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

Side’s Mediterranean coast gives you a simple way to try scuba without signing up for a full certification course. The day includes two guided underwater sessions, first at about 6 meters and later at about 12 meters, with instruction for beginners and support for more experienced participants.

I like the practical package: hotel pickup and lunch are included when selected, and the crew can switch sites if rough water makes the planned location unsafe. The main caution is that boat comfort and underwater scenery can vary, and drinks, photos, and videos are extra.

• Two underwater sessions reach approximately 6 meters and 12 meters.
• English, German, and Russian instruction is available.
• Alternative sites may be used when sea conditions change.
• Lunch is served aboard, with time to rest on deck.
• Transfers cover many Side and Alanya resort areas, but pickup waits can reach 25 minutes.
• Photos and videos can cost nearly as much as the tour, so ask about prices before buying.

Two Mediterranean Sessions Near Side

This is a full half-day on the water, with the total outing lasting about seven hours. The actual time devoted to the boat and underwater program is roughly five hours, while the rest depends on the drive from your hotel.

You will normally be collected from the outer security booth of your hotel. That detail matters in large resort properties, where a minibus may not be allowed inside the grounds. Be ready there at the stated pickup time, but allow for a delay of up to 25 minutes. If the vehicle has not arrived, contact the local supplier rather than waiting indefinitely.

The tour serves resort areas around both Side and Alanya. Included transfer zones cover Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot. Transfer time varies by hotel, so the seven-hour figure is not the same as seven hours in the water.

Side and Alanya groups use separate boats and different underwater locations. That is useful to know before booking because the two departures are not one combined program. Your exact pickup and meeting details are sent about 24 hours before the activity.

Getting Ready for the First Descent

The crew provides equipment and instruction, then explains the basic procedures before anyone enters the water. Instruction is offered in English, German, and Russian. This makes the activity accessible to many visitors, but you still need to listen closely and follow the instructor’s commands.

The first session reaches about 6 meters. That is a sensible depth for a first experience because you can get used to breathing through the equipment, clearing your ears, and moving calmly underwater without going especially deep.

The experience is not only for certified scuba users. The program accepts people who are new to this kind of activity, while experienced participants can follow guides at the appropriate level. Still, do not confuse a beginner-friendly tour with a casual swim. You need to be comfortable in the water and physically able to manage the equipment.

The information for this activity says non-swimmers are not suitable. It also excludes people with heart, respiratory, kidney, or blood-pressure problems, along with people who have epilepsy, diabetes, low fitness, or a tendency toward seasickness. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, and anyone over 150 kilograms are also excluded.

The age details need care. The safety information says the activity is not suitable for children under 13, while another note says it is not suitable for children under 14. I would confirm the minimum age before paying, especially for a 13-year-old.

What You May See Below the Surface

The advertised underwater sights include marine life, coral reefs, ancient artifacts, and sunken ships. The exact view depends on the site, visibility, weather, and seasonal sea conditions, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed wreck or archaeological find.

The first location may provide the most memorable scenery. One account of the day found the first site excellent, while the second location was less impressive. That is a useful warning: two sessions give you more time underwater, but they do not guarantee two equally strong sites.

Expect the crew to point out fish and other sea life rather than leave you to explore alone. One young participant had the chance to touch, hold, and feed fish under supervision, which suggests that the staff can make the experience engaging for first-timers. Still, the rules clearly say not to feed animals or touch plants, so any interaction should happen only when the instructor directs it.

The no-touch rule is important. Marine life and underwater plants are easily damaged, and a curious hand can also create a safety problem. Follow the guide, keep your movements controlled, and treat the seabed as something to observe rather than handle.

The Second Session at About 12 Meters

After the first session, you return to the boat, eat lunch, and have time to rest on deck. Lunch is included, and the captain prepares the meal. Drinks are not included, so bring water and budget for any beverages sold aboard.

The second session reaches approximately 12 meters. You can expect this part to feel more substantial, particularly if the first session was your introduction to scuba. Your ears may need more careful equalization, and you will rely more heavily on the instructor’s directions.

The value of a second session is clear. You have already learned how the equipment feels and how to stay calm underwater, so you can spend less time adjusting and more time noticing fish, rock formations, and other features.

Sea conditions can change the plan. Rough water forced the crew to abandon one planned site on a particularly choppy day, but an alternative location was found. This is the right way to think about the program: the crew may alter the site or shorten and extend the schedule for safety, but the exact scenery cannot be promised.

That flexibility is a strength, although it may disappoint someone who has booked for one specific wreck or reef. Ask yourself what matters more: seeing a particular site or having a safe, guided day on the water.

Crew Support and Boat Comfort

The strongest part of the experience is the staff support. The safety briefing is handled in a professional, clear way, and instructors work with beginners who are nervous about entering the water. One instructor persuaded a seasick participant to try the activity, and the participant felt much better once underwater.

That does not mean this is a good choice for anyone prone to seasickness. The official restrictions specifically exclude people who are likely to suffer from it. A small boat can feel uncomfortable in rough conditions, and one complaint concerned a transfer vehicle without adequate air conditioning. If you are sensitive to heat or motion, bring water, keep expectations realistic, and ask about conditions before departure.

The crew is also described as friendly, helpful, and good with less experienced participants. That matters more here than polished entertainment. You need people who explain the equipment patiently, watch your comfort level, and give firm instructions when conditions require it.

The boat gives you a place to sit and rest between sessions, but this is an active day rather than a luxury cruise. Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, spare clothes, camera, and drinking water. Smoking is not allowed, and you should not bring food to feed sea life.

Lunch, Extra Charges, and the Real Price

At $52 per person, the package offers a fair amount for a resort-area day: hotel transfer when selected, equipment, professional supervision, two guided sessions, lunch, and travel insurance. For a first-time participant, that combination can be good value because you do not need to arrange separate transport or find a boat operator.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a scenic boat ride. Non-diving participants can come along by selecting the child option, but that option cannot be purchased alone. It must be connected to a participant taking part in the underwater program. A non-diver may also be able to pay aboard to participate, but this should be clarified before booking.

The main extra cost is media. Photo and video services are optional, yet one Turkish participant found the combined price nearly as high as the tour itself, even after a discount. I would ask for the full photo and video price before the boat leaves. If the cost feels high, use your own camera only if it is suitable for underwater use and allowed by the crew.

All drinks are extra. The tour information also describes the meal as lunch, despite one reference to dinner prepared by the captain. Plan on a midday meal and bring water rather than relying on included drinks.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your coastal plans depend on weather, but they do not remove the need to check medical suitability before booking.

Is This Suitable for a First-Time Participant?

I would recommend this for a fit beginner who wants a structured introduction rather than a quiet beach day. The first session at 6 meters gives you room to learn, and the second session at 12 meters lets you build on that start.

You should be comfortable following instructions in a group and spending time on a boat. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with the listed medical conditions, or anyone with limited mobility. It is also a poor match for someone who dislikes open water or is easily affected by seasickness.

Experienced scuba users may enjoy the chance to visit two sites, but expectations should stay modest. The program is built for mixed ability levels, not for a specialist expedition. Site quality can vary, and the crew may change locations when the sea is rough.

Families need to check the age rule carefully. The supplied information gives both under 13 and under 14 as exclusions, so do not assume a younger teenager will be accepted. A non-diving companion may be possible under the special child option, but that person cannot book it alone.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive at the outer hotel security booth early. A pickup delay of up to 25 minutes is possible, and the driver may not be allowed to search the full resort grounds.

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, spare clothes, sunscreen, camera, and water. You will want dry clothes after the second session, and the deck can feel exposed during the break.

Do not count on free drinks. Bring water or budget for beverages aboard. Keep personal spending money separate for optional photos and videos.

Listen carefully to the briefing even if you have used scuba equipment before. Side and Alanya departures use separate boats and sites, and the instructor’s local advice will matter more than general experience.

Treat the schedule as weather-dependent. The tour may be shorter or longer than seven hours, and the site can change. That is normal for a sea-based activity, not a sign that the day has gone wrong.

Should You Book This Side or Alanya Tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, guided introduction to Mediterranean scuba with transport and lunch included. The two sessions, clear instruction, multilingual support, and willingness to find an alternative site give the day a useful structure.

Think twice if you want guaranteed wrecks, premium boat comfort, free drinks, or low-cost professional photos. The second site may be less exciting than the first, the transfer vehicle may be warm, and the optional media package can add a noticeable charge.

For a fit beginner staying in the covered Side or Alanya resort zones, this is a practical choice at $52. Confirm the age rule, medical restrictions, pickup details, and media prices before you commit. If the weather is settled and you are happy to let the crew choose the safest available site, the tour offers a solid first look at the Mediterranean below the surface.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full activity takes about seven hours, including transfers. The boat and underwater program take about five hours, excluding transfer time. Weather and hotel location can affect the total schedule.

How many scuba sessions are included?

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

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity includes instruction and professional guidance for people who are new to scuba. You must still be able to swim and follow the instructor’s directions.

Which languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. Transfers cover Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot, as well as designated areas of Alanya.

Are lunch, drinks, photos, and videos included?

Lunch is included. Drinks, personal expenses, and optional photo and video services are not included.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, children below the stated age limit, non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with heart, respiratory, kidney, blood-pressure, epilepsy, or diabetes conditions. It is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness, people over 150 kilograms, people with low fitness, or people over 95 years old.