A day at sea in Side can feel like a living aquarium. This tour gives you two underwater sessions, lunch on board, and a crew that’s focused on keeping things smooth, even when conditions get tricky. You’ll hit target depths around 6 m and 12 m, with coaching that works for first-timers too.

I especially like the two-depth plan: a lighter first push, then a second session deeper at 12 m. I also like the food rhythm—lunch plus a dinner prepared by the captain—so the day doesn’t turn into only gear and nerves.

The one drawback to plan for is comfort and timing: transfer can vary, the small boat can mean motion sickness for some people, and weather can shorten or adjust the day.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Two underwater sessions with guided support and set depth goals (about 6 m, then 12 m)
• Captain-prepared meals plus deck time between sessions, not just a quick sandwich
• Multi-language instruction (English, German, Russian) with clear try-diver encouragement
• A real plan B when sea conditions are too rough for the intended site
• Value-focused inclusions at about $52: guide, lunch, pickup (if you select it), travel insurance
• Extra costs are clearly the norm: drinks and photo/video services

Side’s two underwater sessions: 6 m then 12 m

This tour is built around two separate underwater sessions, each with a guide. Your first target is around 6 meters, which is a sweet spot for seeing Mediterranean life without going too far into the unknown. The second session aims for 12 meters, where you’ll usually get a different view of the seafloor and structures.

In practice, this step-up matters because it helps your body and your breathing adjust. If you’re newer to scuba, that first session is often where you learn how buoyancy feels and how your gear behaves at depth. If you’re more experienced, the second session is where you tend to enjoy the variety more.

You’ll also follow the guide’s instructions closely, especially since divers coming from Side and Alanya go on separate boats and at different locations. That setup is meant to manage groups and conditions, but it also means your exact underwater view may not match what you imagined from generic photos.

What 7 hours feels like: transfer, 5 hours on the water, weather shifts

The total day runs about 7 hours. Out of that, the time spent on the water for the underwater part is about 5 hours, with transfer time varying by hotel and pickup location.

That timing is important because you don’t just show up and jump in. You’ll spend some of the day moving to the boat, suiting up, and getting briefed before each session. Also, on some days the tour length can change due to weather, so I treat it as a flexible half-day at sea rather than a strict schedule.

If the sea gets rough, the crew will look for an alternative underwater location instead of canceling everything on the spot. One of the most reassuring things here is that they’ll try to keep the day alive if the intended spot isn’t safe or possible.

Pro coaching that actually helps nervous first-timers

This tour is designed for a range of scuba levels, and the guiding style seems to focus on clear instructions and encouragement. If you’re worried you won’t manage it, you’re not the only one—more than one person has been persuaded to try, and then felt noticeably better once underwater.

A key detail: the boat crew and instructors work with both divers who are ready immediately and those who need extra reassurance. That can make a big difference on a “try this” day, because the first minutes above the water can be the hardest.

You’ll also want to take the safety and behavior rules seriously. No smoking, no feeding animals, and no touching plants are part of the structure. Even when you might see hands-on moments reported by some participants, you still should assume the guide will direct what’s allowed in your specific situation.

Lunch and captain’s dinner: eating well between underwater sessions

You get lunch included, and there’s also a dinner prepared by the captain while you’re back on deck between sessions. That’s not a small thing. After time in wetsuit and exposure to sun, you’ll feel the benefit of real food instead of only snacks.

Between the two underwater sessions, you’ll have time to relax on the deck. That break helps both mentally and physically—your breathing settles, you can rehydrate, and you can reset before the second depth.

One practical note: drinks are extra. Pack water if the rules allow and use whatever on-board options are offered, but don’t assume lunch includes beverages.

Marine life, artifacts, and sunken-ship vibes

The underwater sights are described as a mix of Mediterranean marine life and notable underwater features. You might see lively coral reefs, and the tour information also points to things like ancient artifacts and sunken ships.

What I like about this broad mix is that it doesn’t box you into only fish-and-rock scenery. At around 6 m, you’ll likely focus on the easier-to-read underwater world. At around 12 m, you tend to notice bigger structures, more pronounced shapes, and different lighting on the seafloor.

Also, the Mediterranean can surprise you with how much there is to notice when you slow down. Even if you’re not chasing wildlife photography, the guide-led pace usually helps you actually see what’s there.

The boat ride reality: seasickness and comfort on small transport

This is one part I would plan for, not panic about. Some people report getting motion sick on the small boat, so if you’re prone to seasickness, take it seriously before you go. The info also lists that the tour isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness, so be honest about your limits.

Even if you’re usually fine, summer wind and waves can change quickly. If you know you get woozy with boat travel, I’d consider skipping this day trip entirely rather than “hoping for the best.”

Transport can be another comfort factor. One person mentioned that the ride could have used air conditioning, which is a reminder that summer transfers from hotels can be warm depending on the vehicle and traffic. Bring a light layer for the boat and protect your skin with sunscreen.

Price and value at about $52: what’s included vs. extra

At around $52 per person, this tour covers two guided underwater sessions, hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), lunch, and travel insurance. For many travelers, those inclusions are the difference between a cheap-looking price and a genuinely fair one.

Here’s what costs extra:

• Drinks on the boat
• Photo and video service (optional)
• Personal expenses

A practical way to think about value: you’re paying mostly for guided time, safety, and the day’s food plan. If you’re the type who always buys the photo pack or wants lots of drinks, your real “all-in” number will rise. If you’re fine with snapshots from your own camera, you’ll likely feel good about the price.

Also keep in mind that photo/video pricing can feel high compared to what you might expect. If that’s important to you, decide early whether you want add-ons so you aren’t making that decision mid-trip.

Who this suits best (and who should skip it)

This experience is best for people who can handle a structured marine day with equipment and underwater coaching. The tour is not suitable for a long list of health or mobility limits, including heart or respiratory issues, epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy, limited mobility, and wheelchair users.

It also lists weight limits (over 150 kg / 331 lb not suitable) and notes a general fitness requirement. If you have lactose intolerance, it’s also flagged as not suitable, which may matter since food is part of the day’s plan.

Age is strict: the info says it’s not suitable for children under 13 and also lists children under 14. If you’re traveling with youth, double-check eligibility before you book so you don’t get turned away on the day.

If you’re coming with someone who doesn’t want underwater time, there is a no-diver concept, but it’s not unlimited. The tour notes that the non-diver ticket can’t be purchased alone, and also says the no-diver group is accepted when you select the child option. In other words: boat-only spots exist, but they’re managed.

Practical tips so your day goes smoother

Bring the simple essentials listed, because you’ll want them quickly once you’re on board: hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water.

It also helps to travel light and keep your “wet stuff” separate from dry items. You’ll likely be drying off and changing between moments, and the smoother your routine, the more you can enjoy the day.

Finally, go into the experience with a mindset of following the guide. The tour emphasizes listening to instructor instructions, especially since divers from different areas can split across boats and dive sites. When everyone follows the plan, the day usually feels calm even when you’re doing something new.

Should you book this Side and Alanya scuba day with lunch?

Book it if you want a guided, two-session underwater day with food included and a crew that works with nervous first-timers. The combination of English/German/Russian instruction, lunch, and captain-prepared dinner adds up to a full-feeling day rather than a rushed hit-and-go.

Skip it if you’re highly prone to seasickness, have any of the health or mobility limits listed, or you’re looking for a totally laid-back, no-instructions outing. Also consider whether you’d regret extra costs like drinks and optional photos, because those can add up.

If you’re flexible and you like the idea of being taken to a good underwater area even when sea conditions change, this is a solid choice for a Mediterranean scuba-focused day from Side.

FAQ

How many scuba sessions are included?

You get 2 scuba sessions included, each with a professional guide.

How deep will we go?

The tour targets about 6 meters for the first session, then about 12 meters for the second session.

What’s the total duration, and how long is the underwater time?

The total tour is about 7 hours. Underwater time is listed as 5 hours, excluding transfer.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and there is also dinner prepared by the captain on board between sessions.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select it. Transfers are also listed for areas including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot.

What languages are the instructors?

The instructor support is listed as English, German, and Russian.

Are drinks, photos, and video included?

Drinks are not included, and photo/video service is an optional extra.

Can I join as a no-diver?

A no-diver option is described as being accepted when you select the child option. The non-diver ticket cannot be purchased alone, so you should confirm your situation with the provider before going.

If you want, tell me your diving level (first-timer, certified, or experienced) and your hotel area, and I’ll help you judge whether the timing and boat conditions are a good fit for you.