Scuba Diving Tour with Transfer From Alanya and city of Side

The most appealing part of this Mediterranean scuba trip is its welcome to mixed groups. You can be a first-timer learning to breathe underwater, while a certified companion gets more freedom to explore. Two sessions of about 30 minutes each give you time to settle in rather than treating the whole outing as one hurried attempt.

I like the hotel pickup and return, especially when you are staying in Alanya or Side and do not want to arrange transport. I also like the calm beginner setup: equipment instruction, breathing practice, underwater hand signals, and a slow descent with a guide. The main caution is timing. Pickup delays, a long drive from Side, and changes caused by weather can make the eight-hour schedule feel less predictable.

• Two underwater sessions: Each is planned for about 30 minutes, with the second at a different spot.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive safety guidance, equipment training, surface breathing practice, and hand signals before entering the water.
• Small-group support underwater: The crew includes two dive masters and four instructors within a multilingual team of ten.
• Fish feeding and optional photos: At around three meters, beginners may feed fish while a second instructor takes pictures and video for purchase.
• Non-divers can come along: Friends and family can use the boat’s facilities, swim, and jump into the sea, but cannot take part in scuba activity.
• Pickup matters: Side transfers can be lengthy because the boat and activity area are in the Alanya area.

What the $59 Alanya and Side trip really includes

At $59 per person, this is priced as an accessible introduction rather than a private or highly specialized scuba outing. The fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, beginner training, and two underwater sessions. For someone who wants to try scuba without paying for a full certification course, that is a fair package.

The value depends on how much of the advertised day you actually receive. An eight-hour booking can include road time, collecting other people, waiting for groups to enter the water, surface time, and the return transfer. One poor day reportedly involved lengthy staff pickups and ended before midday, while other days followed a fuller schedule with two underwater sessions and time to swim.

That inconsistency is worth keeping in mind. I would book this for a low-cost first taste of Mediterranean scuba, not for a carefully timed full-day charter or a serious technical outing.

The crew is described as multilingual in English, German, Russian, and Turkish. The team includes ten people, with two dive masters and four instructors. That level of staffing is useful when beginners and certified participants share the same boat, although the exact instructor-to-participant ratio can vary during each session.

Hotel pickup from Side can add real road time

Pickup and return to your accommodation are included, which removes one of the usual hassles. You do not need to find the marina or arrange a separate taxi. Still, the transfer is not a small detail if you are staying in Side.

The boat and activity area are in the Alanya area, so the journey from Side can be long. One certified participant found the transfer worthwhile because it allowed time to see more of the coast, but also noted that the road portion took a sizeable part of the day.

Pickup organization may not always run smoothly. A one-hour wait and a driver going to the wrong hotel were reported on one occasion. To reduce the chance of confusion, make sure your accommodation name and location are entered correctly and keep your phone available on the morning of pickup.

If you are staying in Alanya, the transport portion should normally be easier. Even then, the van may collect several people before heading to the boat, so do not schedule another fixed activity immediately afterward.

First-timers get a careful start on the surface

The beginner process is one of the better features of this outing. Before entering the water, you receive basic theory about the equipment, safety rules, and hand signals used underwater. You then practice breathing at the surface before going lower.

The first descent is meant to be gradual. The guide pauses along the way so you can adjust to the pressure and decide how comfortable you feel. At roughly three meters, beginners may reach the bottom, feed fish, and have pictures or video taken by a second instructor.

That slow start matters because breathing through a regulator can feel strange at first. Pressure in the ears, a headache, or a rush of fear can appear as you go down. One first-time participant found the pressure uncomfortable but still enjoyed the activity, while another person panicked during the first attempt and was allowed to come back up and try again.

You should not treat discomfort as something to push through. Tell the instructor if your ears hurt, if your mask is bothering you, or if you feel anxious. The program says you can stay shallower than six meters, and the guide can adjust the session to your comfort level. Do not force yourself to descend simply because someone else in your group is ready.

The first 30-minute session is about getting comfortable

For a beginner, the first underwater session is less about covering distance and more about learning how your body responds. You may spend time close to the bottom, practicing breathing, using hand signals, and watching the instructor.

The fish-feeding stop adds a memorable touch, especially for people who have never used scuba equipment. It also creates a natural moment for photographs and video. These are not included in the price, so you will need to decide onboard if you want to buy them.

The photo service can be useful for families who want a record of a first underwater attempt. It can also interrupt the sense of being left alone with the sea, since a second instructor may be focused on filming. If you prefer to concentrate on breathing and buoyancy, you can simply treat the camera work as optional.

Certified participants may have a different first session. A certified person can usually begin sooner than the beginners, then spend the waiting period swimming or relaxing while the new participants receive their instruction. The exact arrangement depends on the crew and the number of people aboard.

A second location gives the day more variety

After the first session, the boat moves to another spot for the afternoon underwater session. The listed maximum for beginners is six meters, although one account described reaching 11 meters. That difference suggests that depth can vary by participant, certification, instructor decision, and the conditions of the day.

For safety, you should rely on the depth your instructor gives you rather than expecting a particular number. The important point is that the second session is intended to feel more exploratory. Once you know how to clear your ears, control your breathing, and stay calm with the equipment, you can spend less time adjusting and more time looking around.

The water is described as clear Mediterranean blue with good visibility. Visibility is never guaranteed, though. Sea conditions can lead to changes in the route or the removal of planned stops. Storms and heavy rain cancel the program, and lesser changes may happen on other days for safety.

A certified participant may find the second location more rewarding than the first because it offers a fresh area to inspect. A beginner may simply appreciate having another chance to practice. That second attempt can make a major difference if nerves prevented you from going far during the first session.

What non-scuba companions can do aboard

Friends and family members do not need to scuba to join the outing as visitors. They can use the facilities aboard, swim, sit or lie down, and jump into the sea. This makes the tour practical for a mixed family or couple.

There is a tradeoff. A non-diver spends part of the day waiting while groups enter the water. The boat setting may be pleasant, but this is not a dedicated sightseeing cruise with a long list of shore stops. If your companion wants a full schedule of land attractions, this will not be the right fit.

The same applies to someone who is uncertain about scuba. You can come along and decide how much swimming or surface time you want, but the scuba portion requires separate training and instructor approval.

Equipment, depth, and comfort deserve attention

The tour supplies scuba equipment, and the equipment is described as high quality and well maintained. Still, fit is personal. One poor experience included a wetsuit that did not fit properly, so check the suit, mask, fins, and regulator before leaving the boat.

Ask for help at once if a mask leaks or a suit feels restrictive. A poor fit can turn a manageable session into an unpleasant one, especially when you are already dealing with pressure and unfamiliar breathing equipment.

The stated beginner depth is no lower than six meters, with the option to remain shallower. One account reported 11 meters, but that should not be taken as a promise or target. Your instructor will determine what is suitable, and you should be clear about your experience level before entering the water.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Drinks are not included, and photos and videos cost extra. Lunch is not listed among the standard inclusions, although one participant reported receiving lunch, so I would confirm the food arrangement before relying on it.

The crew can make or break the day

A multilingual team is a real benefit here. Instruction in English, German, Russian, or Turkish can make safety directions easier to understand, especially for a first attempt. The listed staffing includes two dive masters and four instructors, which gives the operator several trained people to manage different ability levels.

The strongest accounts describe respectful, kind staff and instructors who allowed people to return to the surface, try again, or stay within a shallower range. That flexibility is exactly what you want when someone is nervous.

The weaker account raises serious concerns about safety, equipment fit, and the actual amount of underwater time. I would not ignore that warning. Ask clear questions before the boat leaves: How long will each session last today? How deep will beginners go? What happens if I cannot equalize my ears? How are certified participants grouped?

Good communication early in the day helps you understand what is planned rather than assuming every advertised detail will happen exactly as written.

Who will get the most from this tour

I think this suits you best if you fit one of these descriptions:

• You have never tried scuba and want a guided first experience without signing up for a course.
• You are certified and want two simple Mediterranean sessions while staying in Alanya or Side.
• Your family includes non-scuba companions who want to swim or relax aboard.
• You want hotel transport and do not want to organize a marina transfer.
• You are comfortable with a group outing whose schedule may shift with road and sea conditions.

I would be more cautious if you want a private instructor, guaranteed bottom time, a precise departure, or advanced underwater sites. The program is designed for a broad mix of people, so certified participants may find the pace slower while beginners receive instruction.

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The program also does not operate during storms or heavy rain.

Cancellation and booking details to keep in mind

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your weather plans are still changing.

Starting times depend on availability. Since pickup delays have occurred, I would leave plenty of room around this outing and avoid booking a tightly timed dinner, flight, or separate excursion on the same day.

The average rating is 3.7 from 37 reviews, which fits the overall picture: many people enjoyed the staff, the chance to try scuba, the fish, and the second underwater session, but the operation can be uneven on transport, equipment fit, and timing.

Should you book this $59 Mediterranean scuba trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, supervised introduction and can accept a group schedule. The two sessions, beginner training, hotel transfers, and multilingual support offer good value at $59, particularly for a first-time participant who might otherwise avoid scuba altogether.

I would book with realistic expectations. Your day may include a long transfer from Side, waiting for other participants, extra charges for photos and video, and changes to the route if the sea is rough. Confirm the pickup details, ask about lunch, check your equipment before entering the water, and speak up immediately if you feel pain or panic.

For a cautious beginner, the option to surface, regroup, and try again is a strong reason to consider it. For an experienced certified diver seeking challenging sites and precise timing, I would choose a more specialized operator.

FAQ

How long does the scuba tour last?

The scheduled duration is eight hours, including pickup, transport, time aboard, the two underwater sessions, waiting periods, and the return to your accommodation.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two guided sessions are included. Each is approximately 30 minutes, with the second session taking place at another location.

Can a complete beginner join?

Yes. Beginners receive basic theory, equipment and safety instruction, underwater hand signals, surface breathing practice, and guided support during the descent.

How deep do beginners go?

The information for the activity states that beginners go no lower than six meters and may stay shallower if they prefer. A reported session reached 11 meters, but depth can vary and is decided by the instructor and conditions.

Can non-scuba companions come on the boat?

Yes. Friends and family can join as visitors and use the facilities aboard, swim, sit, lie down, or jump into the sea. They cannot take part in the scuba activity.

What should I bring, and what costs extra?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Drinks, photos, and videos are not included. Lunch is not listed as a standard inclusion, so confirm whether food is provided on your departure date.