Two underwater sessions, one smooth boat day. Side makes it easy to try scuba with clear targets: 6 meters first, then 12 meters. You’ll also get a proper boat-day setup with lunch and experienced instruction that works for different comfort levels.

I especially like the structured coaching and the fact that you’re not stuck guessing what comes next. A second thing I like is that the plan builds in time on the deck between sessions, so the day feels paced instead of rushed. One catch: sea conditions can change the exact water spot, and the ride can be rough on smaller boats—so seasickness planning matters.

Key points before you book

• Two underwater targets (6m then 12m) help you build comfort during the day
• Professional English, German, and Russian instructors guide you before you go down
• Lunch is included, with an onboard meal prepared by the captain between sessions
• Drinks and photos/videos cost extra, and photos can feel pricey
• Weather affects the plan, with alternate sites used when conditions force changes
• No-diver option exists, but it’s tied to a child selection and has limits

Side to open water: why this boat day is such a good fit

This tour is built for a classic Mediterranean format: hotel pickup, a short ride to the boat, and then a full block of time in the water with a guide. You’re in the Antalya region—near Side—so you get that postcard coastline vibe, plus the practical advantage of multiple pickup zones from both Side and Alanya.

What makes it work well is the way the day is organized. You’re not doing one quick, forgettable stop. You’re doing two separate underwater sessions with time between them, which helps first-timers settle in and lets more confident swimmers push their comfort a bit further on the second round.

One more thing: the operator notes that Side and Alanya groups use separate boats and different locations. That matters because it usually means your instructions and route are tailored to your group, not mixed up with someone else’s plan.

Price and value at about $52 for a full day on the water

At about $52 per person, you’re paying for more than just being on a boat. The included package covers:

• 2 underwater sessions with a professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select it
• Lunch
• Travel insurance

That combination is the real value. Many add-on costs you’ll see elsewhere (like insurance or guides) are already bundled here, and lunch saves you from hunting for food mid-boat day.

The one value-killer to watch is extras. Drinks are not included, and photo/video services cost extra. Based on real feedback, photo pricing can feel steep, so decide ahead of time whether you want images badly enough to pay for them.

Your 7-hour schedule: pickup, onboard time, lunch, and two underwater sessions

The total time on the clock is about 7 hours. Transfer times vary by hotel, and the operator says the actual underwater time is about 5 hours excluding transfers. So you’re looking at a full day, not a half-day pop-in.

A realistic rhythm looks like this:

1. Pickup (and yes, there can be a wait—up to about 25 minutes at the hotel security point)
2. Boat departure and transit to the water area
3. Session one (targeting about 6 meters)
4. Surface interval with deck time and a meal onboard
5. Session two (targeting about 12 meters)
6. Return transfer to your pickup drop-off point

If weather turns, the operator may shorten or extend the schedule. That’s not a marketing trick; it’s a safety reality. The good news is they also mention finding an alternative water spot when the original plan doesn’t work because of sea conditions.

Session one around 6 meters: what this first target is really for

The first underwater session is designed around a manageable depth—up to about 6 meters. For many people, this is the comfort zone where you learn how the guide wants you to move, breathe, and keep buoyancy under control.

Because it’s guided, you’re not left to figure it out alone. The tour is described as suitable for different skill levels, and the instructions are in English, German, or Russian, so you can actually understand what’s being asked of you.

At this depth, you’re more likely to get a mix of:

• colorful marine life
• underwater features that are easier to spot in calmer conditions
• that satisfying feeling of seeing the seafloor come into focus

And yes—there’s another reason this first target is smart: it gives you a chance to make sure you feel good before going deeper later.

Session two down to about 12 meters: how it changes the experience

The second underwater session reaches about 12 meters. That’s still well within the “tour dive” style of depth, but it changes the experience. You’ll typically feel:

• cooler water
• less light at the bottom than at 6 meters
• more attention needed for breathing pace and buoyancy

This is where the tour description leans into the payoff: you’re expected to encounter more underwater highlights like artifacts and even sunken wreck stories, depending on what’s in the working area that day.

One important practical note: instructors set the pace. If you get nervous, they’re the people to trust for calming guidance and technique cues. One recent booking described how the instructor encouraged a first-time participant to try after initial hesitation, and that everything felt better once they were underwater.

Lunch and the captain’s meal between sessions

You get lunch included, and the tour highlights also mention a meal prepared by the captain and time to relax on the deck between the two underwater sessions.

That deck time is more than just eating. It’s the moment to catch your breath, rinse off, and mentally reset. If you’ve ever been on a day where everything happens back-to-back, you know how quickly that becomes stressful. Here, the spacing is built in.

Also, since drinks are extra, treat meal time as your chance to hydrate strategically. Bring water if you like, and then buy drinks only if you decide you need them onboard.

Marine life, artifacts, and the rules you must follow

The tour description promises a range of sea-world encounters—from marine life to mentions of ancient artifacts and sunken ships. Real life will always depend on the day’s conditions and the selected water spot, but the intent is clear: this isn’t just a sightseeing lap around the boat.

What matters for you is the operator’s rules. They explicitly say:

• no smoking
• no feeding animals
• no touching plants

Those rules keep the underwater area healthy and keep wildlife behavior predictable. If you’re excited to interact, put that energy into watching and photographing instead. Even if you spot unusual activity in shallow water, follow the guide’s instructions and don’t assume hands-on is allowed.

Boat comfort: seasickness is the real wild card

Here’s the honest part: sea conditions can make or break a boat day. One set of feedback described extreme sea motion that stopped the planned water spot, forcing an alternative location. Another booking described seasickness on a small boat, fear about whether they could complete the underwater sessions, and relief once they were in the water.

So how should you prepare?

• If you’re prone to seasickness, plan for it. This tour is not positioned for people who are seasickness-prone.
• Wear a change of clothes and keep a towel handy for after the sessions.
• Keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat is moving, and don’t fight nausea by ignoring it.

If you’re new to open-water conditions, you might be surprised by how quickly your body adapts once you’re underwater. Still, the safest route is to respect the operator’s limitations.

Photos and videos: how to avoid a surprise bill

Photos and video service are optional extras. Drinks are also extra. And from one booking, the photo/video cost felt high—so high that it was nearly equal to the cost of the underwater portion itself.

That doesn’t mean you should automatically skip it. It just means you should decide in advance:

• Are you the kind of person who wants wearable proof of the day?
• Or would you rather spend that money on a great meal back on land?

If you do buy onboard photos, treat it like a souvenir, not a requirement. The tour still delivers the underwater experience even if you go camera-free.

What to pack for an easy day in Side (and what to leave alone)

The tour lists a clear packing list. Bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera (if you want it)
• Sunscreen
• Water

I’d add one practical mindset: keep your essentials together, because the boat day means quick transitions. You’ll want to get from pickup to boat to water to deck meal without digging through a bag every time.

And leave space for the rules. Don’t plan on smoking onboard, don’t feed animals, and don’t touch plants. It’s not just for conservation; it’s also for your own safety.

Who this tour fits well—and who should skip it

This experience is not for everyone. The operator lists exclusions including (among others):

• pregnant women
• people with heart or respiratory issues
• people with limited mobility or wheelchair users
• non-swimmers
• people prone to seasickness
• people with epilepsy or kidney problems
• people with diabetes or lactose intolerance
• high blood pressure
• weight over 150 kg (331 lbs)
• people over 95 years

So who should book? If you’re healthy, comfortable on a boat, and ready to follow guide instructions, this is a solid way to do two guided underwater sessions in one day.

What about the no-water option? The operator notes there is a no-diver choice via a child option, and this group will be accepted as no-diver. But a non-diver ticket cannot be purchased alone, and if you have a non-diver ticket you can pay onboard if you want to participate in the underwater sessions.

That means: if you want to skip the underwater part, you need to align with the operator’s no-diver selection rules.

Weather and changing locations: what happens when the sea doesn’t cooperate

Weather can shorten or extend the tour, and sea conditions can change where you go. In one account, rough seas stopped the original plan, and the crew found an alternative water area so the day still worked.

Think of this as part of the scuba reality in the Mediterranean. The best approach is to be flexible: you’re not paying for one exact coordinate, you’re paying for two guided underwater sessions with a crew that adjusts when conditions require it.

Should you book this Side scuba tour from Alanya and Side?

If you want value and a guided plan, I’d say yes—especially because you’re getting two underwater sessions with instruction, lunch included, and hotel transfers in many Side/Alanya-area locations. The depth progression from about 6 meters to 12 meters is also a good structure for learning and confidence-building.

I’d hesitate if you’re worried about boat motion, because seasickness can hit, and the operator does exclude people prone to it. I’d also budget for extras like drinks and photo/video, since those are commonly where the final bill climbs.

If you fit the health and comfort requirements and you’re okay being flexible with weather, this is a strong way to spend a long day on the Antalya coast with clear targets and pro guidance.

FAQ

How many underwater sessions are included?

The tour includes 2 scuba underwater sessions with a professional guide.

What depths do the sessions reach?

The planned targets are about 6 meters for the first session and about 12 meters for the second session.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the tour, and there’s also an onboard meal prepared by the captain between sessions.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the hotel transfer option. You’ll receive details about where to meet about 24 hours before, and transfer times vary by hotel.

What languages are the instructors?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

Can I join as a no-water participant?

A no-water option is available through selecting the child option, and this group is accepted as no-diver. A non-diver ticket cannot be purchased alone, and you may be able to pay onboard if you decide to join the underwater sessions.

Are drinks, photos, and videos included?

No. Drinks are extra, and photos/videos are also optional extras available for an additional charge.