Antalya, Side and Alanya: Scuba Diving with Lunch & 2 Dives

The most appealing part of this Antalya-area outing is its gentle introduction to the Mediterranean below the surface. You receive equipment, instruction, and two short guided sessions, with the second reaching about 12 meters and possibly bringing you near octopuses, sea turtles, monk seals, caves, or old amphoras.

I like the $44 price, especially since hotel transport, lunch, insurance, and equipment are included. I also like the calm rhythm: one underwater session, a meal and swim on deck, then another session. The main consideration is time underwater. Each session lasts about 15 minutes, so experienced scuba users may find the program brief.

Key points at a glance

• Two short underwater sessions: The first reaches about 6 meters, and the second about 12 meters.
• Good for first-timers: Instructors provide basic training, equipment, and a safety briefing before you enter the water.
• Liman is the main base: You spend about five hours there for lunch, swimming, marine-life viewing, and boat time.
• Lunch is simple and filling: The included meal is schnitzel and pasta. Drinks cost extra.
• Hotel transport covers a wide area: Pickup and return are offered from Side, Alanya, Manavgat, Belek, and nearby resorts.
• Ages need checking: The information says participants must be 13 or older, but also says under-14s cannot take part in the underwater sessions. Confirm the rule when booking.

What the seven-hour day feels like

This is a full-day outing, but only about five hours are spent at the Liman boat base. The remaining two hours are usually shared between the outward and return coach rides, with roughly one hour each way.

That timing matters. You are not signing up for a quick one-hour activity beside the beach. You will spend much of the day getting to the harbor, preparing, waiting between sessions, eating, swimming, and riding back to your hotel. For many people, that makes the day feel like a small sea excursion rather than a simple lesson.

The pace should suit you if you want an easy introduction without having to organize a separate certification course. It may feel less satisfying if you already have substantial scuba experience and want long underwater routes or several different sites.

Hotel pickup from Side, Alanya, and nearby resorts

Pickup is offered from a long list of resort areas, including Side, Alanya, Manavgat, Belek, Kestel, Mahmutlar, Konaklı, Avsallar, Okurcalar, Çolaklı, Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Kızılot, Kızılağaç, Türkler, Çenger, Payallar, and Oba.

You need to wait at your hotel’s main security gate at the scheduled time. This is important because the vehicle may not enter the property or search for you inside the lobby. Traffic can make the driver 5 to 10 minutes late, so give the transfer a little breathing room.

This is a shared transfer, not a private car. The advantage is price and convenience. The tradeoff is that pickup and return times can take longer when several resort areas are involved.

If the vehicle is more than 10 minutes late, use the contact details in your booking confirmation. Bring cash for drinks or other personal purchases, and keep a towel and beachwear easy to reach.

Reaching Liman and getting ready

The boat portion begins at Liman, the main stop for the day. Once aboard, you receive the diving equipment you need, including a suit if required, tank, mask, fins, regulator, and related gear.

You also receive basic training and a safety briefing. The instructors explain underwater signals and safety rules before the first session. For a beginner, this preparation is one of the most useful parts of the outing because it gives you a way to communicate once you are below the surface.

The instructors are described as certified and professional, and English, German, and Russian assistance is available. No individual guide names are provided, so do not expect to select a particular instructor when booking.

A first session can feel strange, especially if breathing through the regulator is new to you. One solo participant described panicking at first, then feeling calmer after the staff worked patiently with her. That detail gives you a realistic idea of the experience: you do not need to arrive confident, but you do need to tell the instructor if you feel nervous.

The first session reaches about six meters

The first underwater session descends to around 6 meters and lasts about 15 minutes. That is shallow enough for an introductory experience, while still giving you time to practice the basics in the sea rather than only in a pool.

You may see fish and other Mediterranean sea life, although exact sightings depend on conditions. The program also promotes caves, old amphoras, sunken ships, and colorful underwater areas. Treat those as possible highlights rather than guaranteed finds.

The short length is useful for beginners. You can concentrate on breathing, hand signals, buoyancy, and staying close to the instructor without facing a long period underwater. It also means the session may feel more like a supervised introduction than an extended exploration.

If you struggle at first, the guide can help you settle before you continue. Listen closely to the briefing and do not feel pressured to rush. The best part of a first session is gaining comfort, not proving how long you can stay below the surface.

Lunch and free time on the boat

Between the two sessions, the boat becomes a place to rest. Lunch is included and consists of schnitzel and pasta. It is straightforward food rather than a special local meal, but it is filling after a morning in the water.

Drinks are not included, so bring cash if you want to buy something aboard. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted, and you should plan to stay clear-headed throughout the activity.

You can spend the break sunbathing, swimming, or watching for marine life. This pause also gives you time to warm up, dry off, and decide how you feel before the second session. Bring a towel and beachwear, and remember that snorkel equipment is not part of the included gear.

Snorkel equipment may be rented or purchased on site. If you mainly want to float and look around rather than use scuba equipment, ask about that option before setting out.

The second session reaches about 12 meters

The second session reaches approximately 12 meters and lasts about 15 minutes. It gives you a little more depth and a chance to use the skills from the first session with greater confidence.

The advertised marine life includes octopuses, monk seals, sea turtles, and various exotic fish. These are possibilities, not promises. Sea conditions, visibility, location, and the animals’ movements all affect what you see.

The program also points to underwater caves, sunken ships, and ancient amphoras. Those details add historical interest to the outing, but the supplied information does not identify a particular wreck or archaeological site. I would book this for the chance to see Mediterranean underwater scenery, not for a guaranteed shipwreck visit.

For a first-time participant, the second session can be the most rewarding because you already know how the equipment feels. For an experienced scuba user, 15 minutes may seem quite short, especially when the total day includes transport and surface time.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, this is a strong value if you need a complete introduction. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, full equipment, professional instruction, a safety briefing, two guided sessions, lunch, and insurance.

You would otherwise need to arrange transportation to the harbor, rent equipment, pay for instruction, and buy lunch. Those included pieces make the cost easier to justify, especially for someone trying scuba for the first time.

There are still extra costs to plan for. Drinks are sold separately, and the optional underwater photo and video package costs €40. The photo package can be tempting, but it is not necessary for enjoying the outing. Bring cash for onboard purchases and personal expenses.

The main value limit is the short underwater time. You receive two sessions of around 15 minutes each, not a full-length recreational scuba day. I see this as an affordable sampler and a relaxed sea outing, rather than a serious training or exploration program.

Who will enjoy this most

This experience suits beginners who want guided support and do not want to buy or arrange equipment. The shallow first session, basic training, and instructor supervision make it a sensible starting point for someone curious but unsure.

It also suits solo participants. The boat setting gives you time around the staff and other participants, and the shared meal and swimming break make it easy to spend the day without arranging a private group.

Families may also find it useful, but age rules need close attention. One part of the information says participants must be at least 13, while another says under-14s cannot take part in the scuba activity but may join the boat and swim with family. Because those statements do not match perfectly, confirm the minimum age before paying.

This is less suitable for wheelchair users, and it may disappoint experienced divers seeking long underwater sessions, advanced instruction, or a guaranteed wreck site.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear beachwear under your clothes for the transfer and bring a towel. You will want dry clothing for the ride back, particularly after swimming between the two sessions.

Keep your booking confirmation and the provider’s contact details with you. Pickup covers many hotels and resort districts, so knowing the scheduled time and meeting point will prevent confusion.

Do not count on included drinks or snorkel equipment. The lunch is included, but drinks cost extra, and snorkel gear must be rented or purchased separately.

If you are nervous, say so early. The staff can explain the equipment and signals again, and the first session is short enough to make the experience manageable. You do not need previous scuba experience, but you do need to follow the briefing and stay close to the instructor.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your plans around Antalya, Side, or Alanya are still moving.

Should you book this Mediterranean sea outing?

Book it if you want an affordable, beginner-friendly introduction with transport, equipment, lunch, and patient instruction already arranged. The strong points are practical: a shallow first session, a deeper second session, time to swim and rest, and a price that includes nearly all the main costs.

Think twice if your priority is serious scuba time. Two 15-minute sessions are brief, and the named sights and animals are possibilities rather than guaranteed encounters.

For most first-timers staying in the Antalya resort belt, I would consider this a good-value day out, provided you understand that it is an introduction, not a full scuba expedition. Confirm the age rule, bring a towel and cash, and expect a shared day with a fair amount of transfer time.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about seven hours, including transportation. The Liman boat portion takes about five hours, with roughly one hour of coach travel each way.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two guided sessions are included. Each lasts approximately 15 minutes.

How deep are the sessions?

The first session reaches about 6 meters. The second reaches about 12 meters.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. No previous experience is required. Equipment, basic training, and a safety briefing are provided before the first session.

What equipment is included?

Full equipment is included, such as a suit if needed, tank, mask, fins, regulator, and related scuba gear.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch consists of schnitzel and pasta.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to buy aboard the boat.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, but it may be rented or purchased on site.

Can children join the boat?

Children may be able to join the boat and swim with family, but the age information differs. One note says participants must be 13 or older, while another says under-14s cannot take part in the scuba activity. Confirm the rule before booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from listed areas around Antalya Province, including Side, Alanya, Manavgat, Belek, and nearby resort districts. You should wait at your hotel’s main security gate.