Alanya Scuba Diving Guide: Route and Daily Itinerary
For those looking for an Alanya scuba diving experience, this guide covers the full-day diving route, underwater caves, safety tips and tour details.
Scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean in Alanya is the most effective way to discover the underwater caves beneath the historic Alanya Castle and the rich marine life of the region. Alanya scuba diving tours typically offer an approximately six-hour programme including hotel transfers, diving at two different locations with professional instructors, equipment, and lunch on board. Suitable for both certified divers and beginners trying it for the first time, you can easily join these tours from central Alanya or surrounding resorts.
The underwater topography in the region is exceptionally rich in karst caves, historic ruins and micro marine ecosystems. Below, you can find out how a full-day diving tour progresses stop by stop.
Alanya Harbour and Boarding the Boat (09:00)
In the morning, you arrive at Alanya Harbour via the transfer vehicle picking you up from your hotel. After boarding the double-decker diving boat waiting at the harbour, a safety briefing is given first. Professional instructors certified by PADI and CMAS explain mask usage, underwater hand signals, pressure equalisation techniques and regulator breathing rules in detail.
Following the briefing, a wetsuit, fins, mask and weight belt suitable for each participant's size are chosen. As equipment checks are completed, the boat leaves the harbour and sets sail towards the first dive site.
Underwater Caves Beneath Alanya Castle (10:30)
The boat's first stop is the rocky areas beneath the sea-level cliffs of historic Alanya Castle. The water depth and visibility here are ideal for diving training.
- Inexperienced participants (Discovery Dive): Lasts around 20 minutes at a depth of 3 to 5 metres accompanied one-on-one by an instructor. Your instructor stays by your side underwater at all times and controls your buoyancy.
- Certified divers: Explore rocky formations, small underwater cavities and rich marine life at depths between 12 and 30 metres depending on their certification levels.
In this region, you have the chance to see dusky groupers, white groupers, parrotfish, squid and sea urchins up close. When choosing a dive tour, you can check out the tour titled Alanya: Scuba Diving Tour with 2 Dives, Lunch and Hotel Transfer which offers professional equipment and two dive opportunities.
Lunch on Board and Relaxation Break (13:00)
After the first dive session, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay. During the mandatory waiting period between two dives (surface interval), a lunch consisting of grilled chicken or fish, pasta and fresh salad is served on board to allow the body to offgas nitrogen and relax.
After lunch, you can sunbathe on the boat's top deck, swim with a snorkel or admire the sea view of Alanya Castle. Family members who do not dive but join the boat as non-diving companions can also enjoy the sea during this time.
Lovers' Cave Area and Second Dive (14:30)
The afternoon stop is usually around Aquarium Bay or Lovers' Cave. The underwater topography here differs from the first site; large rock boulders and colourful sponge colonies stand out.
During the second dive, participants move more freely underwater with the confidence gained from their first experience. Instructors take underwater photos and videos. Once the second dive is completed, the equipment is packed up, and the boat returns to Alanya Harbour at around 16:30.
If you wish to relax your muscles after a full day underwater and on the boat, you can opt for the Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experience w/ Transfer hamam experience in the late afternoon for traditional relaxation.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Diving Tour in Alanya
- Tour Package Inclusions: Before joining the tour, check whether transfers, the number of dives, equipment usage and lunch are included in the programme.
- Certification Status: If you are a certified diver (PADI, CMAS, SSI, etc.), bringing your diving license and logbook with you is necessary for planning deep dives.
- Health Condition: Individuals with asthma, sinusitis, eardrum disorders, high blood pressure or heart conditions must obtain doctor approval prior to scuba diving. Do not forget to assess your health condition before your visit.
- Weather and Sea Conditions: Depending on wind and wave conditions, the boat's route and dive sites may change for safety reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-swimmers do scuba diving in Alanya?
Yes, people doing an introductory dive do not need to be proficient swimmers. The instructor stays with you continuously underwater, maintaining control and helping you stay afloat.
How many dives are included in Alanya scuba diving tours?
On standard full-day tours, two separate dives are conducted, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The duration of each dive ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on underwater air consumption and the group's experience level.
Can you fly immediately after scuba diving?
To safely offgas accumulated nitrogen from the body after scuba diving, it is recommended to wait at least 18-24 hours before flying. When planning your holiday, make sure not to dive on the final day before your return flight.
When does the diving season start in Alanya?
The scuba diving season in Alanya typically starts in April and continues until mid-November. The period between July and October, when water temperatures are high, offers the clearest underwater visibility.
