Full Guide on Scuba Diving in Antalya: Our First DiveApril 29, 2024 · In: Top Experiences, Travel, TurkeyVenturing into the unknown is our jam. Whenever we hit up a new country, we’re always keen about digging into what unique experiences it has to offer. So, when we were traveling across Turkey and heard that scuba diving in Antalya was a hotspot for scuba diving, we were all in. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Scuba diving is one of our top things to do in Antalya!For anyone wanting to try scuba diving in Antalya, do read this blog. We will talk about the best spots we discovered to dive in Antalya in our research. Diving for the first time can be both magical and nerve-wracking. We’ll be sharing our experience on how to prepare for your first dive with some tips for first time divers. Trust us, once you experience scuba diving here, you’ll be hooked. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in! Table of Contents ToggleBest places to do scuba diving in and around Antalya Kemer – 50 minutes from Antalya Kaş – 3 hours from Antalya Olympos – 1.5 hours from Antalya Other specific spots for scuba diving in AntalyaScuba Diving Typical Day: Bookings & Cost How to prepare for your first dive – Tips from our experience Best places to do scuba diving in and around Antalya Turkey offers one of the top 100 dive sites in the world because of its rich marine life and ancient relics. There are many diving schools in Antalya that offer courses for both beginners and experienced divers. Let’s explore some region and also some specific places to go to for diving in the Antalya regionKemer – 50 minutes from Antalya This is where we took our first dive. Located just west of Antalya, Kemer offers excellent diving opportunities with its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine ecosystem. Dive sites like the Three Islands and Sıçan Island enchant divers with their vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and a variety of fish species. This is the most convenient location if you are staying in antalya. If you’re lucky you’ll also witness some dolphins like we did!From Ancient Ruins to Pristine Beaches: Top Things To Do In Antalya, TurkeyKaş – 3 hours from Antalya Kaş is a renowned diving destination known for its exceptional visibility and remarkable biodiversity. Its underwater landscapes feature dramatic drop-offs, underwater canyons, and ancient ruins. Explore popular sites like Güvercin Island, Büyük Sıcak Reef, and the WWII airplane wreck, which provide a captivating glimpse into the underwater wonders of the region. Olympos – 1.5 hours from Antalya Situated near the ancient city of Olympos, this diving spot offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Divers can explore the submerged ruins of the ancient harbor and discover intriguing artifacts from the past. The area also features stunning rock formations, underwater caves, and an abundance of marine life, including octopuses, groupers, and seahorses.Other specific spots for scuba diving in AntalyaÜç Adalar (Three Islands): Situated near Tekirova in Kemer, Üç Adalar is a trio of islands offering diverse diving opportunities amid breathtaking scenery. Adventure Reef, reaching depths of 60-70 meters, awaits exploration.French Ship Wreck, MS PARIS II: Sunk by Turkish artillery post-World War 1, the MS PARIS II freighter now lies well-preserved at a depth of 21-31 meters off Kemer’s coast. Discover this 70-meter-long wreck and its historical significance.DO 28: The Dornier Do 28, a transport aircraft from 1967, found a new life submerged off Antalya’s coast. Dive down to depths of 19.5 to 23.3 meters to explore this intriguing underwater relic.Cave Diving: Antalya’s cliffs host a multitude of caves, perfect for experienced cave divers. With proper certification and guidance from local professionals, embark on an unforgettable cave diving expedition.Side Underwater Museum: Submerged 12 meters beneath the Mediterranean Sea in Antalya, the Side Underwater Museum showcases 110 sculptures depicting Anatolian history. Amphora: Just a short boat ride from Alanya harbor lies Amphora, where broken pieces of ancient amphorae attract a variety of marine life including grouper, octopus, and moray eels. In the Antalya area, you’ll find numerous PADI and CMAS diving centers where you can acquire an internationally recognized diving certification. Many of these centers are conveniently situated in downtown Antalya, while others can be found in key diving hubs like Kemer and Kaş.PADI dive sites is a fabulous resource to explore diving sites, and diving courses across the world Scuba Diving Typical Day: Bookings & Cost Booking scuba diving in Antalya is surprisingly affordable compared to other European destinations. With numerous companies offering diving experiences, there are plenty of options to choose from. Typically, the diving experience starts early in the morning and lasts until around 4-5 pm. The company either picks you up directly from your hotel or assigns a specific meeting point for pickup. From there, you’ll be transported to the diving location, by bus and then a ferry. Most companies provide access to two diving spots: one in shallow waters for training and another in deeper waters for exploration.Lunch and drinks are often included in the package. For a more personalized experience, we recommend opting for a tour with a smaller group, ideally less than 15 people. This allows for individualized attention and a more intimate dive experience. It’s also worth inquiring if the company provides a professional diver to accompany you during the dive. Their expertise can enhance safety. Also, don’t forget to ask if the company offers underwater photography services. We paid 60 euros for the dive experience plus an additional 20 euros for underwater photographs, well worth the investment. Also, you don’t need to book it in advance. We simply searched for scuba diving in Kemer, scrolled through the third or fourth page of results, and contacted a few vendors to compare prices. Surprisingly, all of them had available spots for us.How to prepare for your first dive – Tips from our experience Just go for it: Embrace the excitement of your first dive by diving in with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Remember, the underwater world is waiting to be explored, so don’t hesitate to take the plunge and experience it for yourself.Stay calm underwater: Seeing what lies beneath the water can be overwhelming, also a bit scary sometimes. As you descend into the depths, focus on maintaining a relaxed and calm demeanor. Keep your movements slow and deliberate.Just breathe: The key to a successful dive is mastering your breathing technique. Practice slow, deep breaths to conserve air and maintain a steady rhythm throughout your dive. Remember, controlled breathing not only maximizes your air supply but also promotes relaxation and reduces stress underwater.Listen to Your Instructor: Your dive instructor is your guide and mentor throughout the dive, so pay close attention to their instructions and follow their lead. Trust in their expertise and experience, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.Know the underwater signs: Effective communication is essential underwater, where verbal communication is limited. Familiarize yourself with common underwater signs and signals, such as hand signals for “okay,” “up,” and “down,” to ensure clear and effective communication with your dive buddy and instructor.We hope this guide inspires you to embark on your own underwater adventure and discover the captivating beauty that awaits beneath the surface. Also, if you’re in Turkey, spare a few days to visit the breathtaking Cappadocia. Famous for its Cappadocia hot air balloons, there are so many more things to do in Cappadocia. Share on Twitter Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest Share via Email Share via Email