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

The best part of this Side scuba tour is the chance to see the Mediterranean from below the surface, not just from a beach chair. You’ll make two guided descents, first to 6 meters and then to 12 meters, with time between them for lunch and a rest on deck.

I like the clear progression for beginners and the fact that experienced participants can still join a guided outing. I also like the practical package: hotel pickup in selected areas, equipment and professional instruction, lunch, and travel insurance are included. The main catch is the sea itself. Rough conditions can force the crew to change the planned site, and the small boat may be hard on anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Two underwater sessions: The first reaches 6 meters, while the second goes to 12 meters.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Professional guides explain the basics and accompany you in the water.
• Lunch on the boat: You can eat and rest on deck between the two sessions.
• Separate boat arrangements: People coming from Side and Alanya use different boats and locations.
• Extra charges onboard: Drinks, photographs, and video packages cost more.
• Weather matters: Strong waves can change the planned location or alter the length of the day.

Two Mediterranean descents, with a gentle start

This is not a quick swim from the shore. The outing gives you two separate chances to get comfortable underwater, which is useful if your first attempt feels strange or tense.

The first session reaches about 6 meters. That shallower depth gives beginners a sensible introduction to breathing through the regulator, clearing their ears, following hand signals, and moving calmly with the guide. You may see fish and underwater rock formations, though the exact scenery depends on the site and weather.

After lunch and a break, the second session reaches about 12 meters. At that depth, you get a greater sense of the open Mediterranean and may encounter more of the area’s underwater attractions, including marine life, old objects, coral formations, or the remains of boats. The description mentions ancient artifacts and sunken ships, but you should not assume every trip visits a major wreck. Conditions and the selected site decide what you actually see.

I consider the two-session format one of the tour’s strongest features. A first underwater attempt can feel like a lot to process. Having another opportunity later in the day lets you apply what you learned instead of judging the whole experience after a short first look.

What the day usually feels like

The full outing lasts about seven hours, though transfer time is part of that total. The actual time connected with the boat and underwater program is listed as about five hours, excluding hotel transportation.

Pickup is available from selected areas around Side and Alanya. In the Side area, this includes Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot. You wait at your hotel’s outer security booth, not necessarily at the main reception. The vehicle can be delayed by up to 25 minutes, so do not wander off for coffee once you are waiting.

Transfer time depends on your hotel. The ride may also be less comfortable than the boat itself. One participant specifically found the vehicle’s air conditioning lacking, a useful warning for hot summer mornings.

Once onboard, the staff provide instructions before anyone enters the water. English, German, and Russian are offered, and the crew is expected to guide participants closely. The strongest practical praise for this trip concerns the staff’s clear explanations and their calm help with first-time participants.

The boat schedule includes the first underwater session, a lunch break, and a second session. Between activities, you can sit on deck and take in the coast. Bring a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, water, a hat, and swimwear. A camera is allowed, but remember that the boat’s own photo and video service is sold separately.

The first session is the real test

For a beginner, the first few minutes underwater matter more than the advertised maximum depth. You need to get used to breathing through the equipment and equalizing pressure in your ears. The instructor’s job is to keep you focused on small steps rather than rushing you toward the bottom.

One participant who became seasick before entering the water nearly gave up. The instructor encouraged that person to try, and the discomfort eased once they were underwater. That is not a guarantee that everyone will feel better below the surface, but it does show why listening to the guide matters.

Another parent described a child’s experience as a life-changing thrill, including close encounters with fish and time sitting on the seabed. The age rules here need careful attention, though. The activity is not intended for young children, and the information gives several different minimum-age warnings, including under 12, under 13, and under 14. Treat the stricter guidance as the safe one and confirm the age requirement before paying.

The first site can be the prettier of the two. One participant found the opening location excellent but was less impressed by the scenery at the second site. That is a good reason to enjoy the first session fully rather than assuming the later one will be the highlight.

Lunch, deck time, and the second session

Lunch is included and prepared onboard by the captain. The information describes it as a meal between sessions, not a restaurant-style experience, so set your expectations accordingly. It gives you a chance to eat, dry off, and settle your stomach before returning to the water.

Drinks are not included. Bring water with you, and budget for extra purchases if you want soft drinks or other beverages from the boat. Personal expenses are also separate.

The second descent reaches about 12 meters, nearly twice the depth of the first. For a beginner, the extra depth can feel like a real achievement. For someone with previous experience, it offers a longer look at the marine setting under professional supervision.

The quality of the second location can vary. One report found the second site less attractive than the first, while another described the crew as able to find a good alternative when heavy waves made the original location impossible. In other words, flexibility is part of the experience. You may not visit the exact spot you imagined, but changing location can be the sensible choice when safety and visibility are at stake.

Marine life, old objects, and realistic expectations

The Mediterranean around Side can offer fish, rock formations, coral areas, and signs of human activity beneath the surface. The tour also presents the possibility of seeing ancient objects and sunken vessels.

That wording should not lead you to expect a full archaeological expedition. The main appeal is the experience of entering the water with a guide and seeing what is present at the selected site. Marine life is not arranged for display, and underwater conditions can affect visibility.

Do not touch plants or feed animals. Those rules protect the sea and help keep the encounter respectful. You also should not expect a private underwater experience. The staff coordinate the group, and you need to follow their signals and instructions closely.

Photos and videos are optional extras. They can be tempting after a first underwater session, especially if this is your first time using scuba equipment. Ask about the total price before agreeing. The cost can be substantial, and one participant felt that the photo and video package nearly matched the price of the activity itself.

Is $52 a fair price?

At $52 per person, the package offers reasonable value if you need a beginner-friendly introduction rather than a specialist scuba program. Two guided sessions, lunch, hotel transfer when selected, and travel insurance are bundled together.

The price becomes more attractive if you are staying in one of the listed pickup areas, since transport is a major part of the day. You also avoid arranging separate instruction and boat access. For a first experience, having the guide, equipment, water time, and meal organized in one booking keeps the day simple.

The value is less clear if you already have substantial scuba experience and want a particular wreck, a specific reef, or a long bottom time. The tour is built for a broad mix of skill levels, not for a technical or highly specialized outing.

Plan for extras. Drinks, personal purchases, and the optional photo and video service are not included. Also remember that people from Side and Alanya use separate boats and may visit different sites. If your party is spread across both areas, you should not assume everyone will be on the same boat.

Who should book this experience?

I would point this tour toward first-time scuba participants and holidaymakers who want a structured day on the Mediterranean. The first session at 6 meters gives you a manageable starting point, while the second at 12 meters adds a stronger sense of progress.

It can also suit certified or experienced participants who are happy with a general guided outing. The guide support and changing site choices may be useful, but this is not described as a specialist trip with a fixed wreck or advanced route.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The boat can be uncomfortable in rough water, and one participant became very ill before entering the sea. Strong waves can also change the planned site and shorten or extend the day.

The activity is not suitable for people with heart, respiratory, kidney, or blood-pressure problems, epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy, limited mobility, or a low level of fitness. It is not designed for wheelchair users, non-swimmers, people over 150 kilograms, or people over 95 years old. The supplied information also lists lactose intolerance among the restrictions, so ask about the lunch before booking if that applies to you.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you can change quickly. Pack a dry outfit, towel, sun protection, hat, water, and a camera. Sunscreen is especially useful during the deck time between sessions, but apply it carefully and follow the crew’s instructions around equipment.

Arrive at the outer security booth before the stated pickup time. A delay of up to 25 minutes is possible. If the vehicle does not arrive, contact the supplier rather than leaving the pickup point.

Do not smoke onboard, feed the animals, or touch underwater plants. Listen closely during the briefing, especially if you have never used scuba equipment. The guides’ calm, clear instruction is one of the most valuable parts of the outing, so give yourself time to follow it rather than trying to hurry.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, and weather can change the timetable. A flexible schedule is wise.

Should you book the Side scuba tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, organized introduction to the Mediterranean with two chances to get comfortable underwater. The combination of a shallow first session, a deeper second session, lunch, transfers, and multilingual support makes it a practical choice for many holidaymakers.

Skip it if you are highly sensitive to rough seas, need guaranteed wreck scenery, or dislike paying extra for photos and drinks. Also check the health and age restrictions carefully, especially since the published minimum-age guidance is not fully consistent.

For the right person, this is a good-value day built around friendly instruction and real time in the sea. Just treat the location, weather, and underwater scenery as changeable parts of the adventure, not fixed promises.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts about seven hours. The listed five hours of scuba activity excludes hotel transfer time, and the total duration can change with weather.

How many underwater sessions are included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are included when selected during booking. Transfers operate from listed areas in Side and Alanya, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot.

Which languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and prepared onboard by the captain.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks must be paid for separately onboard.

Can I buy photographs or videos?

Yes. Photo and video services are available as optional extras, but they are not included in the tour price.

Can a person come without scuba participation?

A non-diving participant can select the child option, but that option cannot be purchased alone. The person may be able to pay onboard to take part in scuba activities if they choose.

Can weather change the tour?

Yes. Strong waves can cause the crew to use an alternative site, and weather may shorten or extend the activity.