Go underwater without the stress. This Antalya/Kemer day turns first-timers into confident beginners with 5-to-1 instructor support and shallow, beginner-friendly limits. You’ll get two classroom-to-water practice runs, each about 20 minutes, plus a completion certificate at the end.

One thing to keep in mind: the optional photo and video upsells can feel pushy for some people, even before you’re done suiting up.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Kirish Bay, built for beginners: training happens in shallow water around 5–7 meters.
• Small in-water groups: about five divers per instructor helps you get real help fast.
• Two sessions on the same day: you’ll do a first practice round, then a second chance to improve.
• Lunch is included: you’re not stuck hungry between sessions.
• A real completion certificate: you’ll leave with paperwork for your logbook.
• Optional souvenirs cost extra: photo/video packages are sold separately.

Kirish Bay in Kemer: a calm setting for your first underwater skills

This experience is based out of the Kemer area, with training in the Bay of Kirish. That matters because you’re not starting in open water chaos. The whole day is designed around a shallow-water progression, with room for learning, breathing, and basic underwater control.

Expect a mix of rocky underwater areas and marine life. That sounds simple, but for first-timers it’s a good setup: you can look around without needing advanced skills. The tour also mentions using submarine-style sign language underwater, which is smart. You’ll learn quick hand signals so you don’t have to guess what your instructor wants.

If you’re picturing this as a “relax and look at fish” day only, keep expectations balanced. The main goal is learning how to use the gear, breathe comfortably, and move safely.

Pickup and the 9:00 AM start: what fills your ~6 hours

The day starts around 9:00 AM. Pickup is offered, and you’ll receive pickup details sometime between 6 and 9 PM the day before—so don’t panic if the info arrives late. Also, the tour is run from Antalya and Kemer, so you’ll likely spend some time in an air-conditioned vehicle before reaching the bay.

The full outing is roughly 6 hours, and it’s paced around two underwater practice sessions. Between those sessions, you’ll be on the boat with time to eat and enjoy the sea views.

That timing rhythm is where the value shows. You’re not paying for a long day where most of your time is waiting around. You’re getting two water chunks plus a break that actually feels like part of the experience, not just downtime.

Gear, briefing, and the instructor ratio that helps you relax

Everything centers on the briefing and the instructor support. The tour is built with a 5-to-1 diver-to-instructor ratio in the water, which is exactly what beginners want. Instructors can correct small issues quickly—mask fit, buoyancy comfort, and breathing rhythm.

You’ll be provided with scuba equipment. That includes the gear you need to get started, but you should still treat fit as your job. One review described a mask problem on the first session (water collecting inside right after going underwater). That’s a reminder: if anything feels off before you submerge, say so right away. You don’t need to tough it out.

Also, your instructor adjusts the depth if you have prior experience. So you’re not forced into a single “one size fits all” plan. The standard plan for beginners goes from the surface down to about 5 meters first, then about 7 meters in the second session.

Bring a practical mindset: focus on calm breathing, small movements, and staying relaxed. Most first-time problems are really first-time fear problems. When you settle your breathing, everything gets easier.

Your first underwater session (about 5 meters): training that doubles as sightseeing

The first water session is set up for novices, starting from the surface and going down to about 5 meters. Each session is designed to last around 20 minutes, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to learn, not so long that you’re exhausted and frustrated.

One useful thing to know: the first session can feel more structured than you might expect. There’s specialist scuba equipment on the boat, and the crew may capture footage during the learning moments. If you’re the type who doesn’t want to be photographed or filmed, communicate that before you get in the water.

Still, the first session is where you build the foundation:

• how your mask sits
• what it feels like to equalize comfortably
• how to breathe without rushing
• how to follow instructor hand signals

After you surface, you’ll have a breather. If you get even slightly nauseous in the wrong conditions, tell someone right away. In one case, a participant felt ill after the first session and skipped the second. You should never push through discomfort to “prove” you’re fine.

The break on the boat: lunch, sea views, and small weather realities

Between the two underwater sessions, you’ll be on the boat and you’ll have time to eat. Lunch is included, and it’s described as a simple meal: nuggets, pasta, and salad.

That part isn’t glamorous, but it’s practical value. Two sessions plus boat time can make hunger hit fast. Having food included means you can focus on the second session instead of searching for snacks.

You’ll also get time looking out at the sea. The tour description calls out the deep blue view, and even if you’ve seen plenty of Mediterranean coastline already, boat time is a different angle. It’s also a good chance to gauge conditions. If the surface is choppy, you’ll know it before the second session.

One extra note from real-world experience: jellyfish may be present around the area. You can’t control that, but you can control your behavior—keep an eye out and follow crew guidance about where to swim.

And if there’s limited space to change, plan accordingly. One negative review mentioned there wasn’t a convenient changing area. So think ahead: wear what you can, and arrive prepared to use quick-change solutions if needed.

Second session around 7 meters: more movement, more to see

The second underwater session usually goes deeper than the first—down to about 7 meters for novices. For experienced divers, the instructor adapts the depth. In other words, the tour aims to keep the learning stretch without turning it into a technical challenge.

This second session is often where people feel a noticeable improvement because they’ve already gone through the basics once. You may be more comfortable moving around and looking at the seafloor.

Some participants found the second session delivered more visual payoff, including coral areas and fish. Others felt it didn’t match their expectations. That difference is normal for shallow-water tours because underwater visibility, animal movement, and how you’re guided all vary day to day.

If you felt ill after the first session, it’s still possible to join a swim instead of the full second training. That flexible attitude matters. Your goal should be a good day, not forcing yourself underwater when your body says no.

Certificates, the closing ceremony, and the optional photo/video pressure

At the end of the day, each diver receives a certificate. That’s a meaningful souvenir in its own right—something you can keep for your logbook and future bookings.

There’s also a short ceremony for handing out certificates. One review described it as a bit unnecessary and noted staff encouraging dancing. If you prefer quiet and low-key, don’t expect a solemn, formal event. Think of it as a friendly wrap-up.

Now the part you should plan around: optional photo and video reports are not included. The tour listing says photo/video is 25 USD. One review also described high-pressure selling of photo packages and extra courses.

That doesn’t mean the whole day is bad—it means you should set your boundaries early. If you’re not interested in buying footage, say it clearly before the first session. If you might buy, decide the moment you board so you’re not negotiating while you’re underwater and distracted.

Lunch included, but drinks cost extra: how to think about value

The tour includes air-conditioned transport, lunch, scuba equipment, and the instruction needed for two shallow sessions. That’s the real value package for first-timers. You’re paying for the gear, the people, and the planned underwater time—not just the tank.

What’s not included:

• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages / drinks
• Photo and video report (25 USD)

This is a key budgeting point. For many first-timers, optional photos turn a good value day into a pricier souvenir hunt. If you want the best “value for money,” treat photo/video as a choose-your-own-adventure add-on:

• Skip it if you already have underwater photos from phones or you hate the sales part.
• Buy it only if you know you’ll actually want the footage and you’re comfortable paying extra.

Also note: the tour can have up to 30 travelers. That’s not massive, but it can still mean a crowded boat day if conditions and schedules stack up. Some reviews mentioned too many people aboard and waiting. You can’t fully control that, but you can control your expectations: this is popular, and you’re signing up for a shared experience.

Who this is best for (and who should sit this one out)

This works well if you’re:

• a total beginner who wants structured instruction
• curious about marine life in shallow water
• okay with two shorter sessions instead of one long, exhausting one
• interested in leaving with a certificate

It may be less ideal if you:

• get motion sickness easily (boat time + two sessions can be a lot)
• are sensitive about jellyfish presence and prefer fully controlled environments
• strongly dislike upsells or being pushed toward photo packages
• need a comfortable changing area and expect more than basic facilities (one report noted no changing place)

Most people can participate, but the real filter is how you handle the basics: calm breathing, comfort with gear, and staying relaxed underwater.

Practical tips so you enjoy the experience more

A few small actions make a big difference in how your day feels:

• Check your mask fit immediately. If it leaks, adjust it before you sink.
• Tell the crew about comfort issues fast. If you feel ill or uneasy, don’t wait.
• Decide about photos upfront. Want them or not—choose before you’re in the water.
• Use the boat break wisely. Eat lunch and rest so the second session feels good, not rushed.
• Watch where you swim for jellyfish. Follow guidance and keep your eyes open.

If you do those things, you’ll get more learning and more relaxation, not just a series of stressful moments.

Should you book this Antalya and Kemer underwater course?

I think you should book it if you want a beginner-friendly way to learn scuba basics in the Mediterranean—complete with gear, transport, lunch, two shallow sessions, and a completion certificate. The 5-to-1 instructor ratio and the shallow depth plan make it a solid starting point.

I’d be cautious if you hate photo/video sales or you’re very sensitive to boat conditions. This experience can feel sales-forward at times, and the group boat day can get crowded.

If you’re flexible, communicate clearly, and treat the day as a learning adventure, this is a good way to get your feet wet—literally—around Antalya’s coast without making it complicated.

FAQ

How long is the scuba training tour?

The duration is approximately 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Complimentary hotel pickup is offered, and pickup details are shared between 6 and 9 PM the day before the tour.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many sessions are included, and how long are they?

You’ll have two shallow underwater sessions. Each session is designed to last about 20 minutes.

What depth will beginners reach?

For novices, the plan is approximately 5 meters in the first session and 7 meters in the second session. The instructor can adapt depth for those with prior experience.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. Each diver receives a certificate at the end of the tour.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.