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

The best part of this Side and Alanya scuba tour is the chance to see the Mediterranean from below, not just from a beach chair. You get two sessions, one reaching 6 meters and the other 12 meters, with a professional instructor beside you.

I like the clear structure: lunch and insurance are included, and the crew can explain things in English, German, or Russian. I also like the flexibility for first-timers, with careful instruction before entering the water. The main drawback is transport, which can be long and warm, and the small boat may be rough if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Two underwater sessions: The first reaches 6 meters, while the second goes to 12 meters.
• Around five hours on the water: The full outing lasts about seven hours, including hotel transfers.
• Pickup covers many resorts: Transfers serve Side, Alanya, Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot.
• The meal is included: Lunch is provided, but drinks cost extra.
• Weather can change the plan: Rough seas may force the crew to use another site or adjust the schedule.
• Not for every swimmer: The tour excludes non-swimmers and people with several medical conditions, and it is not suitable for children under 13.

What this Mediterranean boat day is really like

This is a full-day water outing built around two scuba sessions near Side or Alanya. The advertised duration is seven hours, but the actual time spent on the boat and in the water depends on your hotel location, sea conditions, and the day’s operating plan.

From Side and Alanya, you use separate boats and visit different spots. That matters because the exact underwater scenery is not the same for every booking. One location may offer better rock formations or clearer water, while another may feel less impressive. The crew can also change the site if the sea becomes too rough.

The plan is straightforward. You are collected from your hotel area, taken to the boat, given instructions, and prepared for the first session. Lunch is served during the day, with time to rest on deck before the second session. After returning to shore, your transfer takes you back to your hotel.

The tour advertises encounters with marine life, ancient objects, sunken ships, and coral areas. You should treat those descriptions as possible features rather than a guaranteed checklist. Underwater conditions, visibility, and the selected location affect what you actually see.

The transfer from your hotel can shape the day

Pickup is available from a long list of resort areas, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, Kızılot, and Alanya. Transfer details are provided 24 hours before the outing, and the ride length varies by hotel.

You should wait at the outer security booth of your hotel, not inside the lobby. The vehicle can be delayed by up to 25 minutes, so keep your phone available and contact the supplier if the wait becomes longer.

The transport is one area where expectations need adjusting. A participant specifically wished for air conditioning in the vehicle. That is a useful warning for hot summer days, especially if your hotel is far from the boat departure point. Bring water, wear light clothing, and avoid treating the pickup time as precise to the minute.

The transfer is included only when you select the appropriate pickup option. Check your hotel area carefully before booking. A smooth start matters on a sea day, since a long or hot ride can make you tired before you reach the boat.

Getting ready for the first 6-meter session

The first underwater session reaches a maximum depth of 6 meters. For a beginner, that is a sensible introduction. You can experience breathing through scuba equipment and moving below the surface without immediately going to a demanding depth.

Instruction comes before the session, and the professional crew is expected to explain the equipment and basic procedures. English, German, and Russian are available. You should listen closely, even if you have used scuba gear before, because the instructor’s directions cover the conditions and rules for that particular boat and site.

This first session is also where you find out how comfortable you are. A participant who became badly seasick on the boat found that the discomfort improved underwater and was able to continue with encouragement from the instructor. That does not mean scuba will solve seasickness for everyone, but it shows why you should tell the crew at once if you feel nervous or unwell.

The session is not simply a swim with equipment. You need to follow the instructor closely, stay calm, and respect the limits set for you. Non-swimmers are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for people with low fitness, limited mobility, or certain medical conditions.

Lunch and a break on the deck

Lunch is included, and the captain prepares the meal onboard. The information describes this as lunch, even though another part of the promotion refers to dinner, so plan on a daytime meal rather than a separate evening dinner.

The break between sessions gives you time to eat, dry off, and sit on deck. This pause is useful because the day involves more than the minutes spent underwater. You are in the sun, moving around equipment, and dealing with boat motion. A quiet break can make the second session more enjoyable.

Drinks are not included. Bring water with you, and budget for onboard beverages if you want anything beyond what you carry. Personal expenses also come separately. The same applies to the optional photo and video service, which can cost nearly as much as the scuba package according to one local participant. I would decide in advance if underwater pictures matter to you, rather than feeling pressured to buy them after the session.

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, water, and a camera. A change of clothing is particularly useful after the second session, when sitting through the return transfer in wet swimwear becomes uncomfortable.

The 12-meter session offers more to see

The second session reaches 12 meters, giving you a greater sense of depth and a wider view of the underwater area. The tour presents this as the chance to look for sea life, rock formations, old objects, and possible wreck features.

A 12-meter session is more demanding than the first. You should not assume that reaching the first depth automatically means you must continue to the second. Follow the guide’s instructions and be clear about how you feel. The crew’s job is to keep the pace suitable for the group.

The two locations may not be equally memorable. One participant found the first site excellent but considered the scenery at the second site weaker. This is worth knowing if you expect two equally dramatic stops. The second session still gives you more time underwater, but the quality of the view depends on the selected site, visibility, and weather.

Rough water can also force a change. On one outing, heavy sea conditions made the planned site unusable, so the crew found an alternative. That flexibility is a strength, but it means you should not book this expecting a fixed route or a guaranteed wreck.

Marine life, rules, and what you may see

The Mediterranean around Side can offer fish and other sea life, along with rock formations and man-made objects below the surface. The tour also refers to coral areas, sunken ships, and ancient artifacts.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is not an archaeological expedition, and no specific wreck or artifact is guaranteed. The pleasure comes from seeing what is present at the chosen site on that day.

The rules are simple and important. Do not smoke, feed animals, or touch plants. Even if fish come close, leave them alone and follow the crew’s instructions. One account describes a young participant having a very close encounter with fish, but the formal rules still prohibit feeding animals.

The guides received strong praise for being friendly, clear, and supportive. That matters most for first-time scuba participants, who need calm help with equipment and nerves. Experienced participants also receive guidance, but the tour is organized to accommodate beginners rather than provide a specialized technical outing.

How the $52 price compares with the day you get

At $52 per person, the package offers solid value if you use the main inclusions: two guided scuba sessions, lunch, insurance, and hotel transfer when selected. You are paying for a full half-day on the water, not merely a short trial session at the beach.

The price becomes less attractive if you add several extras. Drinks, personal spending, and photo or video services cost more. A local participant found the photo and video price especially high, close to the cost of the scuba package itself, even after a discount.

I would compare this tour by asking what you need. If you want a simple introduction with transport and food arranged, $52 is reasonable. If you already have substantial scuba experience and want a specific wreck, a private guide, or guaranteed premium sites, this may feel basic.

The tour also includes travel insurance, which adds practical value. Still, read the health restrictions carefully and answer any medical questions honestly. A low price is not a bargain if the activity is unsuitable for your health or comfort.

Weather, boat comfort, and the small details

The sea controls the day. Weather can shorten or extend the outing, and the boat may use a different location when conditions are poor. You should leave your schedule flexible rather than booking a tight afternoon appointment immediately afterward.

Boat motion is another real concern. The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and a participant reported becoming very sick on a small boat. Bring only what you need, keep water nearby, and tell the crew early if you feel ill.

The day is also not suitable for people with heart, respiratory, kidney, or blood pressure problems. The restrictions include epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy, mobility impairments, wheelchair use, low fitness, a body weight above 150 kilograms, and age over 95. The minimum age information is inconsistent in the supplied details, with references to children under 12, 13, and 14. To avoid trouble, treat the practical minimum as 14 and confirm the age rule before payment.

The activity is also not suitable for non-swimmers. A no-diving companion option is available by selecting the child option, but that person cannot simply book alone under the supplied conditions. A no-diving participant may be able to pay onboard to take part in scuba, if they choose and the crew accepts it.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this outing if you are staying in Side or Alanya, want a guided first scuba experience, and like having transport and lunch handled for you. It suits people who want a taste of the Mediterranean below the surface without arranging a private boat.

It also works for a mixed group in some cases. A non-scuba companion may be able to come under the no-diving arrangement, but check the booking conditions carefully. The option is not a substitute for a separate sightseeing cruise.

I would be more cautious if you dislike small boats, hot transfers, or changing plans. Experienced scuba participants should also consider how much they value site choice. You may enjoy the guides and extra time underwater, but the two locations are not guaranteed to offer equal scenery.

The language options are useful for international groups. Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian, which can make equipment briefings easier to follow. No individual instructor names are provided, so you should not expect to request a particular guide.

Should you book this Side and Alanya scuba tour?

Book it if you want two guided sessions, lunch, insurance, and a hotel transfer for $52, and you are comfortable with a boat-based day whose sites may change. The professional instruction and supportive approach make it a sensible choice for beginners who can swim and meet the health requirements.

Think twice if seasickness is a problem, if you need air-conditioned transport, or if you want guaranteed wrecks and standout scenery at both locations. Bring water, expect extra fees for drinks and media, and keep your afternoon open in case the sea changes the schedule.

The best value comes from treating this as an accessible introduction to Mediterranean scuba, not as a premium specialist expedition.

FAQ

How long does the scuba tour last?

The advertised duration is seven hours, including transport. The scuba portion itself is about five hours, excluding hotel transfers, and weather can shorten or extend the day.

How many underwater sessions are included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and return are included if you select the pickup option. Transfers serve listed areas around Side and Alanya, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot.

Where should I wait for the pickup vehicle?

Wait at your hotel’s outer security booth. The vehicle may be delayed by up to 25 minutes.

Which languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the package. Drinks are not included and cost extra.

Are photographs and videos included?

No. Photo and video services are optional extras and are charged separately.

Can a person who does not want to scuba come along?

A no-diving option is available by selecting the child option. The no-diving ticket cannot be purchased alone under the supplied conditions, and a person who changes their mind may be able to pay onboard to take part.

Who should not join the activity?

The activity is not suitable for children under the stated minimum age, pregnant women, non-swimmers, wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, heart or respiratory conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney problems, blood pressure problems, low fitness, or a tendency toward seasickness. It is also not suitable for people over 150 kilograms or over 95 years old.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, dry clothing, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Follow the rules against smoking, feeding animals, and touching plants.