When to go to Side
Climate is Mediterranean in Turkey. Summers in Side are hot and dry with average temperatures of 25-28C/77-82F. The hottest month is July. Winters are cold and wet – 11-12C/52-54F. The coolest and the wettest month is January. The best period for diving is from August till September, as the average sea temperature is 28C/82F. Usual visibility is 10-20m/32-65ft. Currents are mild (1-2 knots) and average depth is 10-15m/32-49ft.
What to see
The range of underwater creatures inhabiting the area is incredible – turtles, “sea rabbits”, octopi, moray eels, rays, groupers and barracudas may be encountered.
Scuba diving in Side
Side is a tranquil coastal resort in Turkey. The rich and prosperous history of Side makes this destination a marvelous place for tourists with many places of interest and entertainments. The Old City is full of ruins, which are preserved from the times, when Side used to be the province of the Roman Empire. Apollo Temple, Aspendos and Roman Amphitheatre attract crowds of visitors and offer them an exciting time-travel. Admirable nature complements the whole picture and invites to enjoy Manavgat Waterfalls and Pamukkale Bath. The mix of ancient architecture, modern bars and cafes, enormous shopping centres, luxurious beaches and sparkling waters in cozy harbours creates a unique atmosphere, which captures travellers from around the globe. Underwater world has also a lot to offer, making diving one of the most popular activities in Side. Diving is fairly magical – caves, wrecks and reefs shelter thousands of marine creatures. Most of the sites are accessible by boat and advisable for divers of all levels.
Most popular dive sites
The most popular dive sites are Turtle Reef, Ralphs Reef, Side Cave Reef and Camel Road. Dense coral formations cover cave walls and teem with fish flocks. Another interesting site is Wreck TCSG-117 for advanced divers.
Open Water Courses
