One morning, you’ll trade street heat for cool sea time. This scuba experience runs with two guided underwater sessions in the Mediterranean, plus hotel pickup and drop-off from Alanya and Side—so you can focus on learning and looking around. I like that they run a structured intro for beginners, with careful safety steps and lots of instructor support. I also like the small-crew feel: a team of ten, including two dive masters and four instructors, all watching you closely.

The main thing to consider is the logistics. The transfer from Side to the water can feel long, and pickup timing isn’t always perfectly smooth, so you’ll want to be ready for some van time. Also, as with any water activity, sea conditions can change the plan.

Key things that matter before you go

• Two underwater sessions (about 30 minutes each) with different spots in the morning and afternoon
• Beginner onboarding first: theory, safety, underwater sign-language, then surface breathing practice
• Slow, confidence-first descent with pauses at each meter so you can get comfortable
• Photo moments during training when fish-feeding happens (you can buy the content)
• Visitors can come aboard if they don’t want to do the underwater sessions

Entering the right mindset with trained instructors

This tour is built for mixed experience levels. You don’t need to be a seasoned sea pro to enjoy it. If you’re fully certified, you’ll still get a briefing and time to get your bearings. If you’re brand-new, the day is structured so you’re not thrown in cold.

The crew size is a real advantage. You’re not just going with one instructor and hoping for the best. There are ten people involved, including two dive masters and four instructors. That kind of staffing matters when you’re learning buoyancy, managing ear pressure, and trying not to panic when everything feels new.

Safety is part of the “how”

They teach underwater hand signals and safety rules before anyone goes down. Then you practice breathing on the surface. That means when you finally descend, you’re not starting from zero.

One small but important detail: they take things step by step. You don’t rush straight down. You get pauses at each meter so you can stabilize, relax, and adjust. This is exactly what helps beginners feel in control.

Transfer from Alanya and Side: the part you shouldn’t ignore

The big question is time. The activity is listed at 8 hours, but a lot of that depends on where your hotel is and which pickup route your van takes.

If you’re staying in Side, expect the ride to be longer because the water spot is in the Alanya area. That can be fine if you like the “see the coast from the car” vibe. It can also be frustrating if you’re expecting to spend most of the day on the water. One common complaint is that the itinerary can feel over-heavy on van time.

Pickup can be a little messy—so plan like a pro

Pickup timing and the exact pickup location can be hit or miss. I’d treat pickup like a critical connection. Be ready early. Double-check your hotel’s exact address and ask your accommodation to help you confirm the pickup point.

If you’re sensitive to delays, build in a buffer day-of. And if you end up waiting, remember: the whole tour still depends on sea conditions and safe access to the water. Waiting can be the price of not doing something unsafe.

What you actually do in the morning: first underwater session

Your day starts with pickup, then you get transported to the boat area. After a briefing, the schedule splits depending on experience.

For people who are already certified, the first underwater session may start quickly after the instruction. For beginners, you’ll get an onboarding first, and then you’ll go in with guidance.

Beginner onboarding, step by step

You can expect:

• Theoretical instruction: equipment basics, safety rules, and how to communicate underwater
• Surface breathing exercises: so the airflow feels familiar
• Guided descent: slow descent with pauses at each meter
• Fish-feeding moment: at about the third meter, you can feed fish while an instructor takes pictures/video

That fish-feeding moment isn’t just for fun. It’s a useful training anchor. You have a task, you have a visual focal point, and you’re not just drifting while trying to remember everything you were taught.

Depth and comfort

For the training-focused part, they aim for a shallower experience. You’ll swim around with controlled depth, and you should not go lower than about 6 meters during the confidence-building session. You can stay shallower if you prefer.

And yes, ear pressure can happen. As you descend, you might feel pressure in your ears. Some people also report headaches or discomfort if they don’t manage equalization well. If that’s you, take it seriously—tell your instructor immediately. They can help you slow down and adjust.

The afternoon repeat at a new spot

After the morning session, there’s time back on board, and then another underwater session in the afternoon. The idea here is repetition with variation. You’re not learning the entire process twice from scratch. Instead, the plan repeats the shallower “6-meter-style” experience at a different spot.

That second location is helpful because it keeps things interesting while still staying in a safe comfort zone. If you had some nerves in the morning, this is often where you settle in. You’ve already done the hard mental work: breathing, buoyancy, and communication.

Lunch might be included on some days

One itinerary detail I saw firsthand in the information you provided: lunch can be included. I can’t promise it’s always the case for every departure, but it’s common for a day like this to include food between sessions. Either way, it’s smart to treat drinks separately, because drinks are not listed as included.

The “more exploration” second session

The second underwater session is described as more exploratory. That usually means you’ll have more freedom to swim around and experience different underwater views.

In one account tied to this experience, participants reached around 11 meters during the second session. That suggests experienced divers may go deeper than the first training-style portion, while beginners likely stay shallower. Your instructor controls the plan based on comfort, training level, and what the site allows.

More than scenery: it’s about control

The biggest skill you’re trying to build is being calm while suspended. The tour description emphasizes staying at the required depth, and instructors can adjust your setup so you remain suspended. The goal is simple: you should feel stable, not stuck trying to fight buoyancy.

If you get mildly panicky, that’s not rare. In a couple of experiences you shared, people came up briefly for a reset. The key is that you’re not supposed to just power through. If you need a breather, communicate and follow the instructor’s guidance.

Gear, comfort, and that wetsuit reality check

Equipment is included, and the tour is marketed as using high-quality, well-maintained gear. That’s a big part of why the experience can feel safe.

Still, fit matters. One person reported wetsuits didn’t fit well. If you’re between sizes, have a build that doesn’t match standard wetsuit shapes, or you tend to dislike tight gear, it’s worth mentioning it right away. A better fit helps with comfort, mobility, and buoyancy control.

Ear pressure: what to do during the descent

Ear pressure is often the real challenge for first-timers. Your best move is to treat equalization as part of the routine. Tell your instructor early if you feel pain or worsening pressure. Descend slowly. Take a break if you need to. Instructors adjust the pace for a reason.

What if someone in your group doesn’t want to go?

This is one of the friendlier features if you’re traveling with family or partners who don’t want the underwater part.

Non-diving participants can join as visitors. They can enjoy the facilities aboard except the scuba activity. That means you don’t have to split the group or leave your companion behind on shore.

In practical terms, this is great for decision-making. You can book the underwater sessions for the people who want them, while others still get a full boat day.

Photos and videos: fun memories, optional add-ons

During the fish-feeding and key moments, instructors take pictures and video. In the information provided, photos and videos are not included in the price. That means you may get an opportunity to purchase afterward.

If you’re camera-shy, tell your instructor. If you love underwater photos, this is where the content can be worth it—especially for the first-timer moments when everything feels new and you want proof you really did it.

Price and value: is $59 actually a good deal?

At $59 per person for an 8-hour day, the value depends on what you care about and how your day lines up logistically.

Here’s what’s included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Diving equipment
• Beginner training (for those who need it)
• Two underwater sessions

What’s not included:

• Drinks
• Photos/videos

If you’re staying in Alanya or Side, the pickup is a major cost saver. Private transport to the water and back can add up quickly. Two guided underwater sessions also stretch your time on the water compared with half-day alternatives.

Where value can dip:

• If you end up spending lots of the day on the van (especially from Side)
• If you’re sensitive to delays or pickup mix-ups
• If you need specific suit comfort and the fit isn’t great

My advice: treat this as a full-day “learn + swim” experience, not a quick hit. If you’re okay with a longer transport day and you want structured guidance, the price looks fair.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This tour is designed for mixed ability levels. Beginners can do it because you get theory, safety training, surface breathing practice, and a guided, controlled descent. If you’re already certified, you still get support and a structured day across two sessions.

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments

Also, the tour won’t run on days with storm conditions or heavy rain. Sea conditions can alter the program, including which stops you can access.

Best fit

You’ll likely enjoy this most if:

• You want a guided day with a clear plan
• You’re nervous about the underwater part but want a step-by-step approach
• You like the idea of shallow training plus a second session with more exploration
• You want convenient pickup and drop-off from your hotel

Practical tips to make the day smoother

Before you go, keep it simple. Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it for the basic packing list.

Then focus on the “small things” that prevent big problems:

• Arrive ready for pickup. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
• If you’re prone to ear discomfort, mention it at the start.
• If you’re visiting with non-diving companions, ask what facilities they can use so everyone knows the plan.
• Expect that sea conditions can change the route. Build flexibility into your schedule.

Should you book this scuba tour from Alanya and Side?

I’d book it if you want two guided underwater sessions with serious instructor staffing, a beginner-friendly training structure, and door-to-door pickup from your hotel. The day is built to help you feel safer and more confident fast.

I’d skip it—or at least double-check expectations—if your schedule is tight, you hate waiting, or you’re very sensitive to transport time from Side. Also keep in mind that weather can cancel or change parts of the program, and wetsuit fit isn’t always perfect.

If you treat it like a full-day learning experience (not a quick morning activity), it’s a strong value way to see what’s under the water in Antalya Province.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Alanya and the city of Side.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

You get 2 guided underwater sessions, each about 30 minutes.

Will beginners get training?

Yes. Beginners receive theoretical instruction on equipment, safety, and underwater sign-language, followed by practical surface breathing exercises. Then you go underwater with a guide.

How deep will beginners go?

The training-focused underwater part is described as going no lower than about 6 meters. You can stay shallower if you want.

What languages are the instructors?

The activity lists instructors speaking English, German, Russian, and Turkish.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The program can change based on conditions. It won’t take place on days with storm or heavy rain, and stopping points might be omitted for safety reasons.

Who can’t participate?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments.

You Might Also Enjoy

Cappadocia: Guided Red Tour with Lunch and TicketSide:Green Lake Mix Tour – A Day of Nature History & CultureCappadocia Wine Tasting ExperienceIstanbul to Cappadocia: 2-Day All Inclusive Tour + Balloon Option