Side-Turkey.

If you have always wanted to breathe underwater but never strapped on a tank, beginner diving excursions are the gentlest way to start. On the Turkish Riviera, the warm, clear Mediterranean and a patient instructor make your very first descent feel safe and natural, even if you cannot swim well. No certificate, no homework, no prior experience required.

What a Beginner Diving Excursion Actually Looks Like

Our beginner diving excursions are built around a "try dive" (often called a Discover Scuba Diving session). After hotel pick-up, you board a wooden dive boat from a local marina and cruise to a sheltered bay where the water is calm and shallow. A licensed instructor walks you through the gear, hand signals and breathing on land first, then guides you into the water one-on-one.

Your first descent

You will not jump straight into the deep. Beginners start by kneeling in chest-deep water to get used to breathing through the regulator. Once you feel comfortable, the instructor holds your hand and you sink slowly together, usually to a friendly depth of a few metres. Down there you glide over sandy patches, rocky reefs and seagrass, often meeting bream, wrasse, the occasional octopus and curious little fish that come close.

Who These Excursions Suit (and Why Cost Varies)

These trips are ideal for absolute first-timers, nervous swimmers, couples and families wanting a shared adventure. Confidence matters more than fitness; the instructor controls your buoyancy so you simply float and look around.

What affects the price

Several things move the cost of a diving excursion: the season, group size, whether transfers and gear are bundled in, and how many dives you do. The biggest lever is who you book with. Buying through an agency or online portal stacks commission on top of the operator's price. Because we are the local operator, booking direct with us cuts out that middle layer. We back it with a best-price guarantee, and quieter off-peak weeks usually offer the calmest water and the friendliest rates without us ever quoting confusing numbers up front.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours including boat time
• Pick-up Time: Around 08:30-09:30 from your hotel
• Drop-off Time: Early-to-mid afternoon, back at your hotel
• Includes: Hotel transfer, dive instructor, full scuba equipment, on-board safety briefing
• Excludes: Underwater photos, lunch/drinks (where not stated), gratuities
• Family Friendly: Yes, parents and children can dive or snorkel together
• Recommended Age: From around 8 years for a try dive, accompanied by an adult
• Best Season: Late April to October, warmest and clearest in summer
• Difficulty Level: Easy, designed for complete beginners

Related Excursions

• Side excursions
• Antalya excursions
• Alanya excursions
• Kemer excursions
• Belek excursions
• More travel guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diving certificate or any experience?

No. Beginner diving excursions are made for people who have never dived. A licensed instructor teaches you everything on the day and stays beside you throughout.

Is hotel transfer included?

Yes. We pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts. Just share your hotel name when you book.

Can children join?

Children from around 8 can do a guided try dive at very shallow depth, and younger ones can snorkel from the boat while the family dives.

Can I pay on the day?

Yes, you can reserve now and pay on the day in most cases. Booking ahead simply secures your spot, especially in high season.

Should I book in advance?

We recommend it. Boats and instructor slots fill quickly in summer, and early direct booking locks in the best price and your preferred date.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the sea is unsafe, we reschedule you to another day or arrange a full refund. Your safety always comes first.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No, but basic comfort in water helps. The instructor manages your buoyancy and you stay shallow, so you are never left to fend for yourself.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a sense of adventure. All diving equipment is provided on board.

Ready to take your first breath underwater? Book your beginner diving excursion direct with the local Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. You get our best-price guarantee, friendly local guidance and instant confirmation, with no agency commission in between.