, underwater photos or video, and drinks bought onboard.

An early pickup from your Side hotel

Pickup begins around 8:00 am, depending on where you are staying. Your exact time is confirmed one day before the activity by message or phone.

The vehicle collects you at the hotel entrance when access is possible. If your accommodation is in a pedestrian zone or another restricted area, you receive a nearby meeting point instead. Allow for a possible five to ten-minute delay caused by traffic and the pickup route.

The ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in Side during hot weather. You reach the marina at about 9:30 am, giving the crew time to organize equipment before the boat leaves at 10:00 am.

This transfer service is one of the strongest practical features. You do not need to arrange a taxi, carry heavy equipment across town, or guess where the marina is. The tradeoff is the early start, especially if your hotel is farther from the harbor or if several pickups are scheduled.

The marina briefing and equipment setup

Once you reach the boat, the crew gives you a basic safety briefing. This covers the main rules, the equipment, and what you need to do in the water.

You receive a full set of scuba equipment, including a tank, mask, fins, regulator, and suit if one is needed. The available information does not specify particular brands or individual instructors, so I would focus less on equipment labels and more on whether the mask fits comfortably and the crew explains the controls clearly.

The instructors are expected to work with beginners in small groups. That arrangement is useful because first-time participants often need extra time to adjust their breathing, clear a mask, or feel comfortable below the surface.

Take the briefing seriously, even if you are a confident swimmer. Scuba has its own habits, and the short lesson is there to make the first session calmer and safer. Ask questions before you leave the boat if anything about the regulator, hand signals, or descent feels unclear.

The first session at 5 to 12 meters

The first guided session takes place before lunch. Underwater time is about 20 minutes, and the depth is approximately 5 to 12 meters.

For a beginner, this depth range offers a useful first look at marine life without taking you into the deeper water associated with advanced scuba. You might see fish and underwater scenery, though the exact views depend on sea conditions and the day’s location.

The group format means you do not simply jump into the sea alone. You follow the instructor, who helps you manage the equipment and keeps the session organized. This matters most in the first few minutes, when breathing through a regulator can feel strange.

Not everyone goes into the water at once. While one group has its turn, others can sit on the boat, swim, or sunbathe. I like this setup because it avoids forcing the whole group into a single rushed schedule.

The drawback is that you may need to wait for your group’s turn. If you are among the first in the water, you have more free time afterward. If you go later, you spend more of the morning watching others. The maximum group size of 15 helps, but the experience is still shared rather than private.

Swimming and lunch between the sessions

After the first underwater session, the boat becomes a simple sea-day base. You can swim, relax, and enjoy the views while the crew prepares lunch.

Lunch is listed as schnitzel and pasta. It is not presented as a gourmet meal, but it gives you a proper break between the two active parts of the day. Previous feedback also points to tasty, filling food and positive comments about the onboard meal.

You can buy drinks on the boat, including alcoholic drinks, but they are not included. Personal expenses are also separate. If you want more than the provided meal, bring money and check what is available before settling in.

The break is important for more than hunger. Beginners often feel tired after their first underwater session, even when it lasts only 20 minutes. Time to eat, swim, and sit in the sun lets you reset before the second session.

I would bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes, although these items are not listed as included. Keep valuables to a minimum because the tour information does not describe secure storage.

The second guided session after lunch

The second session follows lunch and uses the same small-group approach. You again spend about 20 minutes underwater, with the activity generally taking place at around 5 to 12 meters.

This second attempt is often the more relaxed one. You already know how the mask, fins, and regulator feel, so you can pay more attention to fish and the underwater surroundings instead of concentrating on every piece of equipment.

The two-session format is a real advantage over a one-time introductory outing. If the first session feels awkward, you have a chance to improve. If your first session goes well, the second lets you enjoy the experience with less uncertainty.

The exact underwater sites are not specified, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed reef, wreck, or particular species. Some feedback describes seeing fish and, in one case, an underwater museum with Roman-era associations. Treat that as a possible highlight rather than a promised feature, since the sites can depend on the day’s route and conditions.

After the second session, there is more free time for swimming and relaxation before the boat returns to the harbor. The day is designed to leave room for both activity and rest.

Group size, atmosphere, and comfort

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough to keep the boat from feeling like a giant excursion, while still meaning that you share the day with other participants.

The most praised part of the experience is the crew’s manner with first-timers. The instructors are described as patient, friendly, and careful about safety. That is exactly what you want here. Technical expertise matters, but a calm instructor can make the biggest difference when you are breathing underwater for the first time.

The boat atmosphere is presented as relaxed and welcoming. Couples have found the format easy to enjoy together, while families and groups of friends can take turns in the water and still spend the day together.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is not a private boat charter, and you will not control the schedule. The boat must coordinate pickup, equipment, group turns, lunch, and the return trip. The benefit is a reasonably priced, organized day. The cost is less flexibility.

What the $49.21 price includes

At $49.21 per person, this package offers a strong amount of value for a half-day-plus outing.

You are paying for more than access to the sea. The price includes:

• Air-conditioned hotel transportation in both directions
• Full scuba equipment
• A safety briefing and basic instruction
• Two guided underwater sessions
• Lunch onboard
• Time for swimming and relaxing

If you booked transport and equipment separately, the total could become less predictable. Here, the main costs are gathered into one booking, which makes budgeting easier.

The optional extras are worth noting. Snorkel equipment is not included, though rental may be available. Underwater photographs and video cost €40, and drinks are sold separately. I would decide in advance if images matter to you, because the photo package can add a noticeable amount to a low-cost activity.

The value is best for someone who wants an introduction to scuba, not for an experienced certified participant seeking long, technical sessions. At this price, the purpose is to try the basics, see some marine life, and enjoy a boat day.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend it to adults who have never tried scuba and want a guided first step. The briefing, provided equipment, shallow water, and patient instruction all reduce the usual barriers.

It is also a good choice for couples. You can share a new activity, then spend time together on the boat between turns. Friends may like it for the same reason, particularly if not everyone wants to be underwater at the same moment.

Families can join, but note the age rule carefully. Children under 10 may take part in the boat trip, but they cannot join the scuba sessions. The information does not give a minimum age for participating in the underwater activity, so confirm that point before booking for children aged 10 or older.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation, but the activity still involves getting onto a boat and handling scuba gear. If you have a medical concern or need specific assistance, ask the operator before paying.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear swim clothes under your regular outfit so changing is easier. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothing for the return trip.

Keep breakfast sensible because pickup is early and lunch comes later. Drink water, but remember that bottled or other onboard drinks may cost extra.

Arrive at the hotel entrance on time. The vehicle may be five to ten minutes late because of traffic, but you should not assume a long waiting window. If your hotel is in a restricted pedestrian area, watch for the nearby meeting point details sent the day before.

If you are nervous, tell the instructor before the first session. You will get more from the experience if the crew knows you need a slower explanation or extra help with the equipment.

Weather matters. The activity requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Side scuba trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, well-organized first taste of scuba with transport, gear, food, and two attempts built in. The strongest reasons are the patient beginner instruction, the manageable 5 to 12-meter depth, and the relaxed time between sessions.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a guaranteed wreck or museum site, extensive underwater time, or a certification course. Those are not what this outing is designed to provide.

For most first-timers staying in Side, the $49.21 price makes sense. You get a full boat day, two guided sessions, lunch, and hotel transfers without having to arrange the details yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Side scuba activity last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including hotel pickup, the marina transfer, the boat trip, two guided underwater sessions, lunch, and the return transfer.

What time does hotel pickup begin?

Pickup starts around 8:00 am, depending on your hotel location. The exact pickup time is confirmed one day before the activity.

When does the boat leave the marina?

The boat is scheduled to leave at 10:00 am after the safety briefing and equipment preparation.

How deep are the beginner scuba sessions?

The sessions take place at approximately 5 to 12 meters.

How long is each underwater session?

Each guided session has about 20 minutes of underwater time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is listed as schnitzel and pasta. Drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Is scuba equipment provided?

Yes. The package includes a tank, mask, fins, regulator, suit if needed, and other full diving equipment.

Can children join the activity?

Children under 10 can join the boat trip but cannot take part in the scuba sessions. The provided information does not state a specific minimum age for the underwater activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.