REVIEW · TURKEY
Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays
Clear water, calm bays, and a friendly crew make this a tempting way to try scuba in Kemer. The seven-hour boat outing takes you to Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay for two guided underwater sessions, with equipment, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling included. I love the low $29 price and the fact that you need no license or previous experience. I also like that professional instructors explain the gear and safety steps before you enter the water. The main caution is that the basic package does not include photos, drinks, or the optional hotel transfer.
This is a full day on the Mediterranean rather than a quick lesson at the shore. You will spend time on the boat, enjoy the sun, and get two short underwater sessions of roughly 20 to 25 minutes each. The second descent reaches 10 to 15 meters, so you should be comfortable following instructions and staying calm in the water, even though non-swimmers can join.
Key points to know before booking
- Two underwater sessions: The first reaches about 5 meters, while the second goes to 10 to 15 meters, with each lasting roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
- Aquarium and Kiris Bays: The crew selects these sheltered Mediterranean locations for clear water, fish, and pleasant time on the boat.
- No license required: Professional instructors teach equipment use, basic technique, boat routines, and safety before the activity.
- Lunch is included: A hot, filling meal is provided during the seven-hour outing, but drinks cost extra.
- Transfers are optional: You can meet at Kemer marina or select round-trip hotel transportation when booking.
- Photos cost extra: A photographer may be available, but cameras are not allowed on the trip and image packages are not part of the base price.
What the $29 price really includes

At $29 per person, this is priced as an accessible introduction to scuba rather than a private or advanced expedition. Your fee covers two guided sessions, the instructor, the equipment, and lunch. That combination makes the trip good value if you want to try the activity without buying a full certification course.
The price also includes the relaxed parts of the day. You are not underwater for seven hours. Most of the outing takes place aboard the boat, where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and wait while other members of the group take their turn.
You should budget extra for drinks, photos, or video. The tour does not include them, and cameras are not allowed, including waterproof and professional cameras. That rule may feel strict, but it keeps the activity organized and avoids problems with equipment in the water.
A photographer may take pictures for purchase. One participant described receiving beautiful images, so photography can add a pleasant souvenir if you are willing to pay separately. Ask about the price before agreeing to anything, since the basic cost does not cover this service.
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Starting at Kemer marina
If you choose the no-transfer option, your day begins at Kemer marina. This is the simplest arrangement if you are staying nearby and can reach the harbor on your own. The meeting point matters because the low advertised price assumes that you make your own way there.
Hotel pickup is available as an option. After booking, you receive the pickup time, and you should wait outside your hotel five minutes before that time. This is useful if you are not familiar with Kemer or prefer not to arrange a taxi, but compare the added transfer cost with the convenience.
The tour lasts seven hours, so plan around it rather than treating it as a short morning activity. Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will have time on deck, and the Mediterranean sun can feel strong even when the boat is moving.
The safety briefing and first 5-meter session
Before entering the water, the instructors explain how to use the equipment, how to breathe and move, what to do on the boat, and which safety rules to follow. This briefing is especially important for first-time participants. You should listen closely and tell the instructor if you feel nervous or uncomfortable.
The first session reaches about 5 meters. That depth gives beginners a chance to get used to the mask, regulator, fins, and pressure changes before the deeper second session. Each underwater period lasts around 20 to 25 minutes, although the exact timing may depend on the group and conditions.
You do not need a scuba license, and the activity accepts people who cannot swim. That does not mean you can ignore the instructions. You still need to stay calm, listen to the instructor, and follow the crew’s directions in the water.
The instructors speak Turkish, German, Russian, and English. That range is useful for an international group, especially during safety instructions. If you do not understand a point, ask for it to be repeated before entering the water.
Aquarium Bay and the fish encounter
Aquarium Bay is one of the main stops, chosen for its clear Mediterranean water and underwater viewing. The name suggests the appeal: you are there to look for fish and enjoy visibility rather than search for a famous wreck or technical route.
The fish encounter is one of the most distinctive parts of the trip. You may be able to offer food directly from your hand under the instructor’s direction, giving you a close look at the local sea life. Follow the crew carefully here, since the general rules prohibit feeding animals independently.
That distinction is worth noting. The activity description promotes a controlled fish-feeding moment, while the general restrictions say not to feed animals. The sensible approach is to feed fish only when the instructor tells you to do so, and never bring your own food or handle marine life without permission.
The first session at a shallower depth also lets you settle into the rhythm of the activity. You can focus on breathing, body position, and looking around instead of worrying about going too deep. For many beginners, this first stop will be the most comfortable part of the day.
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Kiris Bay and the second descent
The second stop is Kiris Bay, where the group reaches roughly 10 to 15 meters. This is the more substantial underwater session and the part most likely to appeal to someone who has already tried scuba or wants a little more depth.
The crew chooses the locations because they know the local sites well. You are not expected to plan a route or identify a suitable spot yourself. The instructors guide you to areas selected for underwater views and help you manage the equipment.
A participant was offered an additional descent to 15 meters at the Poseidon statue for 50 euros, with a certificate. This appears to be an optional upgrade, not part of the $29 package, so ask the crew to explain the extra charge and exactly what is included before accepting it.
The deeper session is still short, around 20 to 25 minutes. That makes the trip approachable, but it also means you should not expect the amount of underwater time offered by a full-day professional scuba charter. This is an introduction and sightseeing outing, not a certification course.
Time on the boat between sessions
The boat ride is a major part of the experience. Between the two sessions, you can relax, sunbathe, swim, or snorkel. If you are traveling with someone who does not want to enter the water, this makes the outing easier to share.
The boat time also gives you a break from the equipment. Scuba can be tiring for a first-timer, and a pause between sessions helps you reset before the deeper descent. Use that time to drink something, apply sunscreen, and ask the instructor about anything that felt unclear.
Drinks are not included, so bring money for them. The supplied information does not confirm whether outside drinks are permitted, so ask the crew rather than assuming. Lunch is included, and one participant described it as a substantial hot meal, which is helpful after time in the water.
Do not expect an activity built around luxury seating or a quiet private boat. The information does not specify group size, so the experience may feel more social than personal. If you want individual instruction throughout the day, ask about the group arrangement before booking.
Lunch, snorkeling, and the practical rhythm
Lunch gives the day a useful pause. You can eat while the boat is stopped or moving according to the crew’s routine, then return to swimming or resting. A warm meal is a real benefit at this price, since many low-cost boat outings provide only a snack.
Snorkeling is included as part of the free time, but the information does not specify whether separate snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring your own if you have it, or ask the crew what is available. The same applies to drinks and any other personal items.
You should pack lightly. A hat, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are the sensible basics. Since cameras are not allowed, protect your phone and valuables by leaving unnecessary items at your accommodation unless the crew gives clear storage instructions.
Instructor quality and the small equipment concern

The instructors receive strong praise for being friendly and competent, and their multilingual support is useful. That matters more here than flashy boat service because a calm, clear briefing can make the difference between an enjoyable first attempt and an uncomfortable one.
The equipment is supplied, including masks and the breathing gear needed for the activity. One participant found that the swimming goggles were not especially good or did not fit every face well. This is a practical warning: check your mask seal before leaving the boat, and tell the crew immediately if water leaks in.
A poor-fitting mask can spoil an otherwise good session. You should not quietly tolerate it because you are new to scuba. Ask for another size or adjustment, and make sure you can breathe comfortably before heading below the surface.
People with heart problems should not join. The supplied information does not list other medical restrictions, so if you have a medical concern, ask the provider before booking. The fact that non-swimmers can participate does not remove the need for basic health and safety judgment.
Who will enjoy this Kemer activity
This outing suits first-timers, couples, families with suitable participants, and anyone who wants an easy introduction without committing to a course. You can try two depths, see fish, and spend the rest of the day swimming and resting.
It also works well for mixed groups. One person can enjoy the underwater sessions while another spends more time snorkeling or sunbathing. The seven-hour schedule gives everyone room to enjoy the boat, though anyone who dislikes long outings at sea may find the day slow.
Experienced certified divers may find the two short sessions limited. The maximum stated depth is 10 to 15 meters, and the focus is on guided sightseeing rather than advanced skills, wrecks, or independent exploration. The optional Poseidon statue descent may add interest, but it is not part of the standard price.
You should also avoid booking if you have heart problems. If you cannot swim, you may still join, but you must be willing to follow the instructors closely and tell them about your ability before the activity begins.
Should you book it?
Book this Kemer outing if you want a low-cost first taste of scuba, clear Mediterranean bays, a hot lunch, and a full day on the water. The strongest value comes from the combination of two instructor-led sessions, supplied equipment, and plenty of time to swim and relax for only $29.
Think twice if you want long underwater sessions, private instruction, included drinks, or guaranteed photos. Check the mask fit, ask about any optional Poseidon statue upgrade, and decide if you want marina meeting or hotel transfer before confirming.
For a beginner who wants friendly guidance and a simple way to see underwater life near Kemer, I would consider it a sensible choice. Go with realistic expectations: this is an affordable introduction with two short sessions, not a full scuba qualification or an advanced marine expedition.
FAQ
How long does the Kemer scuba experience last?
The activity lasts seven hours.
How many underwater sessions are included?
Two sessions are included.
How deep are the sessions?
The first session reaches about 5 meters. The second reaches approximately 10 to 15 meters.
How long does each session last?
Each session lasts roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
Do I need a scuba license?
No. A license is not required, and professional instructors guide the activity.
Can someone who cannot swim join?
Yes. People who cannot swim can participate, but they must follow the instructors’ safety directions.
Where does the tour meet if I do not choose hotel pickup?
You meet at Kemer marina.
Is hotel transportation available?
Yes. Round-trip hotel transfer is available if you select that option when booking.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, but drinks are not.
Can I bring a camera?
No. Cameras, professional cameras, and waterproof cameras are not allowed. Photos and videos are also not included in the price.
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