Explore Side
Side is a popular resort town located on the south coast of Turkey in the Antalya Region, with its coast on the Mediterranean Sea. This town is known for its rich history but also for its stunning beaches and impressive diving. There are a handful of dive centres and dive resorts in Side which will guide divers to the best of the underwater world here. Whether divers are wanting to do a dive course, wanting to see some of this rich history in the Underwater Museum or admire the abundant marine life, it’s all possible here.
Top Side Dive Sites
1. Side Underwater Museum
Explore 110 statues across five themes in this unique underwater museum. Marine life like small reef fish and crustaceans add to the experience. Suitable for easy to moderate scuba dives, with guided tours available. The museum is a must-see, offering a special and educational dive experience.
2. Side Reef 1
This shallow reef, ranging from 6 to 12 meters, offers vibrant marine life including diverse fish species and colorful corals. It's perfect for easy scuba diving and snorkeling. The area is ideal for beginners, providing a tranquil environment to appreciate underwater biodiversity.
3. TCSG-117 Wreck
The 30-meter long wreck, sunk in 2008, lies at a depth of 25 meters. It has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, hosting a variety of marine flora and fauna. Suitable for advanced scuba diving, it offers an adventurous exploration of underwater history and ecology.
4. Side Canyon
This site features stunning underwater formations and offers sightings of groupers and barracudas. It's recommended for advanced scuba divers due to depth variations and occasional currents. The canyon's unique topography provides an exciting underwater adventure.
5. Temple of Apollo
A site suitable for both scuba and freediving, located near ancient ruins visible from the shore. Common marine life includes sea turtles and octopus. While not part of a protected area, it offers a dive rich in history and marine encounters, ideal for moderate-level divers.
The best Months to Dive in Side
The diving season in Side is usually from April till November as these are the months with the best water conditions. The water temperature in April is around 17°C, with the temperature reaching up to 31°C in the midst of summer. Visibility here ranges between 10 and 20 metres and the currents are mild throughout the year.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Side
One of the highlight species here are the Loggerhead Turtles which come here to lay their eggs between May and October, so they are in the water in high abundance then also. Other species which inhabit these waters include Octopus. Moray Eels, Starfish, Crabs, Shrimps, colourful Nudibranchs, different species of Rays and more. Some of the fish here include Parrotfish, Rainbow Wrasse, Soldierfish, Tuna, Barracuda, Groupers and Lionfish. On the luckiest days, divers might be able to spot the elusive Angel Shark.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
323 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
38 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
28 Sightings
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Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
19 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
19 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
465 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
447 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 150
Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts
369 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
359 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 110
iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper
340 Sightings
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