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

The best part of this Alanya boat trip is its gentle introduction to two underwater sessions, starting at just 3 to 5 meters before reaching 7 to 8 meters later in the day. You receive instruction first, then spend about 20 minutes at each site with an instructor close by. That makes this a sensible first scuba experience rather than a test of nerve.

I like the hotel pickup and included equipment, which remove much of the usual planning. I also like the mix of activity and downtime: lunch on board, a swim, and time in the sun keep the day from feeling like one long lesson. The main drawback is that certified, experienced divers may find the shallow depths and fixed 20-minute sessions too limited, especially during the high season when the boat can feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Two guided underwater sessions: The first reaches 3 to 5 meters, and the second reaches 7 to 8 meters, with each lasting about 20 minutes.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive both theoretical and practical training before entering the water.
• A full boat day: Expect roughly eight hours from pickup to return, including sailing, lunch, swimming, and transport.
• Non-divers can join: Snorkeling is available for people who do not take part in the scuba sessions.
• Most equipment is included: The package covers a suit, fins, mask, insurance, and air-conditioned transport.
• Experienced divers should adjust expectations: Longer sessions and greater depths are not part of this standard program.

A calm first step into the Mediterranean

This trip is built around access, not technical achievement. You do not need to arrive as an experienced scuba participant. The instructors give you classroom-style information and practical preparation before taking you into the water.

That matters if you feel nervous. One person who tried the activity for the first time was initially uneasy but found the instructor attentive and helpful. Another participant felt safe because the instructors gave clear directions and stayed close underwater. Those details point to the tour’s strongest quality: reassurance for beginners.

The two-stage design also makes sense. At 3 to 5 meters, you can get used to breathing through the equipment, clearing your head, and following basic instructions without immediately going deep. The later session at 7 to 8 meters gives you a little more range once you know what to expect.

This is not a certification course, and it is not meant to replace formal training. Think of it as a supervised introduction that lets you try scuba equipment and spend time below the surface without committing to a longer course.

Pickup from Side and Alanya at 8:00 am

The day begins at 8:00 am with hotel pickup. The service covers hotels in both Side and Alanya, with transport to the port suited to your location. An air-conditioned vehicle is included, which is useful in the warmer months and saves you from arranging a taxi to the marina.

The transport section can take about an hour. On the way back, the drive to your hotel may take around 1.5 hours, depending on where you are staying. That makes this a real full-day outing, not a quick morning activity.

You should plan around the timing. If you have a late dinner, an afternoon appointment, or a separate evening reservation, leave plenty of room. The official activity lasts about seven hours once the boat program begins, while the full experience is listed at approximately eight hours with pickup and return.

The exact marina depends on the area. The boat departs from the Alanya or Okurcalar region, so your transfer is part of the experience rather than a separate meeting-point problem.

Sailing from the Alanya and Okurcalar area

After reaching the port, you board the boat and sail toward the underwater sites. The boat ride gives the day a holiday feel and creates a useful pause between the road transfer and the instruction session.

The program is not simply transport to a platform in the sea. You spend time on board between the two sessions, with lunch, swimming, and sunbathing included in the schedule. If you like a mixture of activity and rest, this rhythm works well.

The possible downside is group size. The maximum listed capacity is 100 people, and the boat may feel busy in the high season. That does not automatically make the trip unsafe, since the operator says it stays within authorized limits, but you should not expect a quiet private boat.

For some people, a lively boat is part of the fun. For others, a crowded deck can make changing, waiting, or finding a peaceful place to sit less comfortable. If personal space is important to you, keep this capacity in mind before booking.

Instruction before the first 3 to 5 meter session

The first part in the water begins only after theoretical and practical instruction. This is where you learn how the equipment works and how to respond to the instructor’s directions.

The first underwater session reaches 3 to 5 meters and lasts about 20 minutes. You are accompanied by instructors throughout the session. For a beginner, that depth is useful because you can experience the sensation of being below the surface without the pressure of a much deeper descent.

I would treat the first session as a chance to settle down, not as a race to see everything. Your first few minutes may be spent getting comfortable with the mask, breathing, and movement. Pay close attention to the practical training, and tell the instructor if you feel uneasy. The structure is designed to help you adjust step by step.

The experience is also suitable for people who do not want to scuba. Non-participants can snorkel and spend time in the sea while the guided sessions take place. That makes the trip easier to arrange for couples or families with mixed interests.

Lunch and a break between the sessions

After the first underwater session, lunch is served on board. Meals are included in the price, but beverages are not, so you should budget separately for drinks.

The break includes swimming and sunbathing. This pause is more than filler. It gives you time to dry off, eat, and recover before the second session. It also makes the day workable for people who want a Mediterranean boat outing but are not eager to spend every minute underwater.

You will want practical clothing for this part of the day. The supplied information confirms that a diving suit, fins, glasses, and related equipment are included, but it does not specify changing facilities or towel service. Bring what you normally need for a day around the water, including anything you require for sun protection.

The lunch and swimming stop also help balance the price. At $45.38 per person, you are paying for transport, boat time, instruction, two guided sessions, equipment, insurance, and a meal. If you used separate services for each of those parts, the cost and planning would likely rise quickly.

The second session at 7 to 8 meters

The second session reaches 7 to 8 meters and also lasts about 20 minutes. By this point, you have already tried the equipment and received guidance in the water, so the greater depth can feel like a natural next step.

This is still a beginner-focused program. The operator does not take participants deeper simply to make the experience sound more dramatic. The stated approach is to keep new participants at controlled depths and avoid unnecessary risk.

That limit is important when you decide if this trip suits you. If you have a professional certification and want longer bottom time, more demanding conditions, or deeper sites, this package may feel basic. Longer sessions are reserved for professional certified divers, according to the operator’s clarification.

For a first attempt, though, the two-session format has a clear advantage. You get a chance to learn from the first session and then apply that experience during the second. The extra time underwater is modest, but the progression is easy to understand.

What you see below the surface

The trip promises a chance to see Mediterranean marine life, but it does not specify particular fish, reefs, wrecks, caves, or named underwater sites. I would therefore book it for the experience of being underwater, not for a guaranteed signature sight.

Snorkeling gives non-participants a way to look below the surface without using scuba equipment. The two sessions provide a similar opportunity from greater depth, with instructors guiding you.

Visibility, sea conditions, and marine life can vary. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. That policy is sensible for a boat-based activity, since rough water can affect both comfort and safety.

You should also understand the difference between a supervised introduction and a specialist scuba excursion. This program focuses on instruction, safety, and access. It does not promise dramatic underwater scenery or advanced exploration.

What the $45.38 price really covers

The price is strong for a full-day package that includes several separate costs. You receive:

• Hotel pickup and return transport
• Boat transportation
• Theoretical and practical instruction
• Two 20-minute guided underwater sessions
• Diving suit, fins, mask, and related equipment
• Lunch
• Insurance
• Swimming and sunbathing time

Beverages are extra. Photos and videos are also not included, so ask about the available options before paying for any media package. The provided details do not state the price of those extras.

For a beginner, the value comes from the convenience. You do not need to arrange a transfer, rent equipment separately, find an instructor, or organize lunch. The package also includes insurance, which is an important part of an activity involving water and specialist equipment.

The value is less clear for an experienced scuba participant. If you already hold professional certification, the shallow depths and 20-minute sessions may not offer enough time underwater. In that case, compare this with a certified-diver program that advertises longer sessions and sites suited to your experience.

Who should book this Alanya boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time scuba participants
• People who want a guided and controlled introduction
• Couples or families with both divers and non-divers
• Visitors staying in Side or Alanya who want hotel pickup
• Anyone who likes a full day that mixes activity with swimming and rest
• Budget-conscious visitors who want equipment, transport, lunch, and insurance together

I would be more cautious if you have breathing problems. The additional information specifically flags people with breathing issues, so you should address that before booking rather than assuming the activity is suitable.

I would also hesitate if you dislike group outings. With a maximum capacity of 100 people and possible high-season crowding, this is not presented as a small private trip.

Practical details that affect your day

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is near public transportation, although hotel pickup is offered. The tour is listed as suitable for most participants, but that does not override the warning about breathing problems.

Wear or bring what you need for a day involving sun, swimming, and a boat. Lunch is included, but drinks are not. Since photos and videos cost extra, decide in advance if you want them and ask about the arrangement on the day.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:00 am start. A cancellation inside that period is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since weather matters, a poor-weather cancellation gives you the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a low-pressure first scuba experience with transport, instruction, gear, lunch, and two short sessions included for $45.38. The careful depth progression and close instructor support make it especially suitable if you are curious but nervous.

Do not book it expecting a serious technical outing. Certified participants may find the schedule too short, and a large boat can be less relaxing in the high season. For beginners, mixed-interest groups, and visitors who value convenience, it offers a practical way to try the Mediterranean below the surface without taking on a full course.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels in Side and Alanya, followed by transport to the appropriate port.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately eight hours. The boat program takes about seven hours, and the return drive can take around 1.5 hours depending on your hotel area.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two guided sessions are included. The first is at 3 to 5 meters, and the second is at 7 to 8 meters.

How long is each session?

Each underwater session lasts about 20 minutes.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The program includes theoretical and practical instruction before the first session, and most people can participate.

Can non-divers join?

Yes. People who do not take part in the scuba sessions can enjoy snorkeling.

What equipment is included?

The package includes a diving suit, fins, mask, and related equipment. Insurance is also included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, but beverages are not.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.