Diving Antalya Kemer

Exploring the waters off Antalya’s coast can be a highlight of any trip to Turkey, and the Diving Antalya Kemer tour offers just that. This roughly six-hour experience combines scuba diving at captivating locations, a boat cruise with picturesque views, and a hearty open buffet lunch. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see the underwater world without committing to a full-day or certification course.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the professional guidance provided by instructors, which helps even beginners feel safe and confident. The boat’s amenities, such as showers and WC facilities, add comfort after your time in the water. That said, one potential concern is the reported overcrowding—reviews suggest that groups can sometimes be quite large, which might affect the quality of your experience. This tour is best suited for those looking for an accessible introduction to diving combined with scenic cruising and a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re in Antalya and curious about the marine life, this trip delivers fascinating underwater sights, lively boat vibes, and a taste of local hospitality. It’s particularly ideal for first-timers or casual divers wanting an easy, enjoyable experience rather than a technical exploration.

Key Points

• Great value with a mix of diving, cruising, and buffet lunch for around $58.
• Professional instructors ensure safety and support throughout the experience.
• Overcrowding can be an issue, impacting the overall comfort and immersion.
• Multiple dive sites at Kemer Marina and Kiri Cave offer varied underwater environments.
• Scenic boat cruise provides stunning views along the Turkish coast.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The package covers scuba equipment use, lunch, air-conditioned transport, all necessary fees and taxes, insurance, and an instructor. This comprehensive setup guarantees you don’t need to worry about extra costs or arrangements once you’re on the boat.

However, bottled water is an extra, which some might find surprising given the physical activity involved. It’s worth bringing your own, especially if you prefer hydration during or after your swim.

Morning Pickup and Transfer to Kemer Marina

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your hotel or a known point in Antalya. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a smooth ride to Kemer Marina, just about 18 minutes from the port. This short transfer keeps travel fatigue down and gets you to the yacht in good time to start your day.

Welcome Aboard and Briefing

Once aboard, the crew introduces the day’s plan and safety instructions. The vessel is equipped with showers and a WC, making it convenient to freshen up after your dips. The boat’s crew is attentive, which is appreciated given the mixed reviews about group size—some travelers mention boats hosting up to 50 people, which can make the experience less personal.

First Stop: Kiri Aquarium Bay

After departing from the marina, you cruise for around 18 minutes to the first dive site, Kiri Aquarium Bay. Here, you’ll receive basic training if you’re new to diving, followed by your first amateur dive at about 5 meters depth. The entire process, including equipment setup and briefing, is designed to make beginners comfortable.

Travelers have shared that the instructors are friendly and supportive, offering necessary guidance for those new to the sport. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes underwater, gazing at intriguing marine life and colorful rocks. This shallow, close-to-shore environment is perfect for first encounters with scuba.

Lunch and Relaxation

During a surface interval, a delicious open buffet lunch is served on the boat. Reviewers commend the quality of the food, describing it as “top-notch,” which is encouraging considering some tours skimp on meals. The buffet is ample enough to satisfy divers and non-divers alike, with a variety of options.

Second Dive at Kiri Cave

After lunch, the boat cruises to Kiri Mapa Bay for your second dive, this time at a deeper level—up to 30 meters for certified divers, or about 5 meters for amateurs. The second site offers a different underwater landscape, likely with caves and interesting formations. The view of the coast and the surrounding islands during this cruise adds to the overall appeal.

Return Journey and Debrief

Toward the end of the day, the boat heads back to Kemer Marina. From there, a transfer bus takes you back to Antalya, wrapping up a day filled with scenic views and underwater exploration.

Most you will start with a basic training session—crucial for those new to scuba—and then proceed to their first shallow dive. The small group setting, with at least one instructor per group, give you personalized attention, but reviews suggest that sometimes groups are larger than ideal, which can impact the experience.

Underwater Highlights

While specific marine life sightings depend on the season, reviewers mention seeing large stingrays, Müren fish, tuna, barracuda, and occasionally even Mediterranean seals—an endangered species. The underwater scenery features interesting caves and rocks, making for engaging photo opportunities.

The Quality of Facilities and Equipment

The boat offers scuba gear, but some reviews caution that gear might not always be cleaned thoroughly between uses, leading to minor issues like skin reactions or eye infections. This highlights the importance of bringing your own masks or rinsing gear thoroughly if you’re concerned.

The Group Size and Its Impact

Reviews reveal some dissatisfaction with overcrowding, with reports of up to 50 participants on a single boat. This can limit your time in the water—some travelers only got around 5 minutes per dive—and reduce the feeling of individual attention. If you prefer a more intimate experience, it might be worthwhile to inquire beforehand or arrive early.

The diving locations around Kemer are known for their stunning underwater landscapes and diverse species. The chance to see large stingrays, barracuda herds, and even Mediterranean seals makes this tour special. On top of that, the boat cruises along the coast, offering beautiful views of the Turkish Riviera, dotted with lush hills and small islands.

The Overcrowding Effect

While the marine environment itself is impressive, some reviewers feel that overcrowding diminishes the overall quality. Short dives and limited underwater time are common complaints, but the scenery and marine life sightings seem to compensate for this for many.

At around $57.84 per person, this tour is competitively priced considering the inclusion of scuba equipment, lunch, transportation, insurance, and guidance. For first-time divers or groups wanting a taste of the underwater world without a hefty price tag, it offers solid value.

However, the overcrowding issue may make some feel that the experience is less premium than expected. If you’re seeking a more personalized, less hectic encounter, you might need to weigh this.

This experience is particularly well-suited for beginners and casual divers eager to explore underwater sights in a relaxed setting—despite some crowding. It’s also perfect for those who want a combined day of boat cruising, marine wildlife, and a hearty meal. Adventure seekers looking for a quick, affordable intro to diving will find it suitable, but those craving exclusivity or longer underwater immersion may want to consider alternatives.

Diving Antalya Kemer offers a well-rounded day of underwater fun, scenic boat rides, and local hospitality. The stunning views along the coast and the chance to witness marine creatures make it a memorable outing, especially for newcomers to scuba diving. The professional guides and lunch add to the overall value, even if the group sizes can sometimes be overwhelming.

While some reviews mention issues with overcrowded boats and gear cleanliness, many travelers leave with lasting impressions of the underwater landscapes and friendly instructors. For those traveling on a budget or with limited time, this tour provides an accessible gateway into the underwater wonders of the Turkish Riviera.

To sum it up, if you’re after an enjoyable, reasonably priced experience that combines scenic cruising with underwater exploration, this tour makes a compelling choice. Just remember to manage expectations regarding group size and dive time, and you’ll likely find it a worthwhile adventure.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, transfer service from your hotel or a known point around Antalya is included, making it convenient to start the day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately six hours, with the main activities including two dives, cruising, and lunch.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 15, but some reviews report larger groups—up to 50—due to overbooking or operational practices.

Are the dives suitable for beginners?
Yes, amateur dives are at about 5 meters depth with basic training provided, making it suitable for those new to diving.

What marine life might I see?
Expect sightings of stingrays, fish like barracuda and tuna, and possibly Mediterranean seals at certain times of year.

Is the equipment clean?
Some reviews mention gear may not be thoroughly cleaned between uses, so bringing your own mask or rinsing gear is a good idea.

What about lunch?
A buffet lunch is included, praised for its quality and variety, providing a satisfying break during the day.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring bottled water, sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a dry change of clothes. Wearing swimwear and a hat for sun protection is recommended.

Overall, Diving Antalya Kemer offers a lively, scenic, and educational day for those curious about exploring beneath the waves in Turkey. While it’s not without its flaws, particularly regarding group size, the combination of marine sights, professional instruction, and beautiful coastlines makes it a worthwhile option for many travelers.