Diving Antalya Kemer

Exploring the Diving Antalya Kemer Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a scuba experience while in Antalya, the Diving Antalya Kemer tour is one of the more accessible options, offering a half-day of underwater adventure. It’s a straightforward trip that promises some decent sights and professional instructors, making it potentially appealing for those new to diving or looking for a quick taste of the sea.

What we really like is that the tour includes air-conditioned transport and lunch, which makes the day more comfortable and convenient. Plus, the fact that they offer pickups from your hotel or nearby locations takes the hassle out of planning logistics. On the flip side, a significant concern is the overcrowding reported by some travelers — with groups sometimes reaching up to 50 people, which can dilute the experience and make safety and personal attention a challenge.

This tour will suit anyone who’s eager to try diving in the beautiful waters near Kemer without a hefty price tag. If you’re okay with larger groups and are more interested in a quick, guided experience rather than a private or boutique outing, this could be a good fit. Those looking for a more intimate or luxury experience might want to explore options with smaller groups or more personalized service.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At around $58 per person, this tour offers decent value, especially with included meals and transportation.
• Multiple Dives and Sights: Two dives, one at Kiri Cave and another at Kemer Marina, with the chance to see local marine life and wrecks.
• Group Size Concerns: Reports suggest groups can be quite large, sometimes over 50, which might impact your comfort and safety.
• Gear and Safety: Some reviews mention gear not being cleaned thoroughly, leading to allergies or infections.
• Weather and Safety: Weather can influence the tour flow; diving might be adjusted to safer spots if conditions aren’t ideal.
• Experience Level: Suitable for most travelers, including amateurs, but keep in mind the large groups may mean less personal attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

When you sign up for the Diving Antalya Kemer tour, you’ll start your day early, with a pick-up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point around 8:30 am. The transfer service, offered by the company, gets you comfortably to Kemer Marina in an air-conditioned vehicle — a small plus in the hot summer months or if you’re coming from a more distant part of Antalya.

Once at the marina, you’ll board a yacht, which is equipped with shower facilities and a WC, making the trip more convenient. The crew will brief you on the day’s diving program, giving you an overview of the stops and safety instructions. From there, your journey to Kiri Aquarium Bay begins — roughly an 18-minute cruise from the marina.

What makes this tour appealing? The promise of two dives — one at a shallower, amateur-friendly 5 meters (20-30 minutes), and a second at a maximum of 30 meters for certified divers, with 50 bars of air. The first dive offers a relaxed experience for beginners, while the second gives more room to explore and see some of the region’s notable underwater features, like wrecks and marine life.

The marine environment around Kemer is quite lively, with reports of stingrays, tuna, barracuda, and even Mediterranean seals. The Paris wreck, at around 31 meters deep, is a key highlight for those interested in exploring shipwrecks. During the tour, you’ll also have opportunities to see large fish species and, depending on the time of year, herds of barracuda or tuna.

Lunch is served as an open buffet during a cruise to Kiri Mapa Bay, adding a relaxed touch to the day. Many reviews praise the quality of the food, calling it “top” and “good value for money,” which is a nice perk when you’re fueling up after a couple of dives.

The second dive takes place in Kiri Cave, an intriguing spot that adds a bit of variety to the underwater landscape. Following the second set of dives, the boat heads back to Kemer Marina, and you’ll be transferred back to Antalya, usually arriving in the late afternoon.

What You Should Know About the Group and Equipment

Group size is a major point of discussion. The tour claims a maximum of 15 travelers, but reviews indicate that during peak times, the boat can be crowded — sometimes accommodating around 50 people across multiple groups. This overcrowding can make the experience feel rushed or less personal, especially when it comes to safety briefings or gear handling.

Speaking of gear, some travelers mention that the equipment isn’t always cleaned thoroughly between uses. One reviewer experienced eye infections, and another mentioned allergic reactions to gear. While the instructors are described as amazing and attentive, the large groups can make it challenging for them to give individual attention.

The instructors themselves receive high praise, with many saying they are professional, friendly, and helpful. They seem well-equipped to handle beginners, providing basic training and support, which helps reduce anxiety for those new to diving.

Pricing and What It Means for You

At $57.84 per person, this tour is relatively affordable considering it includes all gear, insurance, lunch, transportation, and the instructor. For travelers on a budget or those wanting a quick, guided introduction to diving, it delivers good value.

However, the value depends on what you’re expecting. If you’re looking for an intimate experience or small group, you might find the large groups and crowded boat less appealing. The plus side is that the tour covers multiple highlight spots, giving a broad taste of the underwater scenery.

Weather, Safety, and Flexibility

Weather can influence the tour’s flow, with the operator adjusting the diving spots for safety. This means some days might see dives happening at different locations than initially planned, but the crew will ensure they’re safe and suitable.

The cancellation policy is flexible — free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour — which is helpful if weather conditions turn unfavorable. Be aware that if weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is great for beginners or those who want to try scuba without overspending. If you’re okay with large groups and are more interested in the experience of underwater exploration than exclusivity, this tour can be a solid choice. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with friends or family who want to share a fun, active day in the water.

Travelers seeking quality gear cleaning or personalized attention might want to consider other options, but for most, the professional instructors and beautiful underwater sights will compensate.

The Sum Up

Diving Antalya Kemer offers a practical, affordable way to get a taste of scuba diving near Antalya. The tour’s key strengths are its professional instructors, diverse dive sites, and included amenities like lunch and transportation. Still, the large crowds and some concerns about gear cleanliness can affect the overall experience.

This tour is best suited for those who are new to diving or on a budget but still want to explore the underwater world. If you’re someone who values small groups or personalized service, you might want to seek out quieter, more exclusive options.

Ultimately, you’ll find this experience offers great value for money and a chance to enjoy stunning marine life, especially if you’re keen to see wrecks, rays, and schools of fish. Just keep in mind the potential for crowds and gear issues, and weigh these factors against what matters most for your trip.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides pick-up and transfer service from your hotel or a nearby location around Antalya in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the whole tour?
It lasts about 6 hours, including transfers, the boat cruise, dives, and lunch.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If weather conditions are poor, the trip might be canceled or rescheduled. If canceled, you’ll get a full refund or the chance to pick a new date.

What is the maximum depth for the dives?
The first dive is at around 5 meters, suitable for amateurs, while the certified divers can go up to 30 meters.

Are meals included?
Yes, an open buffet lunch is included, which many reviews say is quite good and fulfilling.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely, the tour caters to amateur divers with basic training and instructor support, but be prepared for large groups.

How many people are typically on the boat?
Officially, they say a maximum of 15 travelers, but reviews mention groups can be much larger, around 50.

What marine life might I see?
Expect to see things like stingrays, large fish, barracuda, tuna, and possibly Mediterranean seals. The wrecks and caves are also highlights.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, exciting way to explore Antalya’s underwater world, this tour could be just what you need. Just go in with realistic expectations about group size and gear. It’s a good way to check diving off your bucket list without breaking the bank.