Two underwater sessions, and dinner waiting on deck. This is a straightforward Side coast day built around guided descents to 6 m and 12 m, plus time to relax between them.

I really like how structured the plan feels, with professional guides giving instruction for different comfort levels. It is also good value for the money when you factor in pickup (if selected), lunch, and travel insurance.

One thing to think about first: the boat can be bumpy, and seasickness can be an issue for some people.

Key things to know before you go

• Two guided underwater sessions: one around 6 meters, one around 12 meters, with instruction included.
• About 7 hours total, 5 hours in the water: transfer time takes the rest, and the day can shift with weather.
• Food breaks built in: lunch is included, and the captain prepares a dinner between the two underwater sessions.
• Onboard extras add up: drinks are extra, and photo and video packages cost extra.
• Weather plan exists: if conditions are too rough, the crew may switch to an alternative spot.
• Group split from Side and Alanya: people from different areas go on separate boats and at different locations.

Side and Alanya Scuba Day: What You’re Really Paying For

For $52 per person, this is a compact coastal day that aims to deliver two separate underwater experiences, not just one and then a long wait. You get 2 guided underwater sessions, lunch, travel insurance, and pickup and drop-off if you selected it. In practical terms, you are paying for a full day structure, not just access to water.

The value gets better if you count time and stress. Hotel pickup means less figuring out transport on your own. And the guides handle the important part: getting you briefed, checked, and ready at the right pace. That matters when you are new, or if you are trying to feel confident before going deeper.

The “real cost” watch-out is the easy-to-overlook extras. Drinks are not included, and photos and video are add-ons. One review even flagged that the photo and video pricing felt high for local customers. So if you want memories beyond your own camera, budget for it before you board.

Timing, Transfers, and Why the Day Feels Longer Than It Sounds

The total outing runs 7 hours, but the time in the water is about 5 hours excluding transfers. That is a good ratio for a one-day plan, but it also explains why the schedule can feel busy even when the underwater time is not huge.

Transfers are included from several areas, including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot. Pickup in general is offered from the Alanya and Side areas. The operator asks you to wait at your hotel’s outer security booth, with the possibility of a delay up to 25 minutes. It is worth building in patience so you do not start the day anxious.

Two more things to keep in mind:

1. Weather may shorten or extend the day. The operator notes that the total activity time can change depending on sea conditions.
2. People from Side and Alanya dive on separate boats and at different locations. That means your day will run as part of a coordinated group plan, not as a single shared boat for everyone.

One review mentioned transportation should have had air conditioning. That is not a deal-breaker, but it is a reminder: bring sunscreen and hydration habits for transfer time, not just boat time.

The 6 m and 12 m Plan: How the Day Is Built Underwater

The tour is designed around two different depth targets:

• First session around 6 meters
• Second session around 12 meters

Why this matters, even if you are not chasing records: you get a more gradual build. You start with a shallower plan where you can focus on breathing, buoyancy control, and getting comfortable in the group. Then you go deeper for a second underwater experience.

The highlights also call out “impressive underwater landscapes” and “hidden treasures,” and the tour description connects this to Mediterranean marine life plus the chance of ancient artifacts and sunken ships. Practically, that means your guide is likely matching the site to conditions, visibility, and what is accessible at the right depths.

Also pay attention to the experience level. The tour description says it caters to all skill levels, with instructions from experienced guides. One review specifically praised the instruction for a “try” situation, saying the crew was clear and encouraging. That gives you confidence that the briefing is not just paperwork.

Marine Life and Possible Underwater History: What You Might See

You are not going to a museum here. You are going to water, and the Mediterranean can be different day to day. Still, the tour messaging sets expectations clearly: you can encounter a variety of marine life, and you may see coral areas plus the possibility of sunken ships and ancient artifacts.

Here is the useful way to interpret that:

• If you are curious about underwater biology, you should pay attention during the briefing. The tour description says you will learn about Mediterranean marine life, and that kind of context makes the underwater time feel less random.
• If you are a photo person, focus on behavior and small details. Even when the big sight is a shipwreck, your best shots can come from fish movement around structure.
• If you are expecting perfectly clear visibility every time, temper expectations. Weather and sea state can change what the crew can safely reach, and visibility can shift at both depths.

One review mentioned extreme sea conditions forcing an alternative plan when a specific underwater location was not possible. That is the kind of thing you want a crew to handle calmly. It also hints that you should bring a mindset of “flexible site, still a good day.”

Meals on the Boat and Lunch on Land: Simple, Practical Comfort

This tour does two things that help a lot on a long day: it includes lunch, and it includes a warm break. Between the two underwater sessions, the captain prepares a dinner, and you can relax on the deck.

That is more than a nice detail. Food and warmth matter for how you feel during a second session. If your stomach is empty or you are cold between segments, your underwater experience can suffer.

What is not included is drinks. So if you want soft drinks, water, or anything else beyond what they provide with the meal, you will pay onboard. One review complaint did not focus on meals, but it did point to extra charges in general, so it is smart to assume the boat side is a cost center.

Practical tip: bring your own sunscreen habits and a towel change of clothes plan. The tour’s packing list asks for swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel, which tells you the boat and water time can be wet and warm.

What to Bring and the Rules You Must Follow

The list is simple and worth following:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Water

You do not need a lot of gear. The big things are comfort and sun protection. If you are wearing sunscreen, remember you are also spending time on the deck between sessions, so reapply when you have a chance.

There are also rules:

• No smoking
• No feeding animals
• No touching plants

A quick note on that last one. One review described a son having a memorable moment touching or holding fish and even feeding fish. I cannot say that is standard for this exact tour, but I can tell you the operator’s rule is clear: do not feed animals, and do not touch anything living. Listen to the crew first, and treat any interaction as “only if instructed and allowed.”

No-Water Participants, Age Limits, and Who Should Skip This Trip

There is a “no-water” pathway, but it is not the same as buying a separate spectator ticket and hanging out on the boat all day. The tour info says:

• If you want to come as a no-water participant, you select the child option, and this group is accepted as no-water.
• The Non-Diver ticket cannot be purchased alone.
• Guests with a Non-Diver ticket can pay onboard to participate if they wish.

So, if your plan is: “I do not want to do it, but I want to sit on the boat,” you should confirm what your booking allows before you travel. The safest approach is to choose the option the operator explicitly states and ask the supplier if you are unsure.

Health and suitability rules are strict. The tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 13 years, and it also lists not suitable for children under 14 years
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People with heart problems or high blood pressure
• People with respiratory issues
• People with epilepsy
• People with diabetes
• People prone to seasickness
• People with kidney problems
• People over 331 lbs (150 kg)
• People with low level of fitness
• People over 95 years
• People with lactose intolerance

If any of these apply, do not treat it as optional. The tour is designed around physical comfort and safety in water.

Extras That Change the Real Cost: Photos, Video, and Drinks

Even though the base price is attractive, the costs on the boat can add up fast.

What is extra:

• Drinks
• Photo and video service (optional)

One review felt the photo and video pricing was expensive and noted it could be close to the cost of the diving itself. Another review did not mention price, but the overall pattern is clear: if you want those onboard media packages, plan ahead.

If you travel with your own camera, do not assume the boat will help with storage or extra setups. Bring what you have, and remember you may want to keep it dry between the two sessions.

If you hate extra spending, you can still do this tour well. Focus on the included parts: two guided underwater sessions, lunch, and the captain’s dinner.

Final Verdict: Should You Book This Side and Alanya Tour?

Book it if you want a simple, guided plan with two different depth experiences in one day. The structure makes it easier to try underwater with support, and the captain-cooked dinner plus lunch helps you keep energy up through the second session. The guide approach also seems to be strong, especially for people who need reassurance and clear instructions.

Skip it, or reconsider, if:

• You are prone to seasickness or you dislike choppy boat rides
• You fall into the operator’s medical or fitness restrictions
• You want a pure spectator experience without doing the water part, unless you match the operator’s no-water option rules

If you do book, I would do three things:

1. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and dry backup clothes for the transfer and boat time.
2. Expect extras for drinks and any photo/video package, so you are not surprised onboard.
3. Stay flexible about the underwater locations. When conditions are extreme, a good crew finds alternatives and keeps the day moving.

FAQ

How many underwater sessions are included?

The tour includes 2 guided underwater sessions.

What depths do the sessions reach?

The plan includes a first session around 6 meters and a second session around 12 meters.

How long is the tour, and how much time is in the water?

The total duration is 7 hours, with about 5 hours in the water (excluding transfer time).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select them. Transfer is available from areas including Evrenseki, Gündoğdu, Ilıca, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot, and you wait at your hotel’s outer security booth.

What languages are available for the instructor?

The instructor languages listed are English, German, and Russian.

Can I join without doing the underwater sessions?

A no-water option is accepted when you select the child option. A Non-Diver ticket cannot be purchased alone, and those holding it can pay onboard to participate if they want.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included and are charged extra onboard.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 13 or under 14 years, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, people prone to seasickness, people with low fitness, people over 331 lbs (150 kg), wheelchair users, and people over 95 years. It is also listed as not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.