Clear water, calm coaching, and an easy pace make this trip feel approachable.

I really like the hotel pickup and drop-off from Alanya and Side, because you spend the morning focused on the day instead of figuring out transport. I also like how the team builds in beginner training first, then leads you into the water with small steps and plenty of support. One thing to keep in mind: the day can run long with some waiting, and the boat ride may feel rough if you’re prone to motion sickness, so plan accordingly.

On this outing, you’ll do two guided underwater sessions in the Mediterranean, each around 30 minutes, with a maximum depth of about six meters. For new divers, you start with safety basics, equipment explanations, and surface breathing practice before going below. A potential drawback for some people is visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on conditions.

The tour is set up for both first-timers and more experienced scuba people, and the team keeps you moving at a comfortable pace. If you want hands-on confidence in a small, guided structure, this is a practical choice.

Key things to know before you go

• Two guided underwater sessions in clear Mediterranean water, each about 30 minutes long.
• Beginner-first coaching, including equipment setup and safety steps before you go below.
• A controlled depth plan, starting with confidence-building pauses and reaching up to around six meters.
• Fish feeding at about three meters, plus photo and video capture that you can purchase later.
• A repeat in the afternoon, usually at a different spot for variety and another chance to get comfortable.
• Boat and sea conditions matter, and the plan may change if weather or rough water affects stops.

Where this scuba day takes place: Alanya to Side, Antalya Province

This is a full-day ocean activity based in the Antalya Province area, with pickup and drop-off from Alanya and Side. That matters because it keeps the whole day simple: you’re not hunting for a meeting point, and you’re not paying extra to get to a far-off port.

You also get options depending on your group. If someone doesn’t want to go underwater, they can join as a visitor and still enjoy the boat facilities, just without participating in the scuba portion. That’s a nice compromise when you have mixed confidence levels in your group.

Hotel pickup and getting to the boat without stress

The tour includes transport, and pickup is organized from your accommodation. After you check in at your hotel, you’ll need to provide your room number. Pickup times can shift based on hotel location, and you’re advised to wait at the main entrance or security point about five minutes before the scheduled pickup.

If you want this part to go smoothly, I’d strongly recommend having a WhatsApp number ready for contact. The key here is timing: the trip runs on a schedule, and buses don’t linger.

The training plan: how beginners get comfortable fast

What makes this tour work for first-timers is the order of operations. You don’t get thrown into the deep end. You start with theory-style instruction focused on equipment, safety procedures, and underwater hand signals. Then you practice breathing on the surface before you go below.

Once you enter the water, the guidance uses step-by-step depth control. Beginners are taken down gradually, with pauses at each meter to help you get used to pressure changes and buoyancy. At around three meters, you reach the bottom area and do the fish-feeding moment, with an instructor nearby.

This structure is valuable because it turns scuba from a mystery into a sequence of small tasks. You’ll know what’s coming next, and that reduces the mental load when you’re still learning how to stay relaxed in the water.

The first underwater session: up to six meters with real support

Your first underwater session is guided and lasts about 30 minutes. The maximum depth is around six meters, and instructors manage the experience so you can stay at the right level.

A small detail that makes a big difference: you’re supported with buoyancy control using your suit. The instructor adjusts the air so you can suspend at the required depth. That helps you focus on breathing and staying calm, instead of constantly fighting to stay where you’re supposed to be.

You’ll also get a sense of weightlessness and movement in the water. That feeling is often what makes people want to try scuba again, because it’s nothing like snorkeling where you’re always standing on the edge of the water.

Safety and equipment: why the gear quality matters

The tour promises high-quality, well-maintained scuba gear, and that’s not a small point. When you’re new, you rely on equipment behaving predictably. A good regulator, a comfortable fit, and a stable buoyancy system help you feel safe enough to learn.

The team on board is also structured for this purpose. The group includes a ten-person crew with two senior underwater leaders and four instructors. In practical terms, that staffing level is what allows close attention during training and gentle correction underwater.

If you’re experienced, you’ll still appreciate the organization. Even advanced scuba people often like trips where the team is on top of briefings, depth control, and safety signals.

Fish feeding and the photo/video capture moment

One of the most memorable parts of the day is the fish-feeding activity at around three meters. You’re not just watching fish from above. You’re at a safe, guided depth where you can actually interact with what’s around you.

Another helpful feature: an instructor takes photos and videos during the session. Those media files aren’t included, but you can purchase them afterward. It’s worth considering if you want a simple souvenir without needing to bring your own underwater camera.

If you’re booking primarily for photography, know that photo/video capture is offered through the team, not by you. That can be a plus for convenience, but it also means you’ll rely on their timing and framing.

Afternoon repeat at a different spot: more variety, same skills

The afternoon includes a second guided underwater session, again about 30 minutes. The key difference is the location: the second stop is at a different spot, which gives you varied scenery and a second chance to practice what you learned earlier.

You’ll repeat a similar setup, including instructor-led depth control and buoyancy adjustments. The repeat matters because learning underwater isn’t just about knowing instructions. It’s about building muscle memory for breathing, staying relaxed, and following cues without overthinking.

Also, the day can change based on sea conditions. If the weather is rough or visibility is affected, some stopping points may be omitted for safety. That’s not ideal for planning, but it’s part of responsible operations.

Waiting, boat time, and motion-sickness reality checks

A practical note from the on-the-ground experience of this kind of trip: you should be prepared for some waiting before you start the underwater work. A full 8-hour day doesn’t mean 8 hours of water time. Between pickup, loading, briefings, gear setup, and weather checks, there’s often downtime.

Also, if you get seasick, the boat portion can be the hardest part of the day. One participant specifically pointed out that being on a ship for about eight hours can make you feel done with it, especially if you’re sensitive to motion.

What I’d do in your shoes:

• Bring any motion-sickness remedy you already trust
• Eat light before boarding
• Stay toward the middle of the boat if you have a choice (when possible)

This is the kind of trip where comfort on the boat can make or break your mood for the underwater part.

Price and value: what $67 really covers

At about $67 per person, this tour is priced like a budget-friendly day that still includes the essentials. You’re getting:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Scuba equipment
• Beginner training (theory plus surface practice)
• Two guided underwater sessions

That’s solid value because the expensive parts are often the gear and the logistics. Here, you don’t have to arrange transport on your own, and the instruction is built in.

Where costs can add up are the extras:

• Drinks aren’t included
• Photos and videos are not included (though they’re captured)

So, if you want to keep the budget tight, plan to pay for your own water and any on-board drinks, and decide ahead of time whether you want to purchase the photo/video package.

Who should book this scuba program (and who should skip it)

This is a good fit if you:

• Want two structured underwater sessions with a clear learning path
• Are a beginner who wants safety steps and underwater hand signals taught
• Prefer guided depth control up to about six meters rather than figuring everything out alone
• Have a mixed group, since non-divers can join as visitors

It’s not a fit if:

• You’re pregnant
• You have mobility impairments that make it difficult to participate in the boat and water activities
• You don’t want to be on a boat for a long stretch of time, especially with possible waiting

If you’re flexible and ready for a guided schedule, you’ll likely enjoy the steady progress. If you hate uncertainty, know that sea conditions can change the plan.

What to bring for the day (keep it simple)

Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it for the essentials listed.

I’d also suggest thinking practically about what you’ll need after the water sessions: a towel helps, but you’ll also want a dry change of clothes for the ride back. The tour ends with return to your accommodation, so plan for comfort on the way.

Should you book this Alanya and Side underwater tour?

If you want a day that is organized, beginner-friendly, and supported by instructors, this is an easy yes. The biggest strengths are the training-first approach and the fact that you get two sessions in a single day without having to coordinate transfers or equipment.

If you’re worried about seasickness or long waits, you’ll want to plan carefully. The underwater time is only part of the day, and the boat portion can be a downside for sensitive people. Also, visibility can vary with conditions, so keep expectations flexible.

Overall: for $67, the combo of transfers, equipment, and two guided underwater sessions makes sense, especially if you’re new and you like structure.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

You get 2 underwater sessions, each about 30 minutes.

What depth will I reach?

The tour description says the maximum depth is up to about six meters.

Is training included for beginners?

Yes. Beginners get theoretical instruction, safety procedures, underwater sign language, and surface breathing practice before going underwater.

What languages are spoken by the instructor?

The instructor/crew is listed as English, German, Russian, and Turkish.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Alanya and Side are included.

What should I bring?

You should bring swimwear and a towel.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included, though an instructor captures them and they can be purchased.

Who can join if someone doesn’t want to participate underwater?

If you don’t want to participate, you can join as a visitor. You can use the boat facilities but won’t do the scuba sessions.