You can only relax once you trust the gear and the people, and this tour is built for that. I like that you get step-by-step coaching before you ever go below the surface, and you’re guided again on the water by a full team. The other big win is that the day includes two separate underwater sessions, so you get more than just a quick look.

One thing to consider: the schedule can stretch and shift with sea conditions, and the boat ride can be rough—one review specifically mentioned motion sickness and long waiting before the first session.

What makes this tour work (and what to expect)

• Beginner training included, with theory, safety basics, and underwater hand-sign practice before you go down
• Two underwater sessions (around 30 minutes each) at different spots, with time built in for confidence
• Up to 6 meters guidance using buoyancy adjustments in your suit for steadier control
• Photo/video capture on the 3-meter moment, with photos and videos available to buy later
• Large, multilingual crew (10 staff) with instructors to keep you comfortable
• Non-divers can join as visitors, staying on board for the full boat experience (no scuba)

How the 8-Hour Day Flows From Alanya and Side

This is an all-day plan—listed at about 8 hours—starting with pick-up from hotels in the Alanya and Side area. In practice, your exact pickup time depends on where your hotel is, so I’d treat it like a “be ready early” situation. If you want smooth logistics, share your room number after check-in and be reachable (WhatsApp is recommended) because the pickup window can shift.

The day centers on a boat out on the Mediterranean. You’ll be on board long enough to do equipment prep, training, the first underwater session, and then the second one in the afternoon. That means it’s not a short excursion, even though your time below the surface is about 30 minutes per session.

Why the timing matters

For a first scuba experience, waiting can feel awkward. The good news here is that the team trains you before you go down, so you’re not guessing when you finally drop in. The trade-off is that if the water conditions aren’t ideal, you may wait longer or skip a stop to stay safe.

Two Underwater Sessions at Up to 6 Meters

The headline is simple: two guided underwater sessions, each roughly 30 minutes. You’ll first go down with a gradual approach, then later repeat the experience at a different spot to give you variety instead of doing the same thing twice.

Depth is limited to a maximum of 6 meters. That’s a smart choice for comfort and for people who are new to the pace of scuba. At this depth range, you can focus on breathing and buoyancy without feeling like you need advanced skills to keep things under control.

What “two sessions” really buys you

Even if both sessions feel similar, you’ll get a second chance to:

• practice what you learned during training,
• correct small habits (like staying calm and level),
• see more fish and underwater details because you’re at a different location the second time.

For many first-timers, that second attempt is where confidence actually shows up.

Beginner Training First: Gear, Safety, and Underwater Hand Signals

The tour is explicitly set up for both fully certified scuba participants and beginners. For people new to scuba, you start with training on the boat. You’ll cover equipment and safety procedures, plus underwater sign language—the simple gestures that let you communicate once you can’t easily talk underwater.

You’ll also do breathing exercises on the surface. That part matters more than people expect. When you’re learning scuba for the first time, your biggest enemy is usually panic from not knowing what to do with your breathing and timing. Surface practice helps your body get used to the rhythm before you’re responsible for staying calm underwater.

Descend slowly for confidence

You won’t just drop down fast. You’ll descend gradually, with pauses at each meter to build comfort. That stepwise approach helps you feel the change in depth without getting overwhelmed, and it gives your instructor time to check that everything is functioning normally—breathing, posture, and control.

The 3-Meter Fish-Feeding Moment (and Photo Capture)

One of the most memorable parts of the day is the moment you reach around 3 meters. That’s where you get the chance to feed fish—an easy, guided activity that also helps you stay busy and relaxed while you’re down at a depth that’s not too demanding.

At this stage, a second instructor will capture photos and video. You don’t have to buy them on the spot, but they’re available for purchase afterward. If you care about a visual souvenir, this is the moment to remember—because it’s the one geared toward interaction, not just floating and looking around.

How this helps first-timers

Fish feeding can sound like a gimmick, but it’s actually useful training. It gives you a task and a reason to stay steady, which is the real goal early on: calm breathing, correct buoyancy, and controlled movement.

The Main 6-Meter Underwater Swim: Steady Buoyancy and Scenery

After the training phase and the earlier shallow moment, the day moves into a deeper underwater session—up to 6 meters. You’ll swim around an island area with your instructor adjusting your setup so you stay at the right depth.

A key detail: your instructor can adjust the air in your suit to help you remain suspended where you need to be. That means you’re not expected to instantly master buoyancy like a pro. The goal is to feel weightless, comfortable, and able to look around without fighting your gear.

In the afternoon, this 6-meter experience is repeated at a different spot, which is one of the reasons the tour feels more complete. Instead of one location and done, you get variety.

Real-world comfort tip for your body

If you get cold easily, you’ll still want to plan for changing conditions on the boat and in the water. The tour provides equipment, and you bring essentials like a towel and swimwear, but comfort depends on your personal cold tolerance.

Boat Time: Enjoy It, But Plan for Motion

This is where reviews get useful. One review mentioned a long wait before they actually started the first underwater session—while spending hours on a ship with lots of people, some of whom were affected by sea sickness.

So here’s my practical advice: treat the boat portion as a real part of the experience, not a boring prelude. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider bringing something that helps you feel steadier (whatever works for you). Even if the water ends up smooth, the day is long, and that’s enough time for discomfort to build.

What you can control

• Dress with comfort for sitting on a boat for hours.
• Bring a towel (you already know this, but it’s still the difference between drying off fast or being chilly).
• Keep expectations flexible. If the sea conditions aren’t ideal, stops can be omitted for safety.

Equipment and Crew: Why the Team Size Matters

A big reason this tour works for mixed skill levels is the staffing. The crew totals 10 people, including two senior underwater leaders and four instructors, plus multilingual support. For you, that ratio is a comfort factor. You’re not left alone once you’re underwater—you’re guided, adjusted, and coached through the early steps.

The tour is offered in English, German, Russian, and Turkish, so you have options if your primary language isn’t English. Clear explanations and consistent guidance are especially important for beginners, and that’s where the instructor-heavy setup shows its value.

The equipment angle

The tour says the scuba equipment is well-maintained and provided as part of the price. For me, that’s a baseline requirement for safety and comfort. When you don’t have to track rental gear or worry about whether it fits correctly, you can focus on learning.

What You’re Paying for: Value at Around $70

At $70 per person, you’re paying for more than just the underwater time. You’re getting:

• hotel pickup and drop-off,
• scuba equipment,
• beginner training,
• and two underwater sessions.

That’s why the price can still feel fair even though the underwater portion is only about 30 minutes per session. Transfers alone can easily add cost on many self-booked trips. Training matters, too. If you’ve never used scuba gear, the difference between a quick explanation and a structured learning flow is huge.

Where the extra costs can appear

Not everything is included. Drinks aren’t included, and photos/videos are extra. Also, the schedule can change due to sea conditions, which can affect how the day feels even if you still get the main plan.

So I’d think of this as a “guided package” more than a “bargain ticket.” If you want a comfortable first experience with coaching and logistics handled, the value makes sense.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want a guided first scuba experience,
• like the idea of shallow confidence-building plus a controlled deeper session,
• value two underwater opportunities rather than one,
• prefer not to handle rental gear and logistics yourself.

You can also bring friends or family who don’t want to scuba. They can join as visitors, stay on board, and enjoy the facilities without participating in scuba.

Who should reconsider

It’s listed as not suitable for:

• pregnant women,
• people with mobility impairments.

If you’re unsure because of health reasons, it’s worth asking questions before booking.

Weather and Safety: Flexible Plans, Not Guarantees

The program is subject to sea conditions. The tour notes it won’t run on days with storm or heavy rain, and stopping points may be omitted for safety. That means your day is real, but it isn’t guaranteed down to the minute.

This flexibility is part of the safety culture. For you, that means having the mental posture of a boat day: you show up ready to learn, and you adapt if the sea doesn’t cooperate.

Food on Board and the Real Comfort Stuff

One review specifically mentioned the lunch as sufficient and tasty. So there’s a good chance you’re not spending the day hungry, even though drinks aren’t included.

Still, since drinks aren’t included, I recommend planning for hydration costs if you’re thirsty on the water. Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider additional layers for the boat portion if you’re sensitive to wind.

Should You Book This Scuba Tour From Alanya or Side?

I’d book this tour if you want a structured first-time scuba experience with real coaching, two underwater sessions, and hotel transfers handled for you. The best parts are the beginner training and the instructor support—especially the way the tour builds confidence step by step, then offers a fuller second session.

I’d hesitate if you’re very prone to seasickness or hate long boat days. Also, if you need a tight schedule, note the potential for waiting and changes depending on sea conditions.

If you want one simple decision rule: book it for the learning and the guided two-session experience—bring motion-care for the boat time.

FAQ

What’s the duration of this tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

You get two guided underwater sessions, each about 30 minutes.

What maximum depth will you reach?

The tour description says you may go to a maximum depth of around 6 meters.

Is there beginner training if I’ve never done scuba before?

Yes. Beginners receive instruction on equipment, safety procedures, underwater sign language, and surface breathing exercises before going underwater.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included, but the instructors capture photos/videos and they are available for purchase.

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, diving/scuba equipment, beginner training, and the two underwater sessions are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It’s not suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments.

FAQ

Can non-divers join the boat day?

Yes. People who don’t want to scuba can join as visitors and use the onboard facilities except for scuba participation.

Are hotel transfers available from Alanya and Side?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from accommodations in the Alanya and Side area.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The tour may not run in storm or heavy rain. Stopping points can also be omitted depending on sea conditions for safety.

Which languages are spoken by the crew?

The crew offers instruction in English, German, Russian, and Turkish.

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