Antalya Scuba Diving Tour, With Lunch & Return Transfers

Antalya’s Mediterranean coast looks beautiful from land, but the better surprise is below the surface. This beginner-friendly scuba outing takes you by boat from Setur Marina to two underwater sites, with two 20-minute sessions at about 5 to 10 metres.

I like the simple price, which covers equipment, instruction, lunch, insurance, and transfers. I also like the relaxed plan for non-swimmers and non-divers, who can stay on the boat, swim, or sunbathe. The main drawback is the transfer van, which one passenger found stuffy and uncomfortable, so the ride may not be the smoothest part of your day.

Key points to know

• Two underwater sessions: Spend about 40 minutes below the surface, split into two 20-minute sessions.
• Beginner depth: The standard program reaches roughly 5 to 10 metres, with an instructor beside you.
• Two different coastal sites: The first stop is off Çaltıcak, followed by Martı Island after lunch.
• Lunch is included: Expect schnitzel, pasta, and salad, but drinks are extra.
• A full boat day: Non-divers can come along for swimming and sunbathing.
• Hotel pickup has a catch: Meet the shuttle at your hotel’s main security gate, not inside the lobby or grounds.

What your $38 buys on the Antalya coast

At $38 per person, this is an inexpensive way to try scuba without committing to a certification course. You receive hotel-gate pickup and return, English, Russian, or Turkish instruction, diving equipment, insurance, lunch, and two underwater sessions.

That package matters because equipment rental alone can add cost to a water activity. Here, you do not need to arrange a wetsuit, mask, tank, or other basic gear separately. You also avoid paying for a private boat or a full professional course.

The price does not cover drinks, personal spending, or the optional DVD and photos. I would bring cash for those extras, as well as for anything else you may want during the day. If you want a polished private charter with a small group and premium food, this is not that sort of trip. It is a practical shared boat outing aimed at first-timers and casual holidaymakers.

The public score is 4.3 from eight ratings, with praise focused on the friendly boat crew and professional instruction. One participant found the underwater visibility disappointing, while another had a poor transfer ride. Those details give you a fair picture: the staff and basic program are the strongest points, while comfort and sea conditions can vary.

Morning pickup and the ride to Setur Marina

Pickup takes place between 9:00 and 10:15 in the morning. The vehicle does not enter the hotel grounds, so you need to wait at the main security gate. This is an easy detail to miss, especially at a large resort where the gate may be a short walk from reception.

I would leave the hotel with your swimwear already on, sunscreen applied, and a towel in your day bag. The morning schedule can stretch across that 75-minute pickup window, so bring sunglasses and a hat for the wait.

The transfer itself is useful, but it may not be luxurious. One passenger described the vehicle as too stuffy and uncomfortable. You should treat the shuttle as basic transport rather than part of the holiday experience. If you are sensitive to heat or cramped seating, carry water and dress lightly.

After pickup, the group reaches Setur Marina for the boat departure at around 10:30. The marina is the working starting point for the day, and the change from road transport to open water is where the outing begins to feel like a proper sea trip.

Your first underwater session near Çaltıcak

The first session takes place off the coast of Çaltıcak. The tour is designed for amateur participants, so you do not need prior scuba experience or special skills. Your instructor chooses the most suitable activity based on your experience and helps you use the equipment before entering the water.

The standard amateur program includes 20 minutes underwater at approximately 5 to 10 metres. That depth keeps the session within a beginner range, while still giving you enough time to see the coastal underwater setting and marine life.

You should not expect an advanced expedition. The focus is on learning the basic rhythm of breathing through the equipment, getting comfortable underwater, and watching the sea life around you. For a first attempt, that is the right approach. A short session can feel less intimidating than a long one, especially if you are still adjusting to the mask and breathing system.

Water clarity is not guaranteed. One participant enjoyed the day but found visibility below the surface less impressive than hoped. This is an important point for anyone expecting postcard-perfect views. The Mediterranean may be clear, but conditions can change with weather, water movement, and the exact site used that day.

If you feel nervous, tell the instructor before entering the water. The program is intended for beginners, and the staff speak English, Russian, and Turkish. The available information does not name individual instructors, but professional instruction is one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing.

Lunch and free time on the boat

After the first session, the boat stops for lunch and a swimming break. The meal includes schnitzel, pasta, and salad. It is straightforward boat food rather than a restaurant lunch, but it gives you a proper break before the afternoon session.

Drinks are not included, so bring cash and plan to buy them separately if available on board. You should also bring a refillable water bottle if you have one, though the tour information does not specify drink service or prices.

The swimming break is useful even if you are not taking part in the scuba program. Non-divers are welcome on the boat and can spend the day swimming or sunbathing. Children under 14 cannot take part in the underwater sessions, but they can enjoy those surface activities instead.

The tour also offers free basic swimming training for people who do not know how to swim. That does not turn the outing into a formal swimming course, but it makes the day more approachable for a wider range of participants. You should still be honest about your swimming ability before the boat leaves.

This is also the point where you can decide how active you want the afternoon to be. You may eat, rest in the sun, swim, or simply watch the coastline from the boat. The outing is not built around nonstop activity, which makes it more manageable for families and couples with mixed interests.

Martı Island and the second 20-minute session

The second underwater session takes place near Martı Island after lunch. Changing sites gives the day some variety, even though the two sessions follow the same beginner format. You spend another 20 minutes below the surface, bringing the total underwater time to about 40 minutes.

The change of location is valuable because sea conditions and marine life can differ from one site to another. It also gives you a second chance to settle into the equipment. Many first-time participants need the first session to understand how to breathe, equalize pressure, and move comfortably. The second session may feel more natural simply because you know what to expect.

The tour description presents Antalya’s coastal waters as an area with varied marine life. You may see colourful underwater creatures and coastal formations, but no exact species or guaranteed sighting is provided. Keep your expectations flexible. This is a recreational introduction, not a wildlife-focused expedition.

Professional participants may be offered wreck or deeper exploration options depending on their certification badge. That information is relevant mainly to certified scuba users. The standard plan described here is for amateur participants, and the instructor decides the most suitable activity based on your experience.

I would book this particular outing for someone who wants to try scuba while keeping the depth and time modest. If you already hold a qualification and want a technical wreck session, ask for exact details before booking. The standard package may not match your goals.

The return to Setur Marina and certificate ceremony

The boat returns to Setur Marina at about 16:30. Before the day ends, the crew holds a certificate ceremony. It is a small but enjoyable touch, especially if this is your first scuba experience and you want a keepsake from the day.

You then return to the same meeting stops by shuttle. Remember that the drop-off arrangement follows the pickup arrangement, so the hotel’s main security gate is the practical meeting point rather than the lobby.

The full schedule lasts around seven hours. That makes this a substantial half-day activity, not a quick add-on between breakfast and the beach. Leave enough room in your plans for the morning pickup window, the boat ride, lunch, both sessions, the return to the marina, and the drive back.

What to pack for a comfortable day

The essentials are simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash

I would also wear comfortable clothes over your swimwear for the transfer and bring a dry change of clothing for the ride home. The official packing information does not list a dry bag, but keeping your phone and wallet protected from splashes is sensible on any boat day.

Sunscreen matters because you will spend time outside between sessions. Apply it before pickup and bring it with you for later use. A hat and sunglasses are useful during the surface break, when the sun can feel stronger than it did at the hotel.

The tour provides diving equipment, so you do not need to carry your own gear. The optional photos and DVD are not included. If you care about photographs, ask about the cost before agreeing to purchase anything.

Who should book this Antalya scuba outing

This tour suits you if you want a first taste of scuba without taking a course or spending a large amount. The shallow depth, short sessions, instructor support, and included equipment make it approachable for amateur participants.

It also works well for a group with mixed interests. A partner or relative who does not want to enter the water can still join the boat, swim, and sunbathe. Children under 14 cannot take part in scuba, but they can enjoy the surface activities.

You should not book if you are pregnant, have heart problems, use a wheelchair, or have physical difficulties that make boat and water activities unsuitable. The tour does not provide a suitable option for those needs.

Certified scuba users should ask for current details before booking if they want wreck exploration or a deeper session. The available program clearly focuses on amateur participants, and the instructor selects the activity according to experience and certification.

Practical booking advice before you pay

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The tour asks for reservations at least one day ahead, so do not leave it until the morning you want to go.

Check the pickup gate with your hotel before the day begins. Large resorts can have several entrances, and waiting at reception could make you miss the vehicle. I would also confirm the language you prefer, since instruction is available in English, Russian, and Turkish.

Sea conditions affect the quality of the underwater view. One day may offer good weather and a smooth outing, while another may produce weaker visibility. The staff and boat crew can control safety and organization, but they cannot guarantee perfect water clarity.

Should you book it?

Book this Antalya scuba tour if you want an affordable, guided introduction to the Mediterranean with lunch and transport already arranged. The strongest reasons are the two beginner-level sessions, the professional instruction, and the fact that non-divers can still enjoy the boat.

Think twice if you need a comfortable transfer, guaranteed visibility, premium meals, or advanced scuba work. For most first-timers, though, $38 is a fair price for seven hours, two underwater sessions, equipment, insurance, food, and a full day at sea. Bring cash, meet the shuttle at the hotel gate, and keep your expectations focused on trying something new rather than chasing a perfect underwater photograph.

FAQ

Is previous scuba experience required?

No. The amateur program is designed for people without special scuba skills, and an instructor guides you. The standard sessions reach about 5 to 10 metres.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two sessions are included. Each lasts about 20 minutes, for approximately 40 minutes underwater in total.

Where do the sessions take place?

The first session takes place off the coast of Çaltıcak. The second takes place near Martı Island after lunch and a swimming break.

Are non-divers allowed on the boat?

Yes. Non-divers can join the boat and spend the day swimming or sunbathing.

Can children take part?

Children under 14 cannot take part in the scuba sessions. They can enjoy swimming and sunbathing instead.

What is included in the price?

The $38 price includes hotel pickup and return, insurance, scuba equipment, English guidance, two underwater sessions, and lunch. Drinks, personal expenses, photos, and the optional DVD are not included.