Scuba Diving in Antalya from Antalya & Kemer

Your first time underwater starts in Kemer. This Antalya and Kemer day trip makes it simple, with five to one support and two shallow sessions in the Bay of Kirish, plus the gear and lunch included. I especially like the friendly, professional instruction and the included all-in plan that ends with a scuba training certificate. One possible drawback to weigh first: the optional photo and video add-ons can feel salesy, so decide in advance what you want to say yes to.

You’ll start with a briefing, then move to the boat and get set up with scuba equipment before going into the water. In English, you’ll even learn a bit of submariner sign language, and the schedule is built around novices, with depths that step up from 5 meters to 7 meters.

Key things to know before you go

• 5 to 1 instructor attention in the water, which matters a lot when you are new
• Two shallow underwater sessions designed for beginners, around 5 meters then 7 meters
• Bay of Kirish, Kemer district, with easy access from the port area
• Lunch and boat downtime between underwater sessions, so you are not rushed nonstop
• Scuba equipment included plus an end-of-tour training certificate
• Optional photo and video packages are extra, and may be strongly promoted

Antalya and Kemer to the boat, without the stress

Most of the ease here comes from how the morning is set up. The tour runs about 6 hours, starting at 9:00 am, and you get an air-conditioned vehicle if you choose pickup. They promise complimentary hotel pickup, and you’ll get the pickup schedule between 6 and 9 pm the day before. After that, the operator contacts you with the exact pickup info, so be ready the evening before.

Once you’re moving toward Kemer, you’re basically on a “get set up, get in the water, get back” timeline. That sounds basic, but it’s exactly what you want for a first underwater day. The max group size is 30 travelers, and in the water you’ll be split into small groups with one instructor per group, not one instructor trying to manage a whole crowd.

One timing note from real-life experience: if the boat you are assigned to gets full, you may end up transferred to another boat. On a busy day, that can mean extra waiting time before you start your first underwater session.

Gear, briefing, and that small-group instructor ratio

The heart of this experience is the training format: shallow water, close instructor time, and a simple plan you can follow even if you’ve never worn scuba gear before. The highlights call out a five to one diver-to-instructor ratio, and that shows up in how the day is run. You get instructions before you enter the water, then you follow your instructor into the Bay of Kirish.

The tour includes the use of scuba equipment, so you’re not trying to rent gear last minute. You also get a chance to learn basics before you go under, including how to handle the equipment and what to do once you’re at the surface.

A practical comfort warning: mask fit is everything. If your mask leaks or your nose pocket isn’t positioned right, it can get uncomfortable fast once you go below the surface. Fixing it at the surface level is far easier than trying to “tough it out” underwater. If you feel water creeping in, come up, signal your instructor, and get the fit adjusted.

Bay of Kirish setup: where you go and what you’ll do first

The water part takes place in the Bay of Kirish in the Kemer district. After you reach the bay area, you board a ship with specialist scuba equipment. That ship setup is part of the day’s flow, because it keeps the training station simple: gear, briefing, then you’re into the shallow water area.

The day is written for beginners, so your first underwater session is built to help you get your bearings fast. Expect basic underwater movement, controlled depth, and time to practice the essentials while staying shallow. The tour also mentions you’ll learn some submariner sign language, which is surprisingly useful for first-timers because it gives you a quick, consistent way to communicate underwater without overthinking it.

In at least one real-world scenario, the first training area was right by a small island near the port. That’s a good sign if you prefer short travel time and easier logistics before you’re in the water.

Underwater session one: from the surface to 5 meters

Your first underwater session typically lasts about 20 minutes. The standard beginner depth is around 5 meters, which is shallow enough to focus on comfort and control. Instead of spending your energy on “can I do this,” you can spend it on learning how breathing feels through the gear and how to stay calm in a new environment.

What you may notice is that session one can feel a little structured. Some first-timers report that the instructor team also wants to capture photos and video during the early part. If you do not want that, you can still enjoy the training. You just need to be clear and firm about your boundaries before you enter the water.

If you are the kind of person who worries about getting everything right, session one is where that anxiety can show up, especially with mask fit. The good news is your instructor group is small, so you’re not stuck trying to solve a problem alone.

A comfort tip that helps

Practice breathing slowly as soon as you go under. It sounds obvious, but it changes everything. When you stay steady, you waste less energy adjusting the gear, and you keep the whole experience from turning into a frantic “why is my body doing that” moment.

Underwater session two: stepping to about 7 meters

The second underwater session also lasts around 20 minutes, and for beginners it steps up to about 7 meters. If you have prior experience, the instructor adapts the plan and depth based on what you can handle.

This second session is often the one people are most curious about, because it can feel like more “real scuba” rather than just a skills lesson. Some people find they get to move around more and see more of the underwater life, including coral areas and fish.

That said, this is not a guarantee of a full-on sea life show. Conditions, visibility, and the exact area you enter can affect what you see. If your goal is maximum marine variety, keep your expectations grounded. You’re on a training itinerary, designed for first-time comfort and safety.

One more thing to watch: jellyfish can be present in the swimming area. You don’t need to panic. You do need to stay aware, look where you swim, and follow your instructor’s guidance.

The boat break: lunch, views, and why the pause matters

One of the smartest parts of the schedule is the in-between time. After the first underwater session, you get a break on the boat and lunch is served. In real operation, this often looks like food distributed after you come back up, then you re-board and continue the day with a calmer pace.

You also get downtime to just be on the water. The description notes time on the boat with sea views, and that matters more than you’d think. First-timers often focus so hard on the gear and the water that they forget to relax. That lunch break helps you come into session two fresher, not worn out.

Also, you’re going to spend a chunk of the day on boats and near the water. If you are someone who likes a place to change quickly, be aware that there may not be a dedicated changing area. Plan to manage changing as efficiently as you can.

Certificates and the photo-video add-ons, plus how to handle them

By the end of the tour, you receive a scuba training certificate. This is a legit “bookend” to the day, especially if you’re doing the experience as a starter goal. It also helps if you want something tangible to show for your first time in open water.

Now for the part that can be awkward: photo and video sales. The tour does not include the photo and video report (25 USD), and extras are offered. Multiple accounts describe strong upselling, sometimes starting even before you get in the water. That does not mean you can’t enjoy the tour. It does mean you should decide your stance early.

My practical approach if you dislike pressure

• Decide before the boat: yes to photos or no to them.
• If you say no, repeat it calmly and don’t negotiate underwater.
• If you feel uncomfortable, focus on the training and your instructor. Photo choices are optional, your safety training is not.

One other end-of-day detail: some tours add a short certificate moment that can be a little playful, including attempts to get participants to join in. If you prefer quiet and efficient, just treat it as a brief close to the day, then head back for your evening.

Price and value for first-timers from Antalya and Kemer

Even without a stated ticket price here, the value case is pretty clear in how the tour is packaged. You’re getting:

• pickup by air-conditioned vehicle
• scuba equipment included
• lunch included
• two shallow underwater sessions appropriate for beginners
• an end-of-tour certificate

For many first-timers, that’s the whole point: you want a controlled, guided introduction without trying to coordinate gear rental, boat timing, and instruction yourself.

Where value can wobble is when optional extras start taking mental space. If you’re not interested in photo or video, you might want to lock that down early. If you are interested, the 25 USD photo and video report is the stated optional add-on, but there can be other offers too.

Also consider the day’s “human math.” Max group size is 30, but that doesn’t automatically mean your boat will feel empty. One account notes an overcrowded boat situation and long queues before starting, so on peak dates, be ready for crowding in general boat logistics.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want a safe, guided introduction and you are happy with shallow training sessions rather than chasing wildlife or long bottom time. It’s also a good fit for couples, families with capable participants, and anyone who likes structure: briefing, two planned underwater sessions, lunch, certificate, done.

You might consider other options if:

• you are extremely sensitive to crowds and long boat waiting
• you hate any pressure around optional photo or course purchases
• you expect guaranteed coral-rich viewing or maximum marine life
• you need a dedicated changing space and do not want improvisation

And if you get motion sick easily, take it seriously. One account described feeling ill after the first underwater session, and the person chose not to take part in the second. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s a reason to watch your own body and speak up if something feels off.

Should you book? My honest call

Book it if you want a first-time open-water training day with a clear beginner plan: shallow depths around 5 meters then 7 meters, small instructor groups, and the basics handled for you. Add in pickup from Antalya or Kemer, lunch, included equipment, and a certificate, and the experience becomes a straightforward way to tick off scuba training without a lot of planning.

Hold off or be cautious if you strongly dislike upselling or you know you get stressed in busy boat setups. On peak days, you could face boat crowding or transfers that add waiting time. If that sounds like your worst day, choose another schedule with fewer groups, or be ready to manage it.

One last practical note: this experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be rescheduled or refunded. So if you’re booking with limited time in Antalya, keep a flexible backup plan in mind.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included, and when will I get the pickup details?

Pickup is offered and included. A pickup schedule is made available between 6 and 9 PM the day before. You’ll be contacted for the pickup information.

How deep do beginners go?

For novices, the tour runs at about 5 meters for the first session and 7 meters for the second session. If you have prior experience, the instructor can adjust the depth.

How long are the underwater sessions?

Each underwater session is designed for novices and lasts about 20 minutes.

What’s included and what’s not included?

Included: air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and use of scuba equipment. Not included: personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and the photo and video report (25 USD), plus any drinks.

Do I receive any certificate at the end?

Yes. Each participant receives a scuba training certificate at the end of the tour.

What happens if the weather is bad or the minimum number of travelers is not met?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different experience/date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.