Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your Turkish holiday? A scuba diving tour in Side, offered by Lft Travel Agency, promises a memorable experience exploring the Mediterranean’s vibrant underwater scenery. This tour, which includes two dives, a delicious lunch, and hotel transfers, is perfect for those wanting to see the sea’s hidden treasures without needing extensive prior experience.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the affordable price point of $40 per person offers considerable value for two guided dives. Second, the scenic underwater landscapes and marine encounters are genuinely captivating, with divers exploring depths up to 12 meters. Lastly, the friendly guides and flexible options — including non-diver options — make this a welcoming outing for a broad range of travelers.
However, a noteworthy consideration is that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues**. Also, since the tour involves actual diving, those who are not comfortable with water or have mobility limitations might find it less accessible. Still, if you’re looking for an authentic and affordable diving adventure that balances safety, fun, and the chance to explore marine life, it’s worth considering.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one day out that combines adventure with relaxation. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to try scuba diving or a seasoned diver looking for a convenient day trip, this tour offers a practical way to explore Side’s underwater world.
Good To Know
- Affordable Price: At only $40, this tour offers great value, especially considering the inclusion of two guided dives.
- All Skill Levels Welcome: The tour caters to both beginners and experienced divers, with professional guides providing instructions.
- Comfortable Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select this option, making logistics simple.
- Authentic Marine Encounters: Expect to see a variety of marine life, from coral reefs to sunken ships and even ancient artifacts.
- Relaxing Breaks: The captain prepares a delicious lunch, and you can unwind on the deck between dives.
- Limited Suitability: Not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health or mobility issues.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
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The Itinerary and What to Expect
The entire tour lasts about 7 hours, with the actual diving comprising approximately 5 hours of underwater exploration, depending on weather conditions. The day begins with hotel pickup—from locations including Evrenseki, Gündodu, Ilca, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, and others—making the logistics seamless and stress-free. You’ll be transported to the departure point, where your guides are ready to prepare you for the underwater adventure.
Once on board, the atmosphere is friendly and professional, with guides speaking English, German, and Russian. The first dive takes you to a depth of around 6 meters, where you can marvel at underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life. Our reviews mention guides like “very friendly and thinking along with you,” which reassures first-time divers that they’ll be well-supported.
After the first dive, there’s a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the captain. The meal is typically included, adding value to the day, especially considering the cost of similar tours elsewhere. During this break, you can soak in the sun on the deck or take photos of the stunning coastline.
The second dive descends to 12 meters, revealing more impressive sights like sunken ships, ancient artifacts, and lively coral reefs. One reviewer noted that “the underwater scenery is quite impressive,” reinforcing how memorable these encounters can be.
Marine Life and Underwater Landscapes
The Mediterranean waters around Side are home to a variety of marine species, including colorful fish, crustaceans, and possibly sea turtles. The mention of sunken ships and underwater artifacts suggests that some dive sites are wrecks or historical remnants, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
One guest pointed out, “the staff is very friendly and think along with you,” which shows the guides’ attentiveness to safety and enjoyment. This is particularly important if you’re new to diving, as clear instructions and supportive guidance can make all the difference.
The Guide and Group Experience
Guides are experienced and are there to ensure safety and provide insightful commentary about the underwater environment. The group sizes are manageable, ensuring that everyone receives personal attention. The tour accommodates non-divers as well, who can join as “no diving” guests, paying onboard if they decide to give it a try during the trip.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Lunch and Relaxation
The included lunch is a highlight, giving you a chance to rest and recharge. It’s a welcomed break after the adrenaline of the first dive. Post-lunch, you can lounge on the deck, basking in the sun or sharing stories with fellow travelers.
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The Return and Practical Details
After the second dive, the trip concludes with hotel transfers back to your accommodation. The entire journey is well-organized, with detailed instructions provided 24 hours in advance. The tour is available from Side and Alanya, with separate boats for each location to ensure safety and a tailored experience.
What We Love About This Tour
Value for Money: At $40, this tour packs in two guided dives, transport, and lunch—hard to beat in the region.
Professional Guidance: The guides are experienced, friendly, and capable of assisting both beginners and seasoned divers, making it accessible and safe.
Diverse Marine Encounters: Expect to see vibrant reefs, sunken ships, and even historical artifacts—adding depth (pun intended) to your underwater exploration.
Relaxed Atmosphere: The inclusion of lunch and comfortable on-board facilities make the day enjoyable and stress-free.
Flexible Options: Non-divers can still participate, and booking with the “reserve now, pay later” option offers flexibility for planning.
What Could Be Better
While the tour offers excellent value, the price for photos and videos is extra, which might catch some travelers off guard. If capturing every moment is important, consider budgeting for this additional expense.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues. This is standard for diving, but worth noting if traveling with family or friends with health considerations.
Weather plays a role in the experience; the tour might be shortened or extended depending on conditions, so flexibility and patience are helpful.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?
This scuba diving tour from Side and Alanya is a fantastic option for travelers seeking an affordable, guided underwater experience. The inclusion of two dives, transport, and lunch makes it a convenient way to explore the Mediterranean’s marine environment without the hassle of organizing each element independently.
It’s especially suitable for beginners and casual divers who want to try diving in a safe and supportive setting. The tour also appeals to those who love watersports, wildlife, and a relaxed day out on the sea. Keep in mind the health and age restrictions, and be prepared for a full, active day.
In essence, if you’re after a value-packed day of underwater discovery, comfortable logistics, and friendly guides, this tour is definitely worth considering.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for non-divers? Yes, non-divers can join as “no diving” guests and pay onboard if they wish to try diving later or just enjoy the boat ride.
What is included in the price? The price covers 2 guided dives, hotel transfers, lunch, and travel insurance.
Are hotel pickups available? Yes, transfers are included if you select the pickup option, covering locations like Evrenseki, Gündodu, Ilca, Side, and Sorgun.
How long does the tour last? The total duration is around 7 hours, with approximately 5 hours of actual diving.
Can I participate if I’m not experienced? Absolutely. The tour is suitable for all skill levels, with professional guides providing instructions and support.
What should I bring? Remember to pack hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water.
Are there any age restrictions? Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 12, or for pregnant women and individuals with mobility, heart, or respiratory issues.
Can I take photos or videos? Yes, but these services are charged extra on the boat.
What happens if the weather is bad? The tour may be shortened or extended depending on conditions, and it’s best to check with the provider if you have concerns.
In summary, this Side and Alanya diving tour offers a well-rounded, affordable way to discover the underwater beauty of the Mediterranean. With professional guidance, flexible options, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for those eager to explore the sea’s hidden gems while enjoying the comfort of a guided day out.
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