From Side, Alanya: Scuba Diving With 2 Time Dive & Lunch

The best part of this day is its gentle introduction to the Mediterranean below the surface. You begin with instruction and a short underwater session at 3 to 5 meters, then try a second 20-minute session at 7 to 8 meters after lunch. It is a sensible setup for first-timers who want guidance rather than a demanding technical outing.

I like the hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, which remove much of the fuss from a long day. I also like the choice for non-divers, who can snorkel, swim, and sunbathe while the scuba group is underwater. The main caution is group size: the boat can carry up to 100 people, and an experienced diver may find the shallow sessions and busy high-season setting too basic.

Key points at a glance

• Two underwater sessions: Spend 20 minutes at 3 to 5 meters, then another 20 minutes at 7 to 8 meters.
• A good first try: Theory and practical instruction come before the first session, with instructors accompanying you in the water.
• Lunch on the boat: A meal is included between the two sessions, while drinks are extra.
• Useful for mixed groups: Non-divers can snorkel, swim, and sunbathe instead of sitting idle.
• Long day from Side: Pickup begins at 8:00 am, and the return drive can take about 1.5 hours depending on your hotel.
• Potentially crowded: The maximum group size is 100, so this is a shared boat outing rather than a quiet private charter.

What your $45.38 covers

At $45.38 per person, this is priced as an accessible introduction rather than a private or advanced scuba trip. The fee includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, boat-based instruction, two 20-minute sessions, lunch, insurance, and basic equipment such as a wetsuit, fins, and mask.

That package makes the price appealing if you are starting from Side or Alanya and need equipment supplied. Paying separately for transport, a boat, instruction, and lunch would usually make a self-arranged first attempt more complicated, even before sorting out the gear.

The value is less clear for an experienced certified diver. The sessions are short, the maximum depth is 8 meters, and the operator explains that longer underwater time is intended for professional certified divers. If you already have many logged sessions and want challenging sites or extended bottom time, this outing may feel limited.

Photos and video are not included. Drinks are also extra, so bring some money for those add-ons. The provided information does not give the price of the images or beverages, so ask before purchasing if you want to keep the day within a firm budget.

Leaving Side or Alanya at 8:00 am

Your morning starts with pickup from your hotel at about 8:00 am. The vehicle serves both Alanya and Side, then takes you toward the appropriate port for your hotel area. The first transfer is listed as roughly one hour, though the exact timing depends on where you are staying and how many pickups are scheduled.

This matters most if you are based in Side. You are not simply walking to a nearby marina, and the full day includes both road time and time on the water. The return trip can take about 1.5 hours depending on your hotel, so plan for a long outing from breakfast through the evening.

The air-conditioned vehicle is a practical inclusion during Turkey’s hot season. You will still want comfortable clothes for the road, swimwear for the boat, and something dry to put on later. The provided details do not specify a hotel pickup list, so confirm that your accommodation is covered when you book.

After the road transfer, the boat departs from the marina in the Alanya, Okurcalar area. The exact port wording may sound confusing because the trip is sold from both Alanya and Side, but the key point is simple: you are collected by road, then board a boat for the marine portion of the day.

Training before your first underwater session

Before entering the water, you receive theory instruction followed by practical training. For a first-time participant, this is the most important part of the schedule. You learn how the equipment works and get a chance to understand the basic process before attempting the 3 to 5 meter session.

The instructors accompany you during the first 20-minute underwater period. That close support has helped nervous beginners feel safe and get through their first attempt. One first-timer described feeling anxious at the start but gaining confidence because the instructor stayed attentive and offered help.

Another participant specifically praised the instructors for clear instructions and for creating a strong feeling of safety underwater. Those comments point to the strongest reason for choosing this outing: you are not expected to work everything out alone.

The information does not provide the instructors’ names, certifications, or language list. If those details matter to you, ask the provider before booking. The experience is designed for beginners, but you should still be comfortable following instructions and using scuba equipment in the water.

People with breathing problems are specifically flagged in the participation information. Treat that as an important health warning and check with the operator before reserving. The data says most people can participate, but it does not give a detailed medical screening policy.

First session at 3 to 5 meters

The first underwater stop reaches only 3 to 5 meters and lasts about 20 minutes. That shallow depth is intentional. You get an introduction to the equipment, breathing, movement, and underwater surroundings without beginning in deep water.

For a nervous beginner, this progression makes sense. The first session is short enough to feel manageable, and the instructors remain with you. You can concentrate on staying calm and following directions instead of worrying about a long period below the surface.

Non-divers do not have to remain on the boat with nothing to do. They can snorkel during this part of the schedule and look at the marine life from above the water. The supplied information does not promise a specific species list or a particular reef, so keep your expectations focused on a pleasant sea outing rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The 20-minute time limit is also worth noting. It gives you a taste of scuba, not a lengthy underwater expedition. If you want a full technical lesson or a longer exploration, this is the wrong format. If you want to test your comfort level, it is a reasonable first step.

Lunch, swimming, and a pause in the sun

After the first session, lunch is served onboard. Having a meal included is useful because this is an eight-hour activity, and returning to shore for food would break up the schedule. The provided details do not name the menu, so do not book this expecting a specific Turkish dish or special dietary arrangement unless you confirm it first.

There is also time for swimming and sunbathing. This break gives you a chance to dry off, relax, and enjoy the boat even if you are not interested in the scuba portion. For mixed groups, this is a real advantage: one person can take part in the underwater program while another swims or rests on deck.

Bring sun protection and a towel, although the supplied information does not list towels among the included equipment. Drinks are not included, so plan for that separately. The boat setting can be social and active, especially during high season, rather than quiet and secluded.

Second session at 7 to 8 meters

The second underwater stop goes to 7 to 8 meters and also lasts about 20 minutes. It gives beginners a little more depth after the first attempt, while still staying within a controlled range.

This gradual increase is the main learning arc of the day. You first get comfortable in shallow water, take a break, then try a slightly deeper setting. If the first session goes well, the second one may feel more relaxed because you already know the equipment and have practiced the basics.

Do not confuse this with a certification course. The schedule offers instruction and two supervised sessions, but no certification is described. The operator also explains that longer sessions are for professional certified divers. If you are seeking a formal qualification, ask specifically about a recognized course rather than assuming this day provides one.

Experienced scuba participants should pay close attention to these limits. A maximum depth of 8 meters and two 20-minute sessions suit a gentle introduction, but they will not match the expectations of someone seeking advanced sites or long underwater time.

The boat atmosphere and group size

The maximum group size is 100 people. That is a substantial number, and it shapes the experience. You should expect a shared boat with many people moving through the same schedule, rather than a small group with personal attention from one instructor for the entire day.

Crowding is most likely to matter during high season. The provider states that the group remains within limits set by authorized institutions, but capacity rules do not make a large boat feel intimate. If you dislike busy group activities, this is the clearest reason to consider a smaller operator.

At the same time, a larger outing can work well for families and friend groups with mixed interests. Divers receive instruction and supervised water time, while others can snorkel, swim, or sunbathe. The activity also has insurance and supplied equipment, which keeps the basic logistics simple.

The strongest positive feedback centers on the instructors’ care, clear directions, and responsible approach. That is more important than fancy boat details for a beginner. Still, the group-size limit means you should keep expectations realistic about how much one-to-one time you receive.

Who should book this day

I would consider this trip a good match for you if you are staying in Side or Alanya, want to try scuba without committing to a full course, and appreciate having transport and equipment arranged. It also suits a group in which only some people want to go underwater.

You will probably enjoy it most if you value a structured day. The timetable gives you a clear sequence: pickup, boat departure, instruction, first session, lunch, swimming, second session, and return. There is little need to organize anything yourself.

It is less suitable for a certified diver seeking depth, solitude, or long underwater periods. It may also disappoint you if you expect a small boat, a quiet sea day, or guaranteed photography included in the price.

The experience requires good weather. If conditions cause cancellation, you can accept another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

Practical packing advice

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothing for the road and boat. Bring a towel, sun protection, and extra clothes for the journey back. Drinks are not included, so carry money for beverages.

Keep your morning flexible. Pickup begins at 8:00 am, the sea portion lasts several hours, and the drive back may take about 1.5 hours. Do not schedule an important evening commitment immediately after the tour, especially if you are staying in Side.

If you are concerned about breathing, contact the provider before booking. The activity information specifically highlights breathing problems, and it is better to settle that question before you arrive at the marina.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want an affordable, guided first taste of scuba with two short sessions, lunch, equipment, and hotel transport included. The shallow first session, slightly deeper second session, and attentive instructors make it especially suitable for a nervous beginner.

Think twice if you are an experienced certified diver, dislike large groups, or want a serious underwater itinerary. At $45.38, the price is attractive for a beginner-friendly day, but the value comes from convenience and supervision, not from advanced sites or extended time below the surface.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Hotel pickup begins at 8:00 am.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from a marina in the Alanya, Okurcalar area after pickup from hotels in Alanya or Side.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two sessions are included. The first lasts 20 minutes at 3 to 5 meters, and the second lasts 20 minutes at 7 to 8 meters.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard between the two underwater sessions.

Can non-divers join the activity?

Yes. Non-divers can snorkel, swim, and sunbathe during the day.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. The package includes a diving suit, fins, glasses, and related equipment.

Are drinks, photos, and video included?

No. Beverages, photos, and video are not included in the price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.