Two shallow sessions can change your whole trip. This scuba training day from Side and Alanya mixes hotel pickup, a boat ride, and guided instruction before you head down to 3–5 meters, then again to 7–8 meters. I like that it’s built for first-timers, with attentive coaching that keeps you focused on what to do underwater. I also like the flexibility: non-divers can snorkel while you’re getting your first underwater practice.

There is one catch to plan for: the schedule can feel crowded in high season, and the time you’re in the water is intentionally short—so if you’re an experienced scuba person and want longer sessions or much greater depths, this may feel a bit limited.

Key things to know before you go

• Two timed underwater sessions: about 20 minutes at 3–5m, then about 20 minutes at 7–8m
• Training built in: theory + practical setup before your first descent
• Snorkeling option for non-scuba participants during the first water section
• Lunch is included on board, plus a swim and sunbathing break
• Insurance and equipment are included, but drinks and photo/video are not

Side to Okurcalar: the day’s setup (8:00am start, pickup, boat ride)

This is a full-day trip that starts early, around 8:00am. You’re collected from your hotel area in Alanya (and sometimes you’ll be routed via Side departure depending on where you’re staying). The ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the goal is simple: get you to the marina without you having to think about directions, parking, or timing.

From there, the experience shifts to the water with a boat trip out from the marina in the Alanya Okurcalar region. That matters, because it means your training and underwater time aren’t just happening in a random spot near shore. You’re guided to the part of the coast where they’ll run the lesson flow.

Two practical notes I’d keep in mind:

• You should expect a bit of waiting between steps. This is how boat-based instruction works when groups come together.
• Bring what you’ll need for the surface breaks. You’ll have sun time before and after the water sections, and you’ll be on and off the boat.

Getting ready for scuba: theory first, then hands-on in shallow water

Before anyone goes down, you get both the mental and physical setup. The flow is:

• theoretical training
• practical training
• then the first underwater session at 3–5 meters

This sequence is a big deal for beginners. The “theory” part helps you understand what your instructor will cue you to do once you’re underwater. The “practical” part matters because it’s where you learn how your equipment should feel and work with your body before you go to any depth.

What I like most about this setup is that it targets calm competence. One strong theme you’ll hear from people who did this style of course is that they felt safe because the instructor was attentive and kept things controlled. If you’re nervous, that’s exactly what you want: someone close enough to help, with a step-by-step plan.

There’s also a safety-minded limit built into the schedule. The first session is shallow (3–5m), which keeps everything easier to manage—especially for people still learning breathing rhythm and staying comfortable while weightless and working your buoyancy.

First underwater session (3–5m for ~20 minutes): what to expect

Your first water time is about 20 minutes at 3–5 meters, accompanied by instructors. The point here isn’t to set a world record. It’s to give you a controlled introduction to breathing underwater and moving safely with guidance.

Here’s what you can realistically look for during this first session:

• You’ll follow cues rather than improvising.
• You’ll focus on staying calm and breathing steadily.
• You’ll learn the basic movements and buoyancy basics that make the second session feel more doable.

And because this is shallow, it tends to be the part of the day where nervous first-timers can most easily get their bearings. If you’re the type who panics when you feel rushed, the instructor-led pace is the best part of the plan.

Also: non-scuba participants don’t have to sit there doing nothing. While the scuba group is working through the first water section, others can enjoy snorkeling and watch marine life at the surface.

Lunch on board + a swim and sunbathing break (the part you should savor)

After the first underwater session comes the onboard break: lunch is included. This isn’t just a filler step. Eating and resetting is part of how the day stays comfortable, especially if you’ve been doing training on land and then concentrated work underwater.

Then you get downtime for swimming and sunbathing. This is your window to dry off a bit, reapply sunscreen, and enjoy the coast without anyone telling you what depth to manage.

If you’re trying to make the day enjoyable (not just check a box), this is when you:

• relax your shoulders and neck after the gear,
• hydrate (since drinks are not included, plan for that),
• and treat it like an actual vacation day rather than a test.

A small practical tip: plan your sun strategy early. You’ll be outdoors, and you’ll want to look good in photos too—though photo/video services are not included in the package.

Second underwater session (7–8m for ~20 minutes): gaining confidence

Once you’ve had lunch and a break, you head into the second underwater session at 7–8 meters for about 20 minutes, again with instructors.

This depth jump is modest, but it changes the feeling. The air management and comfort factors become more noticeable, and you’ll likely be more aware of how you’re moving and breathing. The value of doing this as a second session (instead of trying it all in one go) is that you’ve already had time to learn the basics at 3–5m.

What I think you’ll enjoy most here is the confidence effect:

• Your body knows what to expect.
• Your brain is less busy with the unknown.
• You can focus more on the underwater experience itself rather than just the mechanics.

The best-case scenario is that you come up thinking, Okay, I can actually do this. That’s the whole point of a two-step structure.

Price and value: what $45.38 includes (and what it doesn’t)

At $45.38 per person, this tour has one clear value advantage: you’re not paying extra per activity. The package includes:

• pickup by air-conditioned vehicle
• lunch
• two underwater sessions with instructor accompaniment (20 minutes each)
• insurance
• equipment such as suit and mask/gear (the kit is listed as including suit, pallet, glasses, etc.)

Not included:

• beverages
• photo and video

So the smartest way to think about the price is: you’re paying for a complete day’s structure—transport, instruction, time in the water, and meals—rather than just a ticket to a boat.

If you’re budgeting, make sure you set aside some cash or card for drinks. Also consider that you may want your own dry bag and a simple way to keep your phone protected between the boat, lunch, and surface breaks.

Group size, crowding, and why it can affect your experience

This activity can run with up to 100 people, and the day can feel crowded during busy seasons. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker. It just means the flow is optimized for efficiency: training steps happen on a schedule, and water time is kept to a set amount.

This also explains the one “watch out” factor for experienced scuba participants: the format is designed for learning and comfort, not for long, deep exploration. One common complaint style in situations like this is that experienced people sometimes want more time or more depth than the structured beginner-friendly plan allows. The response to that is basically: the depths and timing are intentional for safety and first-experience learning.

So here’s the honest takeaway:

• If you want a friendly first attempt, this structure often feels ideal.
• If you want a long, hardcore training dive with lots of extra time, you might feel constrained.

Who should book this scuba training day

This tour tends to be a good match if you:

• are a beginner or returning to scuba after a gap,
• want guided instruction with instructors close by,
• like the idea of doing two separate underwater sessions instead of one,
• and want lunch and surface downtime built into the schedule.

It can also work well for mixed groups. If someone in your group doesn’t do scuba, they can snorkel during the first underwater section and still spend the day with you on the boat.

Who should think twice:

• People who have breathing problems are flagged in the activity info. If that’s you, you’ll want to check with a medical professional first and be cautious.
• If you’re experienced and you’re expecting a longer session than what’s listed, the fixed ~20-minute blocks may not satisfy you.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

These are the small things that usually make or break how enjoyable a scuba day feels:

• Eat something before pickup if you can. Lunch is included, but you don’t want to arrive hungry.
• Pack a way to protect electronics from boat splashes.
• Plan for sun. You’ll have time for swimming and sunbathing, plus deck time on the boat.
• Bring a refillable water bottle if you like. Drinks aren’t included, so having water on hand can save you from paying at the margins.
• Be ready for a structured pace. Even if you feel confident, you’ll get more out of it by following the instructor timing rather than trying to speed ahead.

And one more mindset tip: if you’re nervous, that’s normal. The day is designed to guide you step by step, and the instructors are meant to keep you feeling safe and supported.

Should you book this Side/Alanya scuba training with lunch?

I’d book it if you want an easy, well-structured first scuba day with two short underwater sessions, lunch included, and a snorkeling option for non-scuba participants. For the money, you’re getting the whole package: transport, instruction, insurance, and equipment, plus a real surface break to enjoy the coast.

I wouldn’t book it if your main goal is long bottom time or big-depth exploration, especially if you already have solid scuba experience and you know you’ll want more than the fixed 3–5m and 7–8m sessions. In busy season, the group format can also feel busy.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.).

What depths are the two underwater sessions?

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

How long are the underwater sessions?

Each underwater session is listed as about 20 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Are beverages included?

No, beverages are not included.

What’s the cancellation window?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if weather is bad?

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