Antalya Scuba Diving Adventure with Expert Diver Option

The appeal here is simple: two chances to explore the Mediterranean from a boat, with the gear and instruction handled for you. At Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay, beginner sessions take place in clear water at about 5 to 10 metres, a manageable range for a first underwater outing.

I like that the trip includes two sessions and lunch, so the day has time to settle in rather than ending after a quick swim. I also like the calm, patient approach described by the staff at Octopus Diving School in Kemer, especially for people who feel nervous before their first session.

One thing to plan around: the full outing can take 5 to 9 hours, and the advertised $21 price does not include drinks, photos, or videos. Check what your selected option covers, particularly if you need hotel pickup or want the separate program for certified divers.

Kemer’s two-bay scuba outing at a glance

• Two underwater sessions: Visit Aquarium Bay first, then Kiris Bay, with lunch and time to rest aboard between them.
• Beginner-friendly depths: The standard program takes place around 5 to 10 metres, with an instructor and equipment provided.
• A separate certified-diver program: Certified participants may reach 12 to 30 metres, depending on their certification level.
• A boat-based day: Expect to spend several hours around Kemer, not just the time underwater. The itinerary lists about five hours in Kemer, while the full activity may last 5 to 9 hours.
• Extras can change the total cost: Drinks and photos or videos are not included, and hotel transport is available only with selected options.

Starting at Kemer Marina

The meeting point is the gate of Kemer Marina, and the activity ends back there. If you select hotel pickup, meet the bus at your hotel’s main entrance, in front of security, or beside the turnstiles. Be ready on time: the bus waits no more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup.

The outing is run by EKM Seyahat Turizm Otelcilik. The activity is offered in English, Russian, German, and Turkish. At the school in Kemer, staff prepare participants for the boat trip and explain what to expect before anyone enters the water.

The total duration is listed as 5 to 9 hours, depending on the selected option and starting time. That range is wide enough to matter when planning the rest of your day. Avoid booking a close connection or an important appointment afterward, and check the available start time before you commit.

There is no group-size information, so I would not assume this is a small-group outing. What is clear is that the program includes an instructor, equipment, transport only when selected, and two underwater sessions. If you want to know how many people will be on the boat, ask before booking.

The safety briefing and first underwater session

Before the first session, an instructor gives a safety briefing and explains how to handle the equipment. That groundwork matters most if you are new to scuba. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to use the gear, but you should listen closely, speak up about worries, and follow the instructor’s directions.

The first underwater stop is Aquarium Bay, known for clear water and a range of sea life. The beginner program stays in the 5 to 10 metre range, making this a relatively shallow introduction compared with the separate program for certified participants. You can focus on getting comfortable and seeing what is around you, rather than treating the outing as a test of endurance.

A first session can feel daunting if you have never breathed underwater. One family’s account describes a nervous first-timer being reassured by patient, calm staff and completing both sessions. That is useful context, but it is not a promise that every person will feel at ease. Tell the instructor if you are anxious, and do not pay for a more demanding option if you have doubts.

The marine life is part of the attraction, but specific species are not guaranteed. The clear Mediterranean water and the bays’ underwater scenery are the surest reasons to go; what you spot will depend on conditions and what is in the area that day.

Lunch aboard, then a second stop at Kiris Bay

After the first session, the boat serves lunch. This pause gives you a chance to rest, eat, and enjoy the sea views before going back into the water. The meal is included, but drinks are not, so bring money if you want to buy something to drink. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so check with the operator if you have a dietary need or other reason to bring something along.

The second session takes place at Kiris Bay. It offers another chance to see the underwater setting, and the break in between gives you time to regain your energy and take in the boat trip. If you are new to scuba, that rest matters: two sessions can feel quite different from a single short introduction.

The schedule gives you time on the boat, not just underwater. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear, and expect sun exposure while waiting between activities. The information provided does not specify shade or changing facilities, so do not count on either without checking in advance.

What the certified-diver option changes

Certified participants follow a separate program led by instructors authorised by SSI, PADI, TSSF, and NDL. Depending on certification level, the stated depth range is 12 to 30 metres. This is not simply the beginner outing at a greater depth: the program is arranged separately, and your certification determines what you can do.

A family described paying extra for a deeper option for one member while others chose the standard shallow program. The staff presented the choices without pressuring anyone, and advised people who felt unsure to stick with the normal session. That is sensible advice. Pay for the certified program only if you meet its requirements and feel comfortable with the plan.

One account also describes the paid deep option as the first day of training toward a deeper qualification, with certification valid for one year if the participant succeeds. Because that detail may depend on the exact package and current training terms, confirm it directly with the operator before treating it as part of your booking. The core details to verify are the extra price, what training is included, and what qualification, if any, you receive.

What the $21 price does and does not cover

At $21 per person, the starting price looks appealing for a boat outing with two sessions, an instructor, equipment, and lunch. That can be good value if the selected option includes what you need and you are happy with the standard shallow program.

But treat $21 as a starting point, not an all-in total. Photos and videos cost extra, drinks are excluded, and hotel pickup is included only if you choose an option that provides it. The certified-diver program may also cost more; a family account specifically mentions paying extra for that choice.

Before booking, compare the option details rather than relying on the headline price. Check whether pickup is included, which program you are selecting, and whether any extras matter to you. If you do not need transport or photos and want a straightforward beginner outing, the included equipment, instruction, lunch, and two sessions make the base offer easier to assess.

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those terms help if your plans are still taking shape, though they do not remove the need to check the selected package carefully.

Who will enjoy this Kemer outing

This trip suits adults and older children who want a guided first scuba experience without signing up for a full course. The minimum age is 12. It also suits certified participants who want a separate program in the stated 12 to 30 metre range, provided their certification allows it.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems, altitude sickness, high blood pressure, or recent surgery. It is also not suitable for people over 70. If you have a health concern, do not guess based on the general description; check with the operator and a medical professional before booking.

Families can choose different programs for different participants, as long as each person meets the relevant requirements. A first-timer can stay with the shallow program while a certified family member follows the separate option. That flexibility is helpful, but it is worth confirming the arrangements and added cost in advance.

Practical details to sort out before you go

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The boat is part of the day, so protect yourself during the time between sessions as well as while on deck. Do not plan to bring food or drinks, since those are not allowed; lunch is provided, but drinks are not.

Photos and videos are optional extras, not part of the included package. If recording the outing matters to you, ask how the extra works and what it costs. There is no supplied information on the photo format or delivery, so get those details before agreeing to pay.

Weather can affect how enjoyable a boat day feels. One participant still rated the outing highly despite poor weather, but that is not a guarantee of comfortable conditions. Check the forecast, bring sun protection regardless, and keep expectations flexible if the sea or sky is not ideal.

The main thing I would keep in mind is that this is a guided, shared boat activity, not a private trip. You get instruction, two sessions, and lunch, but the timing and pace depend on the group and the chosen option. If you prefer a quiet day on shore or want a highly personalised program, this may not be the right fit.

Should you book it?

Book this outing if you want a straightforward way to try scuba in Kemer, value having an instructor and equipment included, and are happy to spend much of the day on a boat. The shallow 5 to 10 metre program and two separate sessions make it a reasonable first experience, while the certified option gives qualified participants a different route.

Think twice if your schedule cannot absorb a 5 to 9 hour activity, if you need a highly accessible experience, or if the extra costs for drinks, photos, transport, or the certified program would spoil the budget. For a first-timer, I would choose the standard program unless you are already certified and certain the deeper option suits you. The best value here comes from matching the package to your comfort level, not paying for more than you need.

FAQ

Where does the activity start and end?

The meeting point is at the gate of Kemer Marina. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select an option that provides them. The bus pickup point is at the hotel’s main entrance, in front of security, or beside the turnstiles.

How long does the outing last?

The stated duration is 5 to 9 hours, with starting times depending on availability. The Kemer portion is listed as about five hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

The activity includes two sessions, one at Aquarium Bay and one at Kiris Bay.

How deep is the standard program?

The standard program takes place at depths ranging from 5 to 10 metres.

How deep can certified participants go?

The separate certified-diver program may reach 12 to 30 metres, depending on the participant’s certification level.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. Diving equipment and an instructor are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch aboard the boat is included. Drinks are not included.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included in the price.

Who is the activity not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant people, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems, altitude sickness, high blood pressure, or recent surgery. It is also not suitable for people over 70.