REVIEW · ALANYA
From Side, Alanya: Scuba Diving With 2 Time Dive & Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Alanya Best Trips · Bookable on Viator
Two underwater sessions, one solid plan.
This day trip is built for people who want to try scuba in Alanya without getting lost in the details. You start with pickup and a boat ride, then get hands-on guidance before your first time underwater at about 3–5 meters—ideal for nervous first-timers.
What I like most is the clear structure: short, supervised underwater time with instructors, then a chance to relax on the water. I also like the flexibility for non-scuba participants, who can snorkel instead and still enjoy the sea.
One thing to consider: underwater time is intentionally limited (and the group can be busy in high season). If you’re hoping for a long, deep training day, this setup won’t feel like that.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Side to Alanya: how the morning actually flows
- Training first, then your first underwater time (3–5 meters)
- Okurcalar boat stop: snorkeling for non-scuba participants
- Lunch on the boat and your swim/sun break
- Second underwater session at 7–8 meters: what to notice
- Gear, insurance, and the feeling of safety
- Price and value: does $45.38 make sense?
- Logistics that matter: timing, crowds, and group size
- Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)
- Should you book the Side to Alanya scuba experience?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- How long are the underwater sessions?
- Is lunch included?
- Can non-scuba participants snorkel?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key things to know before you go
- Two supervised underwater sessions: first around 3–5 meters, then around 7–8 meters
- Beginner-friendly training right before you go in, so you’re not guessing
- Non-scuba option: snorkeling is available for people who don’t want the equipment
- Lunch on the boat plus a swim and sunbathing break between sessions
- Smaller “lesson style” pacing: short underwater times, instructor-led for safety
- Max group size up to 100, so expect a lively, high-season vibe
Side to Alanya: how the morning actually flows
This starts early, with a 8:00 am pickup window and hotel collection in the Side/Alanya area. The goal is simple: get you to the right marina for your boat ride without you dealing with taxis, transfers, or navigation.
From there, you’ll head out by boat and sail from the Alanya/Okurcalar area. The pacing matters here. You get to settle into the day with sea time before gear goes on and instructions start. If you’re the type who needs a little ramp-up time (lots of people do), this is a good approach.
The day is about 8 hours total, but the driving time varies based on where your hotel is. After the second underwater session, it’s about 1.5 hours back to your hotel area, depending on the route.
Practical tip: bring sunscreen and a hat. You’re on the water for a good chunk of the day, and the break between sessions is built for swimming and sunbathing.
Other Side tours we've reviewed in Alanya
Training first, then your first underwater time (3–5 meters)
Before you go in, you get theory and practical training. It’s not just a quick talk; it’s structured so you understand what you’re doing—then you practice under instructor supervision.
Your first underwater session is at roughly 3–5 meters for about 20 minutes. That depth is usually where beginners feel most comfortable. It also helps instructors manage the group and keep conditions controlled.
This is the part where you’ll feel the difference between a “random experience” and an actual course-style outing. People who’ve been nervous report that the instructors stay attentive and coach you through the basic steps underwater. In plain terms: you don’t get thrown in and told to figure it out.
What you should expect:
- instructors brief you before you enter the water
- you go down gradually and stay within a beginner range
- you get monitored underwater during that short first session
Possible drawback: because this is beginner-friendly by design, the first session isn’t meant to feel like an all-day adventure. It’s meant to be safe, learnable, and repeatable.
Okurcalar boat stop: snorkeling for non-scuba participants
Not everyone wants the equipment. The good news is you’re not punished for that choice.
If you don’t want to do the scuba session, you can snorkel while the group is in the water. That lets you still enjoy the Mediterranean sea life without the pressure of keeping up with training steps.
It’s also a great option if you’re with friends or family and not everyone matches the same comfort level. You can spend the day together and still do something “in the water” during both sessions—snorkeling when others are underwater.
If you’re deciding between scuba and snorkeling: choose what matches your comfort, not what your social media feed says you should do. The day is long enough that having the wrong plan can make you miserable.
Lunch on the boat and your swim/sun break
After the first underwater session, the schedule shifts to a classic “eat and reset” rhythm. You’ll have lunch onboard, then a break for swimming and sunbathing.
This break is important because it gives your body time to adjust. Even at shallow depths, you still want a breather: rehydrate, take your time getting comfortable, and don’t rush.
What lunch means here:
- It’s part of the included package, so you’re not hunting for food off-site.
- It helps keep the day smooth when everyone is tired and salty.
- It’s a natural buffer before the second, slightly deeper session.
Bring a towel if you have one you like. The day includes time on the boat and time in and out of the water. You’ll dry off, but you’ll be glad you planned for comfort.
Second underwater session at 7–8 meters: what to notice
The second time underwater goes a bit deeper, at about 7–8 meters, again for around 20 minutes and accompanied by instructors.
This is where you’ll notice what training really changes. If you were nervous in the first session, the second one usually feels more manageable because you already know:
- how the gear feels
- how to follow instructor cues
- what your breathing rhythm is supposed to be
Also, this depth change is small enough to feel like a progression, but not so big that it turns the day into an advanced technical outing. One useful detail: the operator keeps the profile conservative, partly to protect beginners.
If you’re thinking, I want more time underwater or more depth: this program isn’t built for long bottom time or deep exploration. It’s built for controlled experience and safety. For people who want extended or more advanced dives, you’d need a different kind of certification and a different style of trip.
Other Alanya tours we've reviewed in Alanya
Gear, insurance, and the feeling of safety
This tour provides insurance and the underwater equipment setup, including a suit and essentials like mask and gear (listed as diving suit, pallet, glasses, etc.). They also include the “points” where you spend your time in the water, so you’re not paying extra on-site for that portion.
The safety vibe is a standout from the feedback you can rely on. Multiple accounts focus on instructors being experienced and attentive, with people feeling safe underwater. That matters most for first-timers—because confidence grows fast when someone is actually watching what you’re doing.
How to make the best of that safety structure:
- listen closely during theory and instructions
- don’t try to “speed run” the process
- if you feel off, speak up fast rather than pushing through
One note from the tour info: it mentions people with breathing problems. If that’s you, check with the provider before booking. Don’t assume it’ll be fine just because the trip is “beginner level.”
Price and value: does $45.38 make sense?
At $45.38 per person, this is positioned as a budget-friendly scuba trial with structure. For many people, the big value is that you’re not just paying for water time—you’re also paying for instruction, equipment, insurance, lunch, and transport.
Here’s where value shows up:
- Hotel pickup and return transfer are included via air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch is included (and it prevents the day from turning into a food hunt)
- Two underwater sessions are included, not just one quick try
- Snorkeling option exists for non-scuba participants
What’s not included is also important:
- Beverages are extra
- Photo and video are not included
If you want photos, you’ll need to plan how you’ll handle that on your own, since the package doesn’t cover it.
Bottom line: for the money, this is good value if you want instruction and short, guided underwater time. It’s less of a value match if you’re aiming for a long, advanced underwater itinerary.
Logistics that matter: timing, crowds, and group size
Start time is 8:00 am, which is early but typical for a full day on the sea. You also have a maximum group size stated as 100 travelers. In high season, that can mean a lively, busy vibe and some waiting while equipment is handled and instructors run the schedule.
That’s not automatically bad. In fact, busy often means the boat and staff are practiced. Still, it’s worth going in with the right expectations: you might not have a tiny private setup.
A realistic way to enjoy a busier day:
- arrive on time for pickup
- keep your day bag simple
- don’t sweat a little crowd energy—this day runs on a schedule
Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)
This works well if you:
- want a first scuba experience with instructor-led coaching
- prefer short underwater sessions with a clear progression from 3–5m to 7–8m
- like a full day plan that includes lunch and a break for swimming
It can be a mismatch if you:
- want long underwater time or deeper exploration
- hate crowded group energy
- have breathing-related concerns and haven’t confirmed suitability with the operator
The sweet spot is someone who wants to try scuba seriously, safely, and without turning the day into chaos.
Should you book the Side to Alanya scuba experience?
I’d book it if you want your first underwater try to feel organized: training first, short guided sessions, lunch included, and a snorkeling option if your group splits preferences.
I’d think twice if you want a long, deep underwater day or if you’re sensitive to crowded logistics. Also, if breathing problems are on your list, don’t guess—check with the provider before you pay.
Overall, this is a straightforward way to experience the Mediterranean underwater world around Alanya and Okurcalar with a structure that prioritizes safety and comfort.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour start time is 8:00 am.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels in Alanya/Side, using an air-conditioned vehicle.
How long are the underwater sessions?
Each underwater session is about 20 minutes: one at 3–5 meters, and a second at 7–8 meters.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included onboard.
Can non-scuba participants snorkel?
Yes. Non-scuba participants can enjoy the sea with snorkeling while others do the underwater sessions.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
