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

A 7-hour boat day, two scuba descents, and lunch. It is built for beginners and experienced divers, with professional coaching, two set depths (6m and 12m), and the kind of Mediterranean scenery you cannot get from the shore. I especially like the two-guided-session format and the fact that you are not left guessing what happens next. One watch-out, if you get motion sick, is the time on the water.

I like that the day is structured around clear instruction and time underwater, not just a long ride. The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off (if selected) plus lunch, and you get a professional guide during both underwater sessions. In one recent booking, a nervous first-timer was talked through the process until it clicked once underwater.

The main drawback is that conditions can change. Weather can shorten or extend the day, and if the sea is rough, your planned underwater locations may switch. Also, drinks and photo or video services cost extra, and the boat transport comfort can be hit or miss.

Key points before you book

• Two coached underwater descents to 6 meters, then 12 meters, both with a professional guide
• 5 hours of underwater time (excluding transfers), so you actually get your money’s worth
• Lunch plus a captain-prepared meal between sessions, eaten on the boat while you reset
• English, German, and Russian instruction, which helps a lot if you are not diving in your native language
• Weather can shift the plan, including possible changes to the site if sea conditions are extreme
• Extras add up, especially drinks and photo/video packages

Side and Alanya boat day in 7 hours, with pickup and lunch

This is the kind of day that feels like a classic Mediterranean excursion: pick up, boat ride, structured time on the water, and food that makes the whole day easier to stomach. The total duration is about 7 hours, but transfers can stretch or shrink depending on where your hotel is. The operator also notes that the day can be shortened or extended based on weather, which is smart, because the sea decides more than a schedule ever will.

Pickup is offered from multiple areas, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot. If you are staying in Side or Alanya, your transfer details are sent 24 hours in advance, and you should wait for the vehicle at your hotel’s outer security booth. There can be a delay of up to 25 minutes, so build in a little patience.

You also get a realistic time split: diving time excluding transfer is 5 hours. That matters, because some “half-day” tours spend most of their time driving around and waiting. Here, the day is centered on underwater time, with lunch (and a captain-prepared meal between sessions) keeping you fueled.

Finally, it is not a one-language tour. The instructor is listed in English, German, and Russian, and that can be the difference between feeling confident and feeling lost during the briefing.

Two guided descents to 6m and 12m, and why that depth plan matters

The most practical part of this experience is the depth progression. You do two scuba sessions with targets of 6 meters and then 12 meters. That is a good structure because it gives your body and your breathing a ramp-up. Many people find the first descent helps them get comfortable with buoyancy and rhythm before they go a bit deeper.

At around 6 meters, you tend to get the best “settling in” moment. This is where you can enjoy underwater structures, local marine life, and the overall feel of the seabed environment without needing to be at the limit of your comfort zone. The operator also describes this as an exploration of impressive underwater landscapes and Mediterranean treasures.

At around 12 meters, the experience shifts. You are deeper, so visibility and light change, and the kinds of details you notice can feel more specific and layered. The tour description includes uncovering hidden treasures of the sea, and it mentions encounters that can include things like sunken ships and ancient artifacts. Exact sights can vary by site and conditions, but the depth plan helps you expect a second, more “advanced-feeling” stop without making the entire day one big jump.

Important detail: if you are coming from Side and Alanya, you will not necessarily be on the same boat. The information says participants from Side and Alanya go on separate boats and at different locations, following the instructor’s guidance.

The briefing and coaching style, especially for nervous or new divers

If you are new to scuba, this is where the tour can win or lose you. The operator positions the day as suitable for all skill levels, including people who have never done it before. Your experience depends heavily on the instructor and the group’s pace, but the setup is geared toward giving clear instructions before you go under.

One recurring theme from the experience accounts is professionalism during the briefing. In one case, the instruction was described as super professional and well explained, and a first-timer who was unsure ended up convinced once the underwater portion started. That tells me the coaching here is not just safety talk. It is also confidence building.

You should still go in with a realistic mindset. You will be managing buoyancy and staying with your guide. Even experienced divers benefit from a consistent routine: check your gear, listen closely on ascent and descent, and keep your attention on your buddy or group.

Language support matters here too. If you do not speak English, the fact that German and Russian instruction are listed can reduce confusion during the most important moments.

Between sessions: deck time, captain-made food, and how to plan your break

Most people underestimate the “in-between” time. Here, you get a reset on the boat: between the two underwater sessions, the description says you can enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the captain and relax on deck.

That break does two useful things. First, it helps you refuel and warm up if you get chilled. Second, it gives you time to mentally switch gears from one gear and breathing rhythm to the next.

There is also a simple practical reality: if the sea is choppy, you will feel it more after you have already been underwater and come back up. Having food and a comfortable decompression break can make the second session feel far more manageable.

One tip for comfort: bring a change of clothes and a towel. The operator specifically recommends swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel, which is a hint that you should expect time on and off the boat in wet gear. You will also want sunscreen and water, since you are exposed while waiting and riding.

Marine life, wreck possibilities, and what to expect if conditions change

The tour description promises marine life encounters, including references to ancient artifacts and sunken ships. It also mentions coral reefs and a mix of underwater treasures. That is the big appeal: the Mediterranean can be more than just open water and fish, especially at sites with structures below the surface.

But here is the realistic part. Weather can affect everything: the tour notes that duration may change, and the sites can too. One account described a day where extreme sea conditions prevented a planned site, so the crew found an alternative. That is exactly what you want to hear, because it shows the operation is not stuck doing the impossible.

So, what should you expect? You should expect a plan that prioritizes safety and still aims to deliver two underwater sessions. The best days come with stable water and good visibility. Rough days can mean different locations, so go with curiosity instead of fixed expectations.

Also, follow the rules on the day. The operator lists what you should not do: no smoking, no feeding animals, and no touching plants. Those rules are there for conservation and safety, and they also help keep the underwater environment healthy for the next group.

Price and value check: what the $52 includes and where costs creep in

At $52 per person, the value comes from bundling. You get two guided scuba sessions, lunch, hotel pick up and drop off (if selected), and travel insurance. Many single-session boat trips cost similarly once you add insurance or extra logistics, so the two-session format is the main reason this price can feel fair.

But you should budget for the common extras:

• Drinks are not included
• Photo and video service is an optional extra

A recent booking highlighted that photo and video packages can be expensive, so decide early whether you want that add-on. If you are trying to keep the day affordable, bring a camera or rely on your own photos.

One more comfort note that affects value: someone mentioned that transportation should have air conditioning. That might not bother you, but it is a clue that pickup comfort depends on the vehicle and time of day.

What to bring (and what not to), for a smooth day on the water

This is a bring-list day. The tour recommends:

• hat
• swimwear
• change of clothes
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• water

I also suggest you add a small dry bag for electronics and keep a second plastic bag for wet items. The day involves a boat, so your “normal” bathroom routines get a little harder fast.

On the no-go list, stick to what is written:

• no smoking
• no feeding animals
• no touching plants

If you want the clearest experience and the best odds of feeling comfortable, respect these rules. They protect the site and help the crew manage the group.

Who this tour suits, and who should skip it for safety

This tour is clearly aimed at people who can handle a day on the water and a guided scuba experience. It is not suitable for several groups, including:

• pregnancy
• people with heart problems
• people with respiratory issues
• people with epilepsy
• people with high blood pressure
• people who are prone to seasickness
• people with kidney problems
• people with limited mobility or wheelchair users
• people with lactose intolerance (listed as not suitable)
• people over 331 lbs (150 kg)
• people over 95 years

There are also age limits listed multiple ways. The info says children under 12 years old are not suitable, and it also lists exclusions for children under 13 and under 14. Because the minimum age wording conflicts, treat it as a signal to confirm eligibility before you book.

If you are a non-swimmer, it is also listed as not suitable. If you are diabetic, it is listed as not suitable too. This is one of those days where the “I’ll just try” approach can backfire. If you have any relevant medical condition, ask the operator first.

No-diver options, and how to join if you do not want the underwater sessions

The tour information includes an important option: you can select a child option if you want to come as No Diving. This group is accepted as no diving. It also notes that the Non-Diver ticket cannot be purchased alone, and that guests with a non-diver ticket can pay onboard if they want to participate in scuba sessions.

So, if you are traveling with someone who does not want to go underwater, this setup is designed to keep the day together. Still, follow the operator’s rules exactly and listen to the guide. The plan is built around scheduled underwater time, and the crew will manage the day around safety.

Also note that this tour is organized from Side and Alanya. If you are not diving, you may still spend time on a separate rhythm from the divers, depending on how your boat and site pairing works.

Should you book this Side and Alanya scuba day?

I would book this tour if you want a straightforward, value-heavy day with two guided scuba sessions, a clear depth progression (6m then 12m), and food included. It is especially appealing if you appreciate coaching that helps nervous first-timers feel calmer once they are underwater. The language options (English, German, Russian) also make it easier to relax.

I would think twice if you:

• get seasick easily, or you dislike boat rides
• want free drinks and cheap extras, because drinks and photo or video packages cost extra
• are outside the listed medical or fitness limits

If you book, do two things that improve the day fast: pack the basics (towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, water), and decide in advance whether you want the photo or video add-on. That way you are not negotiating your budget while the boat is moving.

FAQ

How long is the scuba tour from Side and Alanya?

The tour duration is listed as 7 hours. Transfer times vary by hotel, and the activity time excluding transfers is stated as 5 hours.

How many underwater scuba sessions are included?

The tour includes 2 scuba sessions with a professional guide.

How deep will I go?

The itinerary lists one session to 6 meters and another session to 12 meters.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. Transfer areas are listed for Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot, and the tour includes transfers from Alanya and Side areas.

What food is included during the day?

The tour includes lunch. The description also says there is a captain-prepared dinner between the two underwater sessions.

What languages are available for instruction?

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

Can I join as a no-diver?

Yes. Anyone who wants to come as No Diving can select the child option, and this group will be accepted as No Diving. The non-diver ticket cannot be purchased alone, and guests with a non-diver ticket can pay onboard if they wish to participate in scuba sessions.

What is not included in the price?

Drinks are not included. Photo and video service is also an optional extra.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water.

Who should not take this tour?

The information lists exclusions for pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory issues, people with epilepsy, people with kidney problems, people with high blood pressure, people prone to seasickness, people with limited mobility or wheelchair users, non-swimmers, and people over 331 lbs (150 kg), among others. It also lists age restrictions that exclude children under 12, and also includes under 13 and under 14 in the suitability section, so confirm the exact minimum age before booking.