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

The best part of this Side scuba tour is the simple progression: you begin at about 6 meters, then go down to 12 meters if you are comfortable. In clear Mediterranean water, you might see fish, reefs, old objects, or even the remains of a sunken vessel. First-timers get close guidance, while certified or experienced participants can follow a more advanced instructor.

I like the two separate underwater sessions, which give you time to settle your nerves and improve after the first attempt. I also like the practical package: lunch, insurance, and hotel transfer from many Side and Alanya areas are included when selected.

The main caution is the boat and weather. Rough seas can force a change of location, and one small boat caused serious seasickness for a participant. Drinks, photos, and videos cost extra, while transport may take longer than expected.

Key points at a glance

• Two depths: Start at 6 meters, then continue to 12 meters under professional supervision.
• Helpful instruction: Guides speak English, German, and Russian, with extra support for first-time scuba participants.
• Lunch included: The captain prepares a meal while you rest on deck between sessions.
• Weather matters: Strong waves can change the planned site or shorten and extend the day.
• Transfers cover many resorts: Pickup areas include Side, Alanya, Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot.
• Watch the extras: Drinks and onboard photo or video packages are not included and can be costly.

Two underwater sessions, from 6 to 12 meters

This is not a short swimming stop with a mask. You get two scuba sessions, each offering a different chance to become comfortable below the surface.

The first session reaches about 6 meters. That shallower start is useful if you are new to breathing through a regulator, equalizing your ears, or moving with fins and a tank. Your instructor can help you adjust before you attempt the deeper part of the day.

The second session reaches about 12 meters. At that depth, the water can feel more spacious and the sea floor may offer a better view of rock formations, fish, and underwater objects. The exact scenery depends on sea conditions and the location used that day.

I would treat the advertised ancient objects, sunken ships, and coral areas as possible sights rather than guaranteed stops. Conditions can change the plan. On one reported day, rough waves made the original site impossible, so the crew moved to another location. That is a sensible choice, even if the replacement site is less impressive.

One useful detail is that Side and Alanya departures use separate boats and different locations. Check your pickup area carefully when booking, since your experience depends partly on which boat serves your resort.

What happens before you enter the water

The crew gives instructions before the first session, and this is an important part of the day, not a formality to rush through. You learn how to use the equipment and how to respond underwater. First-time participants receive direct help from the instructors, while more experienced scuba participants can work with guides suited to their level.

You need to follow those instructions closely. The activity is designed for people who can safely take part in scuba work, but it is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with heart or breathing conditions, or anyone with several other listed medical restrictions.

A first underwater session can feel strange. Breathing through equipment, handling ear pressure, and staying calm all take attention. The crew has been praised for being friendly, clear, and reassuring, including helping someone who was anxious after becoming seasick. That personal support can make the difference between sitting out and enjoying the water.

Still, do not let encouragement override your own health or comfort. If you have heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, kidney problems, or a low level of fitness, this is not the right activity. Pregnancy, limited mobility, wheelchair use, and a body weight over 150 kilograms are also listed as restrictions.

The age rules need a careful look. The information says the activity is not suitable for children under 12 in one place, under 13 and under 14 in other places. To avoid an unpleasant surprise, confirm the current age requirement before booking for anyone younger than 14.

Mediterranean sea life at close range

The appeal here is the quiet below the surface. Once you are underwater, the sounds of the boat and shore fade, and your attention turns to fish, rocks, sea plants, and whatever objects the site reveals.

The tour describes possible encounters with ancient artifacts, sunken ships, and coral areas. These details give the outing more character than a simple swim, but visibility and site conditions control what you actually see. Do not book it expecting a museum-like collection of artifacts or a guaranteed wreck visit.

You may see fish moving around the rocks, and the first-time experience can feel surprisingly personal. One family member who could not take part in the planned session still watched his son enjoy close contact with fish and sit on the sea floor. That sounds memorable, but follow the formal rules: do not feed animals or touch plants.

The water is described as crystal-clear, though the quality of visibility can change with weather and sea movement. A calm day should make it easier to appreciate the underwater setting. Heavy swell can make the boat ride uncomfortable and may lead to a new site.

Lunch and the hours between sessions

The day lasts about seven hours, though that includes transfers and time at sea. Actual time devoted to the scuba program is about five hours, not counting the trip from your hotel.

Between the two sessions, you can rest on deck and eat lunch prepared by the captain. This break matters because the first underwater session takes concentration, especially if you are learning. You can dry off, eat, drink your own water, and regain some energy before the next attempt.

The wording around the meal is inconsistent in the supplied details, with one description calling it dinner and the included-services section calling it lunch. Plan on a daytime lunch rather than a separate evening meal.

Bring water, since drinks sold on the boat are extra. Pack a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and dry clothes. A change of clothes is particularly useful after two sessions in wet swimwear.

Smoking is not allowed. Feeding animals and touching plants are also prohibited, helping protect the marine setting and keeping the activity safer for everyone.

Hotel pickup from Side and Alanya

Pickup is included when selected, but the transfer is not a quick universal shuttle. The driver may visit several hotels, and the ride can vary by resort.

You should wait at your hotel’s outer security booth, not inside the lobby. The transfer may be up to 25 minutes late, so allow some patience before calling the supplier. Once the driver or guide arrives, show your booking ticket.

The listed Side-area pickup points include Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot. Transfers also operate from Alanya and Side city areas.

One practical complaint concerned air conditioning in the transport vehicle. That matters in the hot Antalya Province climate, particularly when you are carrying towels, swimwear, and scuba gear. If comfort during the road portion is important to you, keep expectations modest and confirm pickup details a day before departure.

You receive the exact transfer information 24 hours in advance. Hotel-to-boat travel time is not fixed, so do not schedule another activity immediately after the tour.

Boat comfort and seasickness

The boat is your base for much of the day. You spend time on deck, move between the equipment area and the water, eat lunch onboard, and wait between sessions.

Sea conditions can shape the entire outing. Rough waves may cause a different site, a shorter day, or a longer day. The operator makes the final call based on weather, and that is preferable to forcing a risky water activity.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. The activity specifically excludes people who are prone to it, and one participant became very sick on a small boat before feeling better underwater. That experience shows two things: seasickness can be a serious problem, and the instructor may offer reassurance, but it is not a cure or a guarantee.

You should tell the crew early if you feel unwell. Do not wait until you are at the water’s edge. If you already know that boat trips cause trouble, a land-based activity may suit you better.

Is $52 good value?

At $52 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a full boat outing rather than a short introductory session. You receive two guided underwater sessions, lunch, travel insurance, and hotel transfer if you choose the pickup option.

The value is strongest for a first-time participant. Equipment, instruction, boat time, and two chances in the water are bundled together, so you are not paying for a single brief attempt. If the first session feels awkward, the second gives you a chance to improve.

Experienced scuba participants may judge the value differently. The first site can be excellent, but the second may not have the same scenery. One participant found the first location especially good and the second less attractive. Weather and site changes make the quality uneven.

The largest price warning is the onboard media service. Photos and videos are optional extras, and the charge can approach the price of the scuba outing itself. If you want a record of the day, ask for the full cost before agreeing. Do not assume the media package is a small add-on.

Drinks are also extra, so bring water and budget for anything else you buy onboard. A local participant considered the tour and media costs high, even after a discount. That is a useful reminder that the base price may not be the final spend.

How it suits first-timers and experienced scuba participants

This outing works best for a reasonably fit person who can swim, is comfortable in open water, and wants a guided introduction to Mediterranean scuba.

You do not need to be highly experienced to take part. The first session is shallow, the instructors explain the process, and the crew provides hands-on help. Clear explanations and friendly support were among the strongest features reported about the staff.

Experienced scuba participants can also enjoy the day, especially if the conditions are calm and the site is appealing. Guides are available for more capable participants, and the second session at 12 meters offers more room to explore than the first.

The tour is not a good match if you want complete control over the itinerary. You cannot choose the weather, boat, or exact underwater site. You also should not book it if you are looking for a quiet shore outing with easy access, since the day involves a transfer, a boat, equipment, and time in open water.

The listed restrictions are broad. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart or breathing issues, people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, people with epilepsy, diabetes, kidney problems, high or low blood pressure, low fitness, or those over 95. Lactose intolerance is also listed as a reason it may not be suitable.

Booking details worth checking first

The tour operates in English, German, and Russian. If you need another language, the supplied information does not confirm availability.

A non-diver option is available, but it cannot be purchased alone. The non-diving participant should select the child option, according to the booking instructions. That person can pay onboard to take part in scuba if they decide they want to, though the activity restrictions still apply.

This arrangement may suit a couple or family where only one person wants to take part. Confirm the exact option before booking, since the child selection is being used for a non-diver participant rather than simply indicating age.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your resort plans are not settled.

The day can be shortened or extended because of weather. Keep that in mind when arranging airport transfers, dinner plans, or another paid excursion.

Should you book the Side scuba tour?

Book it if you want two guided underwater sessions, are comfortable in open water, and value a complete day at sea with lunch and transport. The shallow first session, deeper second session, multilingual instruction, and supportive crew make it a solid choice for a first scuba experience.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness, want guaranteed wrecks or artifacts, or dislike surprise charges. Bring your own water, ask about the photo and video price before the boat leaves, and confirm the age and health requirements for every person in your group.

For the best chance of enjoying the day, choose it when the weather forecast looks calm and keep your schedule afterward open. At $52, it offers good basic value, but the final experience depends heavily on sea conditions, the assigned boat, and the underwater sites available that day.

FAQ

How long does the scuba tour last?

The full activity lasts about seven hours, including hotel transfers. The scuba portion takes about five hours, excluding transfer time. Weather can shorten or extend the day.

How many underwater sessions are included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is prepared by the captain. 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 Side, Alanya, Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot areas.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

Can someone come along without scuba participation?

Yes, a non-diver option is available, but it cannot be purchased alone. The non-diver should select the child option, and may pay onboard to participate if they choose and meet the activity requirements.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photo and video services are optional extras, and all onboard media charges are paid separately.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, a camera, and water.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for young children, pregnant women, non-swimmers, people with mobility limitations, wheelchair users, people with heart or respiratory problems, people prone to seasickness, and people with several other listed medical conditions, including epilepsy, diabetes, kidney problems, and blood-pressure issues.