Antalya Scuba Diving Tour, With Lunch & Return Transfers

A day at sea in Antalya is interesting because you get a real change of pace. One moment you’re on a boat, then with expert guidance you’re underwater for short, controlled sessions in the Mediterranean.

I like that it’s built for first timers. No experience required means you are not stuck watching other people. I also like the structure: two underwater sessions plus a lunch stop, so the day feels active but not exhausting.

One consideration: conditions and comfort can vary. One common theme in the feedback I read is that underwater visibility may not be perfect every day, and the transfer can feel a bit cramped or stuffy for some people.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go

• Two short underwater sessions around 20 minutes each, for about 40 minutes total underwater time
• 5 to 10 metres depth with an instructor who keeps things safe and beginner friendly
• Çaltıcak and Martı Island as your two main underwater stops, with lunch in between
• Lunch included with schnitzel, pasta, and salad, plus a break for relaxing
• Certificate ceremony after your sessions, so you leave with a little proof you did it
• Non divers can still join, staying on the boat for swimming and sun time

Why Antalya’s Mediterranean Coast Works So Well for Your First Scuba Day

Antalya sits on a stretch of Mediterranean Sea that many people come specifically for underwater time. The setup for this tour makes it feel approachable. You are not signing up for a long, technical program. Instead, you get a couple of guided underwater sessions with a practical depth range around 5 to 10 metres.

That depth matters for first timers because it tends to stay within the “easy to manage” zone. Your instructor guides you through what to do and where to go. The tour also states it is suitable for almost every age group, with the important rule that children under 14 are not allowed to take the underwater sessions. If you are traveling as a family, this is helpful, because you can plan a day on the water even if not everyone is going under.

One more thing I like about the way this is framed: it is not only for certified divers. It’s offered in an amateur format, and instructors select what fits your experience level. If you happen to have a badge and you want a more advanced outing, the provider notes that they can do professional options like deeper exploration or wreck oriented experiences, depending on your qualifications. For most people, though, this amateur plan is the right entry point.

Hotel Pickup to Setur Marina: The 7 Hour Flow You Should Expect

This is a full half day, about 7 hours, and the day starts with pickup from scheduled meeting points. Transfers run between 09:00 to 10:15, so plan to be ready a bit early. The pickup point is the hotel’s main security gate. They are clear about this: it is not usually the lobby or reception area.

Here is the practical part you’ll want to plan around. Vehicles generally do not go into the hotel border area. So if you are thinking “I’ll just wait at the front entrance,” you may end up walking a few extra minutes. If you want it to feel smooth, ask your hotel front desk where the main security gate is, then head there in time.

After the short ride, you arrive at Setur Marina. The boat leaves the port around 10:30, and the first underwater session happens off the coast of Çaltıcak. After lunch and the second session, you return to Setur Marina around 16:30 and get dropped back where you started.

One more note, based on common feedback: the transfer vehicle can feel cramped or stuffy for some travelers. It might be wise to bring a light layer or something to keep comfortable, especially if you are sensitive to heat.

The Çaltıcak Underwater Session: What the First 20 Minutes Feels Like

Your first underwater session is off the coast of Çaltıcak. The amateur format is two sessions, each about 20 minutes, for a total underwater time of roughly 40 minutes. That time window is long enough to see real underwater scenery, but short enough that beginners can stay calm and focused.

The tour states the typical depth is around 5 to 10 metres. That gives you a clear target for what to expect physically. You are not going to be thrown into deep water on day one. Instead, your instructor and the route selection keep things within a manageable range.

Because no special skills are required, what you’re really signing up for is learning-by-doing. You’ll be using the provided scuba equipment, and English guidance is included, with instructors also able to work in Russian and Turkish. The key to enjoying the session is to follow instructions closely and breathe steadily. If you have anxiety about getting water on your face or feeling the gear, keep your expectations realistic: this is a guided first outing, not a free-form experience.

Also, remember that conditions change day to day. Even in the same region, underwater visibility can vary. If you are a “photos at all costs” type of traveler, this is worth keeping in mind, and it’s smart to set your goal as enjoying the experience rather than expecting perfect clarity.

Lunch, Swimming Break, and the Martı Island Day Rhythm

After the first underwater session, the day shifts to a more relaxed rhythm. You go to Martı Island after lunch, but lunch itself is a built-in recovery step that helps the whole schedule work.

Lunch is included and is listed as schnitzel, pasta, and salad. That matters more than it sounds. After a morning on the water and a first scuba session, you want food that is filling but not overly complicated. This is a straightforward meal that fits a mixed group of divers and non divers.

Then comes a swimming break with a small extra bonus for people who are not confident swimmers. The tour includes free basic swimming training for those who do not know how to swim. This is a big deal if you are traveling with someone who wants to enjoy the boat day but worries about the water. It’s not the same as private lessons, but it gives you support at the level this tour is set up for.

Non divers are welcome on the boat. So if your travel group has different comfort levels, you are not splitting up immediately. You can spend the time swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water atmosphere while the divers do their second session.

And yes, if you just want to do the minimum and not linger in the water all day, you can keep it simple. The boat day includes downtime built into the schedule.

Second Underwater Session Off Martı Island, Plus the Certificate Moment

After lunch and the swimming break, the tour continues with the second underwater session, again guided and designed for the amateur plan. The second session is on the Martı Island side, so you get a different underwater setting compared to Çaltıcak.

This is also where the “instructor chooses what’s best for you” idea shows up again. The provider notes that instructors can select the best dive option depending on your experience. For an amateur booking, you can expect the planned format stays beginner friendly, with the same depth range intention and structured time underwater.

After the sessions, there is an entertaining certificate ceremony. This is one of those small add-ons that turns the day from a simple activity into something you’ll remember. It’s also useful if you’re traveling with kids or teens (with the key rule that under 14 cannot take the underwater sessions). Everyone gets a shared moment at the end.

You then head back to Setur Marina and return to the drop off points around 16:30.

Price and Value: Why Around $38 Can Work If You Want the Whole Package

At about $38 per person, this tour price stands out because so many things are bundled. You are not just paying for the instructor. You are paying for the full “day on the water” setup:

• pickup and drop back transfers
• individual insurance
• scuba equipment
• English guidance
• two underwater sessions
• lunch

When you price those items separately, the math usually gets messy fast. Transfers alone can be expensive, and renting equipment plus basic insurance adds up. With this tour, you get a predictable package for a single fixed day.

What is not included is also clearly listed. You will want to budget for things like:

• drinks
• DVD and photos
• personal expenditures

So if you are the type who always buys a souvenir photo or wants extra bottled drinks, plan a little extra cash. But if you are fine bringing snacks of your own thinking, though note lunch is included, you can keep spending down. The biggest value here is that you do not need to organize anything besides showing up and packing a small list.

Packing List That Actually Helps: What to Bring for a Day at Sea

This is one of those tours where what you bring changes your comfort a lot. The recommended packing list is simple and practical:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• cash

I’d especially emphasize sunscreen and a sun hat. You are on the water for hours, with time split between underwater sessions and surface break. Sun can hit hard even when the sea breeze feels cooler.

Sunglasses help for boat glare. A towel matters because you might be doing water time before and after the sessions. Swimwear is obvious, but do not assume you can buy it last minute nearby. Bring it.

Cash is also wise because drinks, DVD/photos, and personal extras are not included.

Safety Rules You Should Take Seriously Before You Book

The tour clearly states that it is safe to participate with an expert instructor. It’s also designed to be beginner friendly with two short sessions and an expected depth range around 5 to 10 metres.

But safety is not just about the guide. You also need to check whether the tour is appropriate for your body and situation. It is not suitable for people with physical difficulties. It also explicitly lists groups who should not join:

• pregnant women
• people with heart problems
• wheelchair users

Children under 14 are not allowed to take the underwater sessions, though they can enjoy sunbathing and swimming.

If you are unsure about a medical condition, don’t guess. Ask your doctor first, then decide. For heart related issues or pregnancy, this tour is specifically listed as not suitable, so the right move is to skip it rather than gamble with the day.

Getting a Boat Day Memory: Transfers, Time on Water, and Photos

You’ll spend the day moving between Setur Marina, Çaltıcak, and Martı Island. The pace is built so you’re not stuck waiting around too long. Still, you are on a boat, which means:

• you might feel a bit of sun
• you’ll likely want your towel and swimwear accessible
• you’ll want to be ready for a return around 16:30

About keepsakes: DVD and photos are not included. That’s important if you’re hoping for professional underwater images. If photos matter to you, plan to purchase them separately.

The certificate ceremony is included, and it’s likely the easiest “proof” that your group did the sessions.

Should You Book This Antalya Scuba Tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want:

• a beginner friendly way to experience underwater scenery without needing prior skills
• a full day plan that includes two short underwater sessions, lunch, and transfers
• a setup that also lets non divers spend the day swimming and sunbathing with the group
• English guidance with the option for Russian or Turkish support

Skip it if any of the listed restrictions apply to you or your group, especially pregnancy, heart problems, wheelchair use, or physical limitations that could make the activity unsafe.

One last practical tip for expectations: visibility can vary, and boat ride comfort can depend on the day and the vehicle. If you go in aiming for a fun, guided experience rather than perfect underwater photos, you’ll have a better time.

If your goal is to leave Antalya knowing you tried an underwater session once, this is one of the simpler ways to do it with a clear schedule and a good value bundle.

FAQ

Do I need any scuba experience to join?

No experience is required. The amateur format includes two underwater sessions, about 20 minutes each.

How long will I spend underwater, and how deep is it?

You’ll have two sessions of around 20 minutes each, for about 40 minutes total underwater time. The depth is typically about 5 to 10 metres.

Can non divers come along and still enjoy the day?

Yes. Non divers are welcome on the boat. You can spend the day swimming. There is also free basic swimming training for those who do not know how to swim.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes pick up and drop back services, individual insurance, diving equipment, English guidance, two underwater sessions, and lunch. Drinks, DVD and photos, and personal expenditures are not included.

What languages are available for the instructor?

English guidance is included, and the instructor can also work in Russian and Turkish.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and guests with physical difficulties. Children under 14 are not allowed to take the underwater sessions.

Is free cancellation available, and can I pay later?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It also offers a reserve now and pay later option, so you can book your spot without paying immediately.