Shallow water, big confidence boost. This Side-to-Alanya scuba day is built for first-timers: you get classroom-style prep, then two instructor-led underwater sessions at 3–5 m and 7–8 m from a boat. I especially like the hotel pickup convenience and the way the schedule works for both scuba participants and snorkelers. One heads-up: the time underwater is kept short and the depth is controlled, so it’s not made for experienced divers chasing longer bottom time.

The boat half-day rhythm keeps things moving without feeling rushed. You’ll get an onboard lunch, then a break for swimming and sunbathing before the second underwater session. The small detail that matters: the group is capped at 100, which helps keep the day organized during high season.

The main consideration is fit. This experience says it isn’t suitable for people with breathing problems, and weather has to cooperate for the plan to run.

Key things to know before you go

• Two underwater sessions: first at 3–5 m, then at 7–8 m, each for about 20 minutes
• Training before the water: theoretical prep plus hands-on practice with instructors
• Snorkeling option if you’re not doing the scuba part, with time in the sea
• Onboard lunch plus a swim-and-sun break between the two sessions
• Gear and insurance included (suit + pallet + glasses listed, plus insurance)
• Weather-dependent day with a good-weather requirement and free cancellation up to 24 hours

Side-to-Alanya Boat Day: How the Timing Actually Works

This is a straight, full-day coastal outing from the Side area into Alanya, typically starting at 8:00 am. Expect about 8 hours total, which includes transport to the port, the boat time, the two water sessions, and the return drive back to your hotel.

You’ll begin with hotel pickup. Then the group heads to the marina area in Alanya, in the Okurcalar region, where the boat portion starts. The day is paced like a classic “learn, test, eat, relax, repeat” format.

Why that matters: if you’re new to scuba-style breath control and buoyancy, jumping straight to deeper water usually feels harder. Here, the structure takes you from a gentle first depth to a slightly deeper second spot, with a break and food in between. It’s a design that helps you settle your nerves before the later session.

Also, be prepared for bus-and-boat logistics. The ride back to your hotel is listed as about 1.5 hours, depending on where your hotel is located, so that portion can vary a bit.

Getting Ready Before You Go Under: Training, Gear, and Limits

Before any time in the water, the plan includes theoretical diving training and practical training with instructors. That combination is key. The theory helps you understand what to do, while the practical step is where you get to practice the motions and procedures before you’re relying on muscle memory underwater.

Gear is included: you’ll be provided a diving suit, plus pallet and glasses (as listed), along with insurance. Even if you’ve done water sports before, having the kit sorted for you removes a lot of pre-trip stress.

The instructors are described as attentive and safety-focused in the available feedback. That lines up with how the experience is framed: you’re not being pushed into risky territory just to hit a number on a depth gauge.

Here’s the other side of the coin. If you’re already an experienced, certified diver and your goal is longer time underwater, deeper profiles, or more freedom than a structured beginner plan allows, this may feel constrained. The operators keep the experience within controlled depth and time, which can feel limiting if you’re comparing it to more advanced diving trips.

First Underwater Session at 3–5 Meters: A Calm Start

Your first underwater session is at about 3–5 meters, paired with instructor support for roughly 20 minutes. This is where the day earns its “confidence boost” reputation.

At this shallow depth, you’re typically able to focus on the basics: breathing rhythm, staying comfortable, and using your body position without the extra challenge that comes with deeper water. Even if you’re nervous, that first step is the point. It’s meant to help you learn what it feels like when everything is controlled and close to the surface.

If you’re the type who worries you’ll freeze when the moment arrives, this first session is the place to prove to yourself you can stay calm. The training component before the water is there for that reason.

Snorkeling for Non-Scuba Participants: Sea Time Without the Gear Swap Stress

One of the most practical features is the option for non-scuba participants. The plan explicitly includes snorkeling for those who don’t do the scuba session, with the goal of enjoying the sea and spotting marine life.

So if you’re traveling with someone who isn’t ready for scuba training, you’re not stuck doing a separate activity on the shore. You’ll still be on the same boat day, and you’ll still get time in the water.

This is also where the day feels most balanced for mixed groups. While the scuba participant is preparing and going through the underwater session, the non-scuba person can focus on surface swimming and snorkeling. Then everyone reconnects around lunch.

Practical detail: beverages are listed as not included, so if you want drinks beyond what’s provided, plan for that cost.

Lunch Onboard and the Midday Break: Where the Day Feels Like a Vacation

Right after the first underwater session, you’ll have lunch onboard. This matters more than it sounds. After equipment time and a first water session, having food included keeps the day from turning into a hangry scramble for lunch options near the port.

Then comes a break for swimming and sunbathing. This isn’t a rushed “two minutes and back to the boat” situation in description. It’s a true reset window between the two underwater sessions.

For you, that break is also useful. If the first session was mentally intense, you get time to breathe, hydrate, and relax before the later part. And if you simply want to enjoy the coast without the pressure of being underwater again, that swim-and-sun window is your reward.

If you’re sun-sensitive, this is the time to manage it. The day includes boat time and open-sky sun exposure, and nothing here suggests built-in shade breaks.

Second Underwater Session at 7–8 Meters: The Bigger Challenge, Still Controlled

The second underwater session takes you to about 7–8 meters, again for roughly 20 minutes, with instructors accompanying you.

This depth is a step up from the first session, but it’s still within a beginner-friendly range designed to keep the experience safe and structured. The operators don’t treat this like an advanced training program where you’re constantly optimizing for depth and duration. Instead, the second session gives you a different perspective while still keeping everything manageable.

If the first session went well, this is where you’ll likely feel the most progress. You’re no longer figuring out what it feels like to be underwater; you’re applying what you learned moments or hours earlier.

If the first session left you stressed, don’t panic. The point of the second session is guided improvement, not proving anything. The instructors are there to help you stay comfortable.

Price and Value: What $45.38 Buys in Alanya

At $45.38 per person, this isn’t priced like a luxury, photo-heavy experience. It’s priced like a solid, well-structured day with real training value.

Here’s what you’re getting that supports the price:

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transport to the port area
• A boat day setup from Alanya/Okurcalar
• Two underwater sessions with instructor accompaniment
• Theoretical training and practical prep before the first water time
• Lunch included
• Insurance included
• Gear included (suit + pallet + glasses listed)

What’s not included (so you don’t get surprised):

• Beverages
• Photo and video

For beginners, this package can be great value because you don’t have to pay separately for training structure, instruction time, and basic equipment. It’s also typically more budget-friendly than private instructor setups.

For experienced certified divers, the value equation changes. If you want longer underwater time, more depth options, or a trip designed around your certification level rather than a beginner safety profile, this may feel like a bargain you already outgrew.

Group Size and High-Season Reality: Planning for Crowds

The experience has a maximum group size listed at 100. That doesn’t mean it’s chaos, but it does mean you’re likely sharing logistics with a larger group, especially during peak season.

A crowded day can affect how quickly you move between steps: training, boarding, entering the water, and returning to the boat. The good news is the itinerary is structured, so even if things run on a larger-group rhythm, you’re still following a clear sequence.

If you dislike waiting around, the early start at 8:00 am helps. You’ll spend less of your morning stuck in peak-time lines and more time getting the day underway.

Weather and Comfort: The Practical Stuff That Changes the Day

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important in the Mediterranean, where wind or rough seas can change how comfortable a boat ride and water time feel.

It also helps to remember that this is a day spent partly on water and partly in the sun. Even with lunch included, you’ll want to stay comfortable during the breaks and transitions.

One more comfort point: the experience data says it’s not for people with breathing problems. If breathing or respiratory issues are part of your medical picture, don’t push it—check with a professional first and follow the tour’s guidelines.

Who Should Book This Scuba Training from Side or Alanya?

This trip is a strong match if:

• you’re new and want training first, then a controlled first underwater session
• you want two separate underwater experiences in one day without planning multiple trips
• you’re traveling with someone who prefers snorkeling instead of scuba
• you value included lunch, included gear basics, and instructor-led safety structure

You might want to skip it (or choose a different style of trip) if:

• you’re an experienced, certified diver looking for more time underwater than a beginner session format
• you want deeper profiles, longer bottom time, or less structured control
• you have breathing problems and don’t meet the stated suitability guidelines

Should You Book It?

If your goal is a first scuba-style experience done in a structured, safety-focused way, I think this is a smart bet. The two-step depth plan, the pre-water training, and the included lunch make it feel like more than just a quick try-it outing.

I’d book it sooner rather than later since this kind of boat day is the sort that tends to fill in advance. And before you commit, check your comfort level with the idea of controlled depth and limited session time.

If you want a beginner-friendly day on the water with real instruction and a clear flow, this Side-to-Alanya option fits. If you want advanced diving freedom, you’ll probably feel boxed in.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered from hotels in the Side/Alanya area, depending on your location.

Where does the boat portion start?

The tour starts with sailing from the marina in Alanya, in the Okurcalar region.

Can non-scuba participants go snorkeling?

Yes. Non-divers can snorkel and enjoy time in the sea.

How deep are the underwater sessions?

The first session is at about 3–5 meters, and the second session is about 7–8 meters.

How long is each underwater session?

Each session is about 20 minutes with instructors.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, both underwater session times, insurance, and scuba gear such as a suit, pallet, and glasses.

What’s not included?

Beverages and photo/video are not included.

Is the tour refundable if weather is bad?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

You Might Also Enjoy

2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Alanya (Best Price)City of Side/Alanya: Koprulu Canyon Rafting Tour with LunchFrom Alanya: Jeep Safari with Lunch, Dim River & CaveFull-Day Alanya Jeep Safari to Taurus Mountains Guided Tour