Diving Tour from Alanya & Side with Lunch – 2 Dives Included

The most appealing part of this Side scuba trip is the chance to try two different underwater sessions, one at 6 meters and another at 12 meters. You get a taste of the Mediterranean below the surface without committing to a full certification course, and the crew can also work with experienced divers.

I like the professional instruction and the fact that lunch, equipment, travel insurance, and selected hotel transfers are included. I also like the flexible booking terms, with cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. The main drawback is the sea itself: rough water can force a change of site, and the small boat may trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Two sessions reach different depths: The first goes to 6 meters, while the second reaches 12 meters.
• Beginners receive direct instruction: English, German, and Russian instructors explain the basics and guide you underwater.
• Side and Alanya use separate boats: Your departure area determines the boat and underwater site.
• Lunch is included, drinks are not: Bring water or budget for drinks sold aboard.
• Hotel pickup covers many Side-area resorts: Transfers include Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot, with Alanya pickups also available.
• Sea conditions can alter the plan: Rough water may lead the crew to choose another site, or change the overall timing.

Two Mediterranean sessions, not just a quick swim

This is a full-day water outing rather than a short lesson by the beach. The advertised duration is seven hours, though your time on the boat and in the water can shift with hotel transfers, weather, and sea conditions.

The main program includes two scuba sessions. The first reaches about 6 meters, a sensible depth for getting comfortable with breathing equipment, buoyancy, and the feeling of moving below the surface. The second reaches 12 meters and gives you a greater sense of the underwater setting.

That progression matters. If you are new to scuba, the first session lets you settle in before the deeper one. If you already have experience, the two locations offer more variety than a single short outing, although the quality of the scenery can differ between sites.

You may see fish, underwater rock formations, coral areas, and possible traces of older objects or wrecks. The description also refers to ancient artifacts and sunken ships, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed wreck encounter. The actual sights depend on the selected site and the day’s sea conditions.

What the morning pickup is like

Hotel pickup is included when you select that option. The service covers a broad stretch of the Side resort area, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot. Transfers from Alanya are also available, though the journey may take longer depending on your hotel.

You should wait at the hotel’s outer security booth, not in the lobby. The transfer vehicle can be delayed by up to 25 minutes, so allow a little patience before contacting the local supplier.

The exact pickup details are provided 24 hours before the outing. Bring your booking confirmation and show it to the driver or guide when they arrive. Transfer time is separate from the roughly five hours spent on the water, and the full day is listed as about seven hours.

One practical point: Side and Alanya groups use separate boats and different underwater locations. This is useful to know if you are meeting friends staying in another resort area. You should follow the pickup information for your own hotel rather than assuming both groups travel together.

A past complaint concerned a transfer vehicle without enough air conditioning. In the hot Antalya summer, that is worth keeping in mind. Wear light clothing, carry water, and expect the transfer to be one of the less glamorous parts of the day.

Getting prepared for the first session

Once aboard, the instructors explain the equipment, basic underwater procedures, and how to behave around marine life. The available instruction languages are English, German, and Russian.

The first session reaches 6 meters. For a beginner, this is the important part of the day: you learn how the mask, regulator, and buoyancy equipment feel in actual seawater rather than only hearing a briefing on land.

The crew’s attitude matters here. You need clear instructions and calm support, especially if you feel nervous during the first descent. A German participant who became seasick on the small boat still found that the instructor’s reassurance helped them continue, and the discomfort eased once underwater. That does not mean scuba cures seasickness, but it does show why a patient instructor can make a real difference.

You should not feel pressured to continue if you are unwell or frightened. Tell the instructor early. The crew needs accurate information about how you feel, and the conditions may be different below the surface than on deck.

Non-swimmers are not suitable for this experience. It is also not suitable for children under the stated age limits, pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or anyone with heart, respiratory, kidney, blood pressure, epilepsy, or diabetes concerns. The supplied information gives both under-13 and under-14 restrictions, so families should confirm the precise age rule before booking.

The 6-meter site and what you may see

The first location is usually the stronger introduction because the shallower depth makes it easier to focus on the surroundings. You may encounter fish and other marine life, and the trip description points to coral areas, older artifacts, and wreck-related sights.

Do not confuse this with a guaranteed archaeological tour. The crew describes possible underwater treasures, but the site, visibility, and weather shape what you actually see. The Mediterranean can look very different from one day to the next.

The 6-meter session is also where you test your comfort level. You may need time to equalize your ears, manage your breathing, and stay close to your instructor. Beginners should treat it as a real lesson, not as a simple snorkel with heavier equipment.

I like the structure because it gives you a chance to learn before the deeper session. It also means you do not have to decide on your whole day’s confidence at the first descent. Take the first session slowly, listen closely, and ask for help if your mask or regulator feels wrong.

Lunch aboard and time to rest

Between sessions, you return to the boat for lunch and a rest on deck. The meal is included, and it is prepared aboard by the captain according to the tour information.

This pause is more important than it sounds. Scuba requires attention, and the break gives you time to dry off, eat, and regain your focus before the 12-meter session. It also gives non-diving members of a booking party a chance to enjoy the boat and the sea, although a no-diving ticket cannot be purchased alone.

Drinks are not included. Water is specifically listed among the items to bring, and you should carry enough for a warm day. Drinks bought aboard cost extra, as do photographs and video.

The boat is also where you may notice the trip’s less polished side. A small vessel can feel lively in rough water, particularly if you are prone to seasickness. Bring the practical items listed for the day: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a change of clothes, water, and a camera if you want your own pictures.

Smoking is not allowed. You must not feed the animals or touch plants. These are simple rules, but they matter around a fragile underwater environment and help keep the experience from turning into a hands-on wildlife encounter.

The 12-meter session and the change in scenery

The second session reaches about 12 meters. You get more time below the surface and a stronger sense of depth, provided your first session went well and the instructor considers you ready.

This is where experienced divers may get more from the day. The activity is not limited to first-timers, and guides are available for more confident participants. You may encounter different rock formations, fish, coral areas, artifacts, or wreck-related sights.

Still, do not assume the second site will be the highlight. One local participant found the first location excellent but considered the scenery at the second site less impressive. That is useful advice: book this for the complete day, the instruction, and the chance to visit two sites, not for a guaranteed postcard view at both.

Sea conditions can cause a change of plan. At one point, rough water made the intended site unusable, so the crew found an alternative. That is a good sign in terms of practical judgment, but it also means the exact underwater experience cannot be promised in advance.

The tour may finish earlier or later than planned depending on weather. You should avoid scheduling a fixed evening activity immediately afterward, particularly if your hotel is far from the departure point.

What the $52 price really covers

At $52 per person, the price is appealing for a seven-hour outing that includes two guided sessions, lunch, selected hotel transportation, and travel insurance. For someone trying scuba for the first time, the inclusion of professional supervision is a major part of the value.

You are also paying for the boat trip and access to two underwater sites, not only for the minutes spent below the surface. A first-time participant who wants an organized introduction may find this easier than arranging equipment, instruction, and transport separately.

The extra charges need attention. Drinks, personal spending, and the optional photo and video service are not included. The image package can cost nearly as much as the scuba activity itself, so decide in advance how much you want those pictures. Bring your own camera if it is suitable for the water, but do not expect the crew’s photo service to be part of the basic price.

There is also a special booking rule for people who want to come without scuba. They can select the child option, and the group will be accepted as no diving. However, a no-diving ticket cannot be purchased by itself. The no-diving participant must be connected to a scuba booking, and they can pay aboard to take part if they change their mind and are medically suitable.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this trip if you are staying in Side or Alanya, want an introductory scuba experience, and prefer an organized day with transport and lunch included. It also suits a mixed group in which one person wants to try scuba and another prefers to stay on the boat, provided the booking rules are followed.

It is less suitable if you strongly dislike small boats, get seasick easily, or need exact control over your schedule. The sea may be rough, the transfer may take time, and the two sites will not always offer the same quality of scenery.

You should also check the medical restrictions carefully. The activity excludes people with several heart, respiratory, neurological, metabolic, and mobility conditions, as well as people with low fitness, a body weight over 150 kilograms, or an age over 95. Lactose intolerance is also listed among the exclusions, so ask for clarification before paying if that applies to you.

The experience is not suitable for children under the stated age limit, pregnant people, or non-swimmers. These are not minor details to sort out at the dock. Confirm eligibility before booking.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive ready to get wet. Wear swimwear beneath your clothes, bring a towel and a dry change of clothes, and use sunscreen before boarding. A hat helps during the surface portions of the trip.

Keep water with you. Since all boat drinks cost extra, carrying your own supply is the simplest way to avoid an unexpected bill.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. The sea can be rough, and one participant found the small boat difficult even though the underwater session itself felt much better. The supplied information specifically excludes people prone to seasickness, so this is not the best choice if that problem is severe.

Do not purchase the optional photos without checking the price first. The service is extra, and the cost may be close to the original activity price. If photographs matter to you, ask about the package before the boat leaves.

Finally, listen to the instructor even if you have scuba experience. Side and Alanya groups use different boats and sites, and conditions can change. The crew’s decision to move a site during rough water is exactly the sort of call you want them to make.

Should you book the Side scuba tour?

Book it if you want a fairly priced introduction to Mediterranean scuba with two guided sessions, lunch, and transport options in one package. The friendly instruction, practical support for beginners, and ability to change sites when the sea turns rough are strong reasons to choose it.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wrecks, guaranteed scenery, a quiet boat, or a tightly fixed timetable. Extra charges for drinks and media also mean the final bill can rise.

For a healthy, confident swimmer staying in the Side or Alanya area, this is a sensible way to try scuba without arranging each part yourself. Just pack water, expect the second site to be less impressive than the first on some days, and treat the weather as part of the adventure rather than a minor footnote.

FAQ

How long does the scuba tour last?

The advertised duration is seven hours. About five hours are spent on the water and related scuba activity, excluding hotel transfer time. Weather and sea conditions can shorten or extend the day.

How many scuba sessions are included?

Two guided scuba sessions are included. The first reaches about 6 meters, and the second reaches about 12 meters.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is prepared aboard the boat. Drinks are not included and cost extra.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. Transfers cover Alanya and several Side-area locations, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot.

Where should I wait for the pickup?

Wait at your hotel’s outer security booth. The transfer vehicle may be delayed by up to 25 minutes.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

Can a person come without scuba diving?

Yes, but a no-diving ticket cannot be purchased alone. Anyone wishing to come without scuba can select the child option, and that person will be accepted as no diving.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photo and video services are optional extras, and all boat photos and videos cost additional money.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for children below the stated age limit, pregnant people, non-swimmers, wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or people with heart, respiratory, kidney, blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, or seasickness concerns.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.