Antalya Scuba Diving Tour, With Lunch & Return Transfers

Exploring the crystal-clear waters of Antalya without trying scuba makes about as much sense as visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This Antalya Scuba Diving Tour offers a chance to dip beneath the waves, even if you’ve never done it before, with all gear provided and expert instructors guiding the way. While it’s designed for amateurs, the experience can be surprisingly enriching and fun, making it a solid addition to your Turkish vacation if you’re seeking adventure or simply a new perspective on the coast.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are its value for money and the scenic underwater environments you get to see. For just $42, you gain not only two underwater explorations of about 20 minutes each but also a meal, transfers, and knowledgeable guidance. Plus, the boat trip and the chance to snorkel or swim on the surface offer a well-rounded day of water-based fun. The other highlight is how smoothly the logistics are arranged; from hotel pickup to return, everything is handled so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

One potential consideration is that this tour might not suit travelers looking for a more immersive or professional diving experience. It’s geared toward beginners, with dives limited to about 5-10 meters deep, and children under 14 are not allowed to participate in the diving itself. If you’re craving wreck exploration or advanced dives, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But for most casual visitors, the simplicity and safety of this tour are actually a plus rather than a minus.

Key points / Takeaways

Accessible for beginners: No experience needed, making it perfect for first-timers or those wanting a gentle introduction to scuba diving.
Value-packed: At $42, including equipment, lunch, transfers, and two dives, it offers very good value for a full day out.
Beautiful underwater environment: The Mediterranean Sea is one of the cleanest and most diverse marine habitats, with colorful fish and clear waters.
Well-organized logistics: Pickup and drop-off from hotel security gates, boat departure around 10:30, and a schedule that runs smoothly from start to finish.
Safety and guidance: An English-speaking instructor and equipment make beginners feel comfortable and secure.
Limited depth and duration: Dives at 5-10 meters for about 20 minutes each, suitable for amateurs but not for those seeking professional-level exploration.

Navigating the Experience: A Full Breakdown

Starting the Day: Pickup and Preparation

The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel’s main security gate, typically between 09:00 and 10:15. It’s worth noting that the tour does not pick up from hotel lobbies or receptions, so plan accordingly—perhaps a quick walk or a call to your hotel to confirm pickup. The shuttle drops you off at Setur Marina, a scenic spot where you meet your crew and board the boat.

This initial step is quite straightforward but highlights the importance of punctuality—arriving on time ensures you won’t miss the boat’s departure. I appreciate that the transfer service helps keep logistics simple, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

The Boat Trip: Setting Sail on the Mediterranean

Once aboard, the boat departs around 10:30. The Mediterranean’s famous for its transparency, and I found the ride to be relaxing, with plenty of space to sit, sunbathe, or just enjoy the views. Expect to spend around an hour on the water before reaching your first dive site off the coast of Çaltcak. The boat crew is friendly and offers safety instructions in multiple languages, which is reassuring.

First Dive: Exploring Çaltcak

The initial dive is usually at a depth of about 5 to 10 meters, which is perfect for beginners. Expect to be underwater for approximately 20 minutes, during which you’ll see vibrant marine life and perhaps even some interesting rock formations or sea fans. The underwater scenery is lively, and the clarity of the water allows for good visibility, making the experience all the more memorable.

Lunch and Swimming Break: Recharging and Playing

After the first dive, everyone heads back to the boat for a hearty lunch. The menu includes schnitzel, pasta, and salads, offering enough fuel for the rest of the day. During lunch, you can relax, chat with fellow travelers, or take a swim to cool off. For those who don’t know how to swim, the crew offers complimentary basic swimming training, which many reviews praise as a helpful touch.

Second Dive: Marti Island

Post-lunch, the boat moves to Marti Island for the second dive. This site offers another 20-minute underwater experience, giving you a second look at the marine environment. The consistency in dive depth and duration makes the tour accessible, yet the different locations keep things fresh. Many reviewers have mentioned that the second dive often features more marine life and interesting underwater terrain.

Ceremonies and Return: Celebrating Your Achievement

The tour wraps up with a certificate ceremony, which is a nice touch—especially for first-timers who want a tangible memory of their adventure. The boat returns to Setur Marina around 16:30, giving you ample time to reflect on the day and head back to your hotel.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal if you’re curious about the sea, want a safe introduction to scuba, or are traveling with non-divers who can enjoy swimming or sunbathing on the boat. It’s also great for families, since children aged 8 and above can participate in the boat’s swimming activities, though they cannot dive. If you have physical difficulties, pregnant, or have heart problems, this tour is not suitable.

The Practical Side: Price, Value, and What You Get

For $42, this tour packs quite a punch. It includes hotel transfers, two supervised dives, all diving gear, lunch, and insurance. Considering that some similar experiences in other regions charge more for just one dive, this is a good deal, especially given the quality of the environment and the safety measures.

The optional extras—like DVDs or photos—are not included, so if capturing your underwater moments is important, plan to bring your own waterproof camera or buy photos separately. Non-divers can still enjoy the boat, swim, or relax on deck, adding to the overall value.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still uncertain. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your travel schedule without pressure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a first-time diver, this tour offers a safe, guided, and affordable way to experience the Mediterranean’s underwater beauty. It’s also well-suited for families or groups with mixed interests, since non-divers can enjoy swimming and relaxing on the boat. The focus on amateur diving means it’s not suited for thrill-seekers or advanced divers, but that’s exactly the point for most casual travelers.

Adventure travelers who want a straightforward, fun, and well-organized day on the water will find this to be a good investment. Those looking for more complex wreck exploration or night dives should consider other options, but for a pleasant introduction to scuba, it hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim to join the tour?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim to take part in the boat activities or to snorkel on the surface. The tour provides basic swimming training if needed.

Can children participate in the diving?
Children under 14 are not allowed to dive, but they can enjoy swimming and relaxing on the boat. The tour is suitable for children over 8 who want to spend a day in the water.

What is the maximum depth of the dives?
The dives are typically at about 5 to 10 meters deep, which is perfect for beginners and those without previous experience.

Is food included?
Yes, lunch is included, with options like schnitzel, pasta, and salads. Be prepared to pay for any extra drinks or personal expenditures.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts around 7 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

Is there an age limit for participants?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 8, and children under 14 cannot dive. Pregnant women, those with heart issues, or physical disabilities are also advised to abstain.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve your spot online with the flexible “reserve now, pay later” option or call ahead to confirm availability. Just remember to book at least one day in advance.

In the end, this Antalya scuba tour offers a superb value for those curious about the underwater world without diving deep into the technical side. It’s a day filled with scenic boat rides, friendly guides, and the chance to see the Mediterranean’s lively marine life. Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to try something different during your Turkish holiday, this experience is worth considering—especially for its friendly price and straightforward approach.