Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays

REVIEW · ANTALYA SCUBA & UNDERWATER TRIPS

Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays

3.9 · 4 reviews 7 hours From $29 Operated by Yükay Turizm · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Fish feed time is the best kind of calm. This Kemer scuba day takes you to Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay for two supervised underwater sessions at about 5 meters and 10 to 15 meters, plus time on the boat to swim and snorkel. I especially like the professional instructors who walk you through gear use, boat routines, and safety, and I like the way the schedule balances action with real downtime. One catch to plan around: cameras are not allowed, so if you want photos, you’ll likely have to rely on any optional photo service.

You do not need a scuba license, and even people who cannot swim can join, which makes this a solid choice for first-timers who still want to see real marine life up close. The only real “fit” question is medical, this is not suitable for people with heart problems.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

  • Two underwater sessions planned for around 5 meters, then 10 to 15 meters, each about 20 to 25 minutes
  • Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay chosen for visibility and interesting underwater sightings
  • Hand feeding of fish is part of the experience, with staff guiding what to do
  • Snorkel and swim time on the boat so you get more than just the underwater portion
  • English friendly support with instructors who also speak Turkish, German, and Russian
  • Lunch included to keep your energy steady during a full 7-hour day

Kemer’s Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay, the underwater setting you’re paying for

Kemer sits on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, and the big reason this tour works is simple. You’re not just “going out on a boat,” you’re using those bays for actual underwater time. Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay are both part of the plan, so you get a change of scenery rather than one long stop.

What you should expect to see is everyday Mediterranean marine life, with enough variety to make the two scheduled underwater sessions feel worth it. The tour also builds in extra time above water, snorkeling and swimming, so you can keep things fun even if you want a lighter pace between the two underwater parts.

The most practical upside is depth staging. You start around 5 meters, then go deeper to about 10 to 15 meters. That helps you build comfort quickly, since your first session acts like a warm-up for breathing, buoyancy, and staying calm with the equipment.

Getting ready: gear basics, boat routines, and safety talk

Before you head out, the instructors give you the key information you actually need. That includes how to use the equipment, how the boat routine works, and the safety rules for your time in the water. If you are new to scuba, this is the part that matters most. Gear is not complicated, but it is easy to panic if you do not understand what will happen next.

Here’s what I like about how this tour frames the start. It treats your comfort as part of the itinerary, not an afterthought. You’re guided through what to do before you ever get in the water, which means you can focus on relaxing during the boat ride instead of guessing what comes next.

You also get language support from the instructor team, Turkish, German, Russian, and English. If you’re traveling with mixed language skills in your group, that matters. Clear communication reduces stress, and it also helps you follow safety instructions fast.

The first underwater session around 5 meters: confidence builder

Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays - The first underwater session around 5 meters: confidence builder
The first underwater session is planned at about 5 meters, with a total time in the water around 20 to 25 minutes. This is a smart depth for people who are doing their first scuba experience. It’s deep enough to feel like you are truly underwater, but shallow enough that your breathing rhythm and buoyancy feel more manageable.

I like that the tour emphasizes professional guidance and selected sites. Rather than random sightseeing, you’re taken to spots they know well, the kind of places where visibility and fish activity give you better odds of enjoying the time in the water. Your goal here is not to check off a maximum depth, it’s to feel confident enough that the second, deeper session still feels fun.

One practical note: this tour does not list any cameras in the rules. So during your first underwater session, plan to be present rather than worried about filming. If you want photos, ask ahead about any photo option since photos and videos are not listed as included.

More that works with children in tow

The second underwater session at 10 to 15 meters: more variety, more focus

Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays - The second underwater session at 10 to 15 meters: more variety, more focus
The second underwater session goes deeper, around 10 to 15 meters, again for roughly 20 to 25 minutes. This is where you often start noticing more variety in how marine life moves through the water and how the underwater world changes as you go deeper.

The tour still keeps it guided, so you are not just free-floating and guessing. The instructors know the best spots, and they are there to keep you oriented. That support matters at this depth, even if the experience is designed for non-experts.

A note on optional extras: one participant was offered an additional plan near a Poseidon statue at about 15 meters for 50 EUR, and it was tied to having a scuba certificate. If that sounds like your style, treat it as an add-on you would discuss with the staff, not something you should assume is included for everyone.

Feeding fish from your hands: the moment you’ll remember

The headline moment is straightforward. You get to feed the fish directly from your hands during the aquarium bay portion of the experience. If you like wildlife moments that feel personal, this is one of the best parts of the day.

That said, follow the crew’s instructions closely. The rules list feeding animals as not allowed, while the highlights describe hand feeding as part of the program. The safest way to reconcile that is to assume the feeding moment is supervised and you should not try to do anything outside their guidance. Think of it as a controlled activity, not a free-for-all.

Also plan for how you will look and feel during this part. You will be in swimwear or a swimsuit, salt water will be on you, and your hands will be involved. Bring your towel and keep sunscreen protected for the rest of the day.

Boat time, snorkeling, and swimming: your above-water payoff

The underwater sessions are the core, but the day is designed with enough on-the-water relaxation to make it feel like a real coastal outing. You’ll have time on the boat to enjoy sun, plus time to snorkel and swim in the sea.

This is a smart balance for a 7-hour day. If you only had the two underwater sessions, it might feel rushed. Instead, you get a rhythm: prepare, go underwater, then recover above water, then do the second session, then enjoy the rest of the day in a more relaxed way.

Snorkeling is also your “backup plan” if you want extra time seeing fish without the equipment workload. Even if you are new, snorkeling can be simpler to manage for quick looks at marine life near the surface.

Lunch, small comfort wins, and what to bring to Kemer

Lunch is included. That is not a small detail on a day at sea. In one account, the meal was described as a consistent hot lunch, so you can expect something satisfying rather than a token snack.

In your own packing, keep it basic and practical:

  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen

Also consider the camera rule. Cameras, including waterproof cameras and professional cameras, are listed as not allowed. That means your phone stays out of the action underwater. It also means you should be ready to enjoy the experience without trying to capture every second.

One more gear-related tip from an actual participant story: some people may find the provided swim goggles do not fit perfectly. If you have your own goggles and prefer a certain fit, it can be worth considering bringing them if the operator allows it. The tour’s rules focus on cameras, not eyewear, but check first so you do not waste time.

Price and value: is $29 fair for what you get in Kemer?

At $29 per person for about 7 hours, the value is usually in the math of included items. You’re getting:

  • Two underwater sessions (with professional instructor support)
  • Diving equipment
  • Lunch
  • A structured day with boat time, snorkel and swim breaks

A lot of budget activities charge extra for equipment, instruction, or food. Here, equipment and lunch are clearly included, and the underwater time is split into two planned depths with instructors.

Two big factors can affect your value decision. First, this specific option does not include round trip transfer. If you have to pay for transport to Kemer marina separately, the true cost might creep up. Second, photos and videos are not included, so if you want keepsakes, you’ll likely need an optional add-on.

Still, as a first-timer-friendly way to try scuba with guidance, it compares well. You are paying for supervision, time in the water, and a day that is more than just one short swim.

Language help and instructor professionalism, what makes it feel easy

The tour lists instructors speaking Turkish, German, Russian, and English. In practice, that reduces misunderstandings, especially during safety briefings and while learning how to use the equipment.

One detail I think is worth your attention: multiple accounts praised instructor competence and kindness. That kind of coaching shows up in the small things, like explaining how the boat routines work and keeping you calm during the equipment setup.

If you get nervous easily, start with the mindset that your first session is built for learning. The structure around 5 meters is there for a reason. You should finish the first underwater part feeling like you can handle the second.

Who should book, and who should skip this Kemer sea day

This experience fits best if you want a guided scuba experience without needing a license, and you like the idea of combining underwater time with snorkeling and swimming. It’s also a good pick for people who cannot swim, since the tour explicitly says they can join.

It is not suitable if you have heart problems. That is a serious note, and you should respect it. If you’re unsure about your medical situation, ask a professional before booking any scuba activity.

It also works well for mixed-ability groups because you still get a fun day even if underwater comfort is slower for some people. The schedule gives time above water to reset.

Quick logistics: Kemer marina timing and optional pickup

In this option, round trip transfer is not included. You’re welcomed at Kemer marina.

If you choose pickup, you’re told to be outside your hotel about 5 minutes before pickup time, and the exact pickup time is shared after booking. If you are not using pickup, plan to arrive early so you can check in without rushing.

Should You Book This Kemer Aquarium and Kiris Bay Scuba Tour?

Book it if you want:

  • A structured beginner-friendly scuba day with two underwater sessions
  • Clear safety and equipment instruction
  • The memorable hand feeding moment at Aquarium Bay
  • A 7-hour plan that includes lunch, boat time, and snorkeling

Skip it if:

  • You need personal cameras allowed underwater
  • You have heart problems or medical concerns related to scuba conditions
  • You are hoping photos and videos come standard

My final take: for $29, the value is strong as long as you’re comfortable with the camera restrictions and you can accept that photos may be an add-on. If you’re craving a guided, easygoing day on the Turkish coast with real marine life, this is the kind of Kemer outing that makes sense.

FAQ

How long is the Kemer Aquarium and Kiris Bays scuba experience?

The total duration is 7 hours.

How many underwater sessions are included, and how deep do they go?

You get 2 underwater sessions. The first is about 5 meters deep, and the second is about 10 to 15 meters deep. Each session lasts roughly 20 to 25 minutes.

Do I need a scuba license, and can non-swimmers join?

No scuba license is required. The tour also states that even people who cannot swim can join.

What’s included in the price, and what is not?

Included: 2 underwater sessions, a professional instructor, diving equipment, lunch, and round trip transfer only if you select that option. Not included: photos and videos, and drinks.

Is round trip transfer included?

In this option, round trip transfer service is not included. You will meet at Kemer marina. Hotel pickup may be available as an optional add-on.

What should I bring, and are cameras allowed?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Cameras are not allowed, including professional, waterproof, and professional waterproof cameras.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With the Children Along