Antalya’s sea gets real fast once you’re on the boat. I like the hotel pickup convenience and the 1:1 instructor coaching focus, and you also get insurance included for peace of mind; the main catch is that drinks and photo/video add-ons cost extra.

This trip works for mixed groups. If you’re not doing the underwater sessions, you can still enjoy time on the water—swim, encourage your group from the boat, and grab a snorkel or sun time during breaks. I’d just plan to bring a towel and swimsuit, because the day is built around getting in the water.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Pickup + drop-off in Antalya: less hassle, more time enjoying the coast.
• Insurance included: built in, not an afterthought.
• 1:1 coaching: clear attention for beginners and confident guidance for everyone.
• Lunch on board: you’re eating while the excitement is happening.
• Non-participants are welcome: swim, snorkel, and relax even if you skip the underwater sessions.
• Small group cap (up to 40): easier flow on a day that runs about 8 hours.

Why This Antalya Scuba Tour Can Be Great Value

For $54.19 per person, you’re getting a full day experience that’s more than a simple boat ride. You don’t just pay for time on the water—you also get hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, lunch, and insurance included. That matters in Antalya, where the difference between a smooth day and a chaotic one often comes down to transport and timing.

The other thing I’d call out is how personal the instruction time is. The setup includes 1:1 coaching with a scuba instructor, which is exactly what you want when you’re figuring out comfort, breathing, and basic control in a new environment.

The only consideration: while lunch is included, drinks are extra, and photos/videos cost extra too. If you know you’ll want those keepsakes, you should budget ahead so you’re not making decisions while you’re already tired and excited.

First Stop: Solymos Travel and How the Day Starts

Your morning starts at 8:30 am, and the day is run from Solymos Travel (this is listed as the stop point). In practice, that means you’ll either head there directly or connect via the hotel pickup offered on the tour.

Either way, plan for a solid early start. An 8-hour outing adds up quickly when you factor in travel to the coast, changing time, and the time needed for everyone to get sorted before heading out.

It’s also worth keeping the group size in mind: the maximum is 40 travelers. That’s not a tiny private boat, but it’s small enough that you’re less likely to feel like a number. You also have a better chance of getting quick help when you need it—like fitting gear or getting clear instructions.

Hotel Pickup, Lunch on Board, and the Time Between Sessions

This is the part that makes the day feel easy. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, which saves you from juggling taxis, parking, or timing issues. You can also keep your hands free for the stuff that matters—your towel, swimsuit, and sun protection.

Then comes one of the best morale boosters: lunch on board. I love that the meal isn’t an afterthought or a rushed stop. When the day is built around water time, eating while you’re out there keeps energy up and keeps everyone in a good mood.

Between underwater sessions, you’ll have a chance to relax. There’s time for a swimming break, plus snorkeling and sun bathing depending on how you feel and the day’s conditions. If you’re traveling with someone who wants a slower pace, this schedule helps—because you’re not locked into constant instruction.

Two Underwater Sessions Plus Snorkel, Swim Breaks, and Sun Time

You get two underwater sessions as part of the experience. That’s a strong ratio for a single-day tour: enough time to feel like you did something meaningful, but not so long that it becomes exhausting or rushed.

What I especially like is that the trip doesn’t ignore the “in-between” moments. After the courses finish, there’s a swimming break, snorkeling, and sun bath time. In other words, you’re not just sitting around waiting for your turn. You get plenty of chances to be on the water even if you’re not suited up for every minute.

A practical tip: bring your patience and your swim mindset. A day like this is weather-dependent and timing-based. If the sea is choppy, schedules can shift. Build flexibility into your plan and focus on the experience as it unfolds.

Instructors, 1:1 Coaching, and Included Insurance

The strongest praise here is about the people running the trip. The instructor team and crew are described as friendly and professional, and the coaching is set up to make first-timers comfortable. If you’re nervous about the basics, this matters more than fancy marketing.

The standout detail is that you get 1:1 instruction with a scuba instructor. That’s the difference between feeling carried along and feeling understood. You get hands-on guidance, which is especially helpful for learning how to handle gear and stay calm in a new setting.

And yes, it’s a small line item that can feel big on the day: insurance is included. It’s built into the package, which means you’re not scrambling to sort out coverage at the last minute.

Non-Participants Are Welcome: What They Can Do on the Boat

This is a smart part of the tour design if you’re traveling with a friend, partner, or teen who might not want to do the underwater sessions.

Non-participants can swim or encourage others from the boat. That simple option is valuable because it gives your group shared time without forcing everyone into the same activity level.

There’s also snorkeling and sun time during breaks, so even if you skip the underwater part, you can still have a water-focused day. And if you’re with kids or family members who are on the fence, the flexibility helps you avoid a split schedule.

One important age note: less than 13 years old are not allowed for underwater attempts, but the tour allows non-diving participation. So if you’re planning a family trip, make sure you understand who is doing the underwater sessions and who is joining from the boat.

Gear Options: Use Your Own or Let the Team Help

If you already have experience, you can choose your gear yourself. The tour info says that experienced participants can select gear for themselves, or bring their own equipment.

That’s a good setup if you’re particular about your dive preferences (fit, regulators, comfort choices). It also means you’re not stuck using a gear style you dislike.

If you’re a first-timer, you should still be ready to follow instructions for setup and timing. Since the exact gear details beyond experienced participants aren’t specified, I’d treat the day as something where the crew will help you get ready, and you’ll focus on learning rather than comparing gear models.

What You Should Bring (So the Day Doesn’t Feel Awkward)

This tour is very practical about what you need: you’ll want the basics ready before you leave.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel (listed as required)
• Sun cream and a hat (recommended)
• Any underwater equipment if you’re bringing your own

I also recommend packing light. You’ll be changing, moving between areas, and then getting back onto a boat. If you bring a bag, use something you can keep secure and dry enough.

If you’re someone who gets cold easily, consider a light layer for after you exit the water—especially since you’ll be outside for parts of the day while waiting between sessions.

Cost Breakdown: Lunch Included, Drinks and Photos Cost Extra

Here’s how to think about value without surprises.

Included in the price:

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lunch
• Insurance

Not included:

• Drinks (available for extra cost)
• DVD (available to purchase)
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Two quick thoughts on this:

1. If you’re the type who rarely buys photos/videos, you can treat this as a straightforward day-trip package.
2. If you know you want keepsakes, decide early. Costs are listed as extra, and the temptation to buy at the end of an exciting day is real.

Also, the tour notes say you can bring your own drinks. So if your goal is to keep costs down and you have preferences (water, juices, etc.), that’s an option.

Weather and Timing: The Day Runs About 8 Hours

This experience is listed as approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am. That’s long enough that you should plan your energy like a proper outing, not a quick half-hour activity.

It’s also weather-dependent. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a key detail for Antalya, where conditions can change.

When weather isn’t ideal, you may still end up with the best possible version of the day—relaxing, snorkeling, and swim time—though underwater session timing can vary. Keep your schedule open so you’re not stressed about what happens if the day shifts.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if:

• You want a day that includes pickup, lunch, and insurance without extra planning.
• You like the idea of 1:1 coaching rather than a group-only experience.
• Your group has mixed interest—some people want underwater sessions, others want swim/snorkel and boat time.
• You want a straightforward price point at $54.19 with clear inclusions.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You strongly prefer to do everything with no add-on purchases. Drinks and photo/video/DVD options cost extra, and the tour clearly separates those from the included price.
• You’re expecting multiple stops beyond the main starting point. The day is organized around the Solymos Travel start and the on-water program, rather than a sightseeing tour.
• You have very specific gear needs and haven’t planned for the equipment side of the experience. If you’re picky, bring your own as the info allows.

Overall, this is a solid choice for first-timers and mixed groups because it’s structured, practical, and friendly—while still leaving room for relaxing and water time if you’re not in the underwater sessions.

FAQ

Where does this tour take place?

The scuba tour takes place in Antalya, Turkey.

What time does the experience start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

It runs for about 8 hours (approximately).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and insurance.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, but they’re available to purchase. You may also bring your own.

Can non-participants join?

Yes. Non-participants are welcome to swim or encourage others from the boat.

Are children allowed?

Children under 13 years old are not allowed for underwater attempts, but they can join as non-participants.

What should I bring?

Bring your swimsuit and a towel. Sun cream and a hat are also recommended.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.