I was breathing underwater – and it wasn’t a dream - My first dive felt like meeting the sea for the first time. Was I scared? A bit. Was it incredible? Absolutely. Time slows down underwater. Fish, rocks, bubbles – like a documentary, except you’re in it. The instructor literally held my hand until I felt steady. Came up wanting to go straight back down.

An exhilarating diving experience for novices - Pick up and drop off From the hotel we were taken to outside of Old Side Town and from here we had to walk some 20 minutes to the Old Side Town Harbour. After the dives you have to walk back to the minibus; 20 minute walk back. Pre-dive Once boarded we were greeted by the lady instructor and given a waiver to sign ensuring we had no underlying medical issues. Once signed we left the harbour. The diving area is about 20-30 minutes from the shore. The diving instructor then went through the essentials of diving from releasing pressure in the ear to clearing water in the googles and mouthpiece and had gestures. The first dive You have two dives. The first is about 25 minutes and you’re taken down to the sea bed, all along being hand held by the instructor always giving the sign of “are you okay” and “release ear pressure”. Once you reach the sea bed you take hold of a rope on a rock and fish are fed bread which come in droves to eat. Photos and video are taken using a Go-Pro by the instructor. Once you return to the boat you can purchase the photos for €30 for 1 person, €40 for 2 persons. Lunch is served; bulgur wheat and bread with chicken and salad. If you’re vegetarian you won’t have the chicken. The second dive The boat is sailed a few km from the first dive area where your suited up and taken by an instructor to the Roman ruins. There are several of them. This is the best of the two dives. Again fish are fed bread from the water bottle which come in droves. You can even touch the fish as they’re eagerly awaiting you to feed them. You’re down there for 25 minutes after resurfacing to the boat. Conclusion: A fantastic experience essentially for people who’ve never dived before. I’d recommend this excursion if it’s the one excursion you book in Side. It’s like discovering another world that you didn’t know existed. And at £41 for 2 people that’s a steal! Recommendation: My only recommendation would be that the minibus drops people off and picks them up right at the harbour. Walking to there is not an issue but walking back in the afternoon heat can be quite challenging for older people. Otherwise 5 out of 5. NOTE: DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL SICKNESS TABLETS AND GINGER! The boat does sway quite violently and this made fellow travellers vomit multiple times.

Great entry into diving in Side - I dived for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. The instruction was understandable and the instructors very patient. Both dives were calm, with good visibility and lots of fish. The equipment was in good condition, and lunch on the boat was simple but delicious. A recommended tour for beginners!

A well-organized day - I had never tried scuba diving before, and this tour in Side was the perfect introduction. The instructors were calm, patient, and made sure everyone understood the basics before going in. Both dive spots were peaceful and clear, with plenty of fish to see. The boat was clean, and lunch on board was simple but tasty. A well-organized day — I’d recommend it if you’re curious about diving but don’t want anything too intense.

A must-try activity! - We joined the Scuba Diving tour with Sommer Tour and had an amazing experience! The instructors were professional and made us feel very safe, even as beginners. We did two dives and saw beautiful underwater life. The boat was clean, lunch was tasty, and the whole day was perfectly organized.