Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays

The best part of this Kemer outing is the chance to see the Mediterranean below the surface without needing a license. You receive a safety briefing, use supplied equipment, and make two short guided sessions at Aquarium and Kiris Bays. I especially like the small first session at 5 meters, which lets you get comfortable before going deeper.

I also like the mix of water time and easy boat time. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and eat lunch between sessions rather than spending seven hours in a wetsuit. The main thing to check is the policy on feeding fish: the activity description mentions it, while the rules say feeding animals is not allowed.

Key points

• Two guided underwater sessions: The first reaches 5 meters, and the second reaches 10 to 15 meters.
• No scuba license required: Professional instructors explain equipment use, boat routines, and safety before entering the water.
• Suitable for non-swimmers: You can join even if you cannot swim, though people with heart problems should not take part.
• Two attractive bays: Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay provide the main underwater settings.
• Lunch is included: Drinks, photos, and videos cost extra or are not included.
• Kemer Marina or hotel pickup: You can meet at the marina, or select a round-trip transfer option.

Two underwater sessions in Kemer’s best-known bays

This is a full seven-hour boat outing built around two guided scuba sessions. You begin with an introduction to the equipment and basic procedures, then head out toward Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay, two of the area’s favored spots for seeing marine life.

The first session reaches about 5 meters and lasts roughly 20 to 25 minutes. That depth is useful for beginners because you can focus on breathing, body position, and the feel of the equipment without immediately going far down.

The second session reaches 10 to 15 meters, again for about 20 to 25 minutes. This gives you a clear progression during the day. You start shallow, settle your nerves, and then have the chance to go farther down with an instructor beside you.

Do not expect a long technical session. These are short introductions to the underwater world, not advanced training or a full certification course. For a first taste of scuba in Turkey, that can be exactly right. Experienced divers may find the format fairly basic, but the setting and ease of access still make it appealing.

Getting started at Kemer Marina

If you choose the marina option, you meet the boat at Kemer Marina. A hotel transfer is available as an added option, and you should be outside your hotel five minutes before the stated pickup time if you select it.

The marina meeting point can be the better-value choice if you already have transport in Kemer. At $29 per person, the basic price is low for a seven-hour outing that includes equipment, two guided sessions, and lunch. If you are staying farther away, compare the added transfer cost with the convenience of not arranging your own ride.

The language support is one of the practical strengths here. Instructors speak Turkish, German, Russian, and English. That matters when you are learning breathing procedures and safety signals. Clear instructions are more important underwater than polished commentary on the boat.

The briefing makes this friendly for beginners

Before entering the sea, the instructors explain how to use the equipment, how to get into the water, what to do on the boat, and how to handle basic safety matters. You are not expected to arrive with a scuba license.

The experience is also open to people who cannot swim. That does not mean you should treat the activity casually. You still need to listen closely, stay calm, and follow the instructor’s directions. If you have heart problems, this outing is not suitable.

I would pay close attention during the equipment fitting. One practical issue is that the supplied swimming goggles may not fit every face well. Bring patience, ask for a better-fitting pair if needed, and test the seal before leaving the boat.

The first session is the natural place to get your bearings. At 5 meters, you can become familiar with breathing through the regulator and the sensation of moving underwater. You may also see fish close to the boat or around the bay, though the exact marine life can vary.

Aquarium Bay gives you a gentle first look

Aquarium Bay is used as one of the main underwater stops, and it is a fitting location for the first session. The name suggests clear water and good visibility, though sea conditions always affect what you can see.

Your time in the water is limited to about 20 to 25 minutes. That is long enough for a first experience, but not long enough to explore a large area. The instructor stays with you, points out what to notice, and helps you manage the equipment.

The most enjoyable part may be the change in pace. You are not simply being taken from one site to another. You get a short underwater encounter, then time back on the boat to rest, swim, or sit in the sun.

The description also refers to seeing interesting fish and feeding them by hand. At the same time, the stated rules prohibit feeding animals. Since those instructions conflict, I would ask the crew before doing anything with food. Follow the rule given on the day rather than assuming fish feeding is part of the program.

Kiris Bay adds the deeper second session

Kiris Bay is the setting for the second underwater session, which reaches 10 to 15 meters. By this point, you have already handled the equipment once, so the deeper session should feel less unfamiliar.

The extra depth gives you a different view of the bay and more time to watch marine life below the surface. Still, the session remains about 20 to 25 minutes. You should think of it as a guided introduction, not an all-day underwater expedition.

The instructors are familiar with the local spots and choose locations where you have a good chance of seeing fish and other sea life. That local knowledge is valuable for a short outing. With limited time underwater, you want the crew to take you somewhere worthwhile rather than leave you searching on your own.

If you are already an experienced scuba participant, ask what the planned depth and route will be before you book. The advertised range is 10 to 15 meters, but the exact experience may depend on conditions and the instructor’s assessment.

Between sessions, the boat becomes your beach

The boat is not just transportation. Between the two sessions, you can relax, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in the Mediterranean. This makes the tour work well for mixed groups, especially when one person is keen on scuba and another mainly wants a day on the water.

Lunch is included, which improves the value of the $29 price. You receive a warm, filling meal rather than needing to arrange food during the outing. Drinks are not included, so bring money for them and do not assume refreshments are part of the package.

Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. You will spend time outdoors, and the day includes periods when you are simply sitting or lying on the boat. Reapply sunscreen after swimming and before the underwater sessions.

The boat portion also gives you a chance to recover after wearing equipment. Beginners can find the first session tiring, even though it is short. Having time to sit down, eat, and watch the coast is a real benefit.

What the $29 price really covers

At $29 per person, this is priced as an accessible first scuba experience rather than a premium marine excursion. The fee includes two guided sessions, an instructor, scuba equipment, and lunch. Those inclusions cover the core costs that can make a beginner activity expensive.

The optional hotel transfer changes the calculation. If you are near Kemer Marina, meeting there keeps the base price attractive. If you need transport from your hotel, ask for the exact pickup time and total cost before confirming.

Photos and videos are not included. The activity also says cameras are not allowed, including waterproof cameras and professional cameras. This means you should not plan to document the underwater sessions yourself. A photographer may be available, but the photo service costs extra.

That point deserves clarification because one guest had photos taken by the photographer and considered them a highlight. If underwater pictures matter to you, ask about the photographer, the price, and how the images are delivered. Do not bring your own camera without permission.

Small details that can affect your comfort

Equipment fit matters more than fancy extras. The swimming goggles may not suit every face, so check them before entering the water. A poor seal can distract you through the entire session.

You should also bring a towel, even if you expect to dry in the sun. A hat helps during the boat ride, while sunscreen protects you during the surface portions. Swimwear is essential, and comfortable clothing for the transfer is sensible if you select hotel pickup.

The tour is offered in Turkish, German, Russian, and English. If you need instructions in one of those languages, confirm that the appropriate instructor will be available when you book.

The rules say no cameras, no professional cameras, and no waterproof cameras. They also say not to feed animals. Because the program description discusses fish feeding, ask the crew for the current rule before the activity begins.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to a first-time scuba participant who wants a guided introduction without taking a certification course. The shallow first session, equipment lesson, and instructor support make the format approachable.

It also suits a group with different interests. A keen participant can complete two underwater sessions, while companions can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy lunch on the boat.

It is less suited to someone seeking advanced scuba practice, long underwater time, or a private trip. The sessions are short, the deeper portion reaches only 10 to 15 meters, and the boat may serve a range of ability levels.

People with heart problems should not join. Non-swimmers can take part, but you should be honest about your comfort in the water and follow every instruction. A calm attitude matters more than previous scuba experience.

A practical day plan

Expect the day to follow this general rhythm:

• Meet at Kemer Marina, or wait outside your hotel for the optional transfer.
• Receive instructions on equipment, safety, boat routines, and basic technique.
• Travel by boat to the first bay.
• Complete the first session at about 5 meters for roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
• Rest, eat lunch, swim, snorkel, or sunbathe.
• Continue to the second bay.
• Complete the second session at 10 to 15 meters for roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
• Spend additional time relaxing on the boat before returning.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The full outing lasts seven hours, which leaves enough room for the boat ride and surface activities as well as the two sessions.

Should you book the Kemer scuba outing?

Book it if you want a low-cost, instructor-led introduction to the Mediterranean and like the idea of mixing underwater time with a relaxed boat day. The two-stage format, multilingual instruction, equipment, and lunch give you a lot for $29.

Skip it if you want advanced scuba work, a private boat, or plenty of time below the surface. Also clarify the fish-feeding rule and any photo costs before you go. For a beginner, a non-swimmer who feels comfortable following instructions, or a mixed group that wants both scuba and swimming, this is a sensible Kemer choice.

FAQ

Do I need a scuba license?

No. A diving license is not required, and professional instructors provide the equipment lesson and safety briefing.

Can I join if I cannot swim?

Yes. The activity states that non-swimmers can participate. You still need to follow the instructor’s directions and should not join if you have heart problems.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two sessions are included. The first reaches about 5 meters, and the second reaches approximately 10 to 15 meters.

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts about 20 to 25 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, but drinks are not.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. Without the transfer option, you meet at Kemer Marina. If you choose pickup, you should wait outside your hotel five minutes before the stated time.

Can I bring a camera?

No. The rules prohibit cameras, professional cameras, and waterproof cameras. Photos and videos are also not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. These are useful for the boat ride, swimming, snorkeling, and time in the sun.