Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays

REVIEW · KEMER

Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays

  • 3.94 reviews
  • 7 hours
  • From $29
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Yükay Turizm · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 3.9 (4)Duration7 hoursPrice from$29Operated byYükay TurizmBook viaGetYourGuide

Clear water, easy training, and fish on your fingertips. On this Kemer tour, you get two guided scuba sessions in Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay, with the big draw being a hands-on chance to feed fish close-up. It’s the kind of day that feels relaxed on the surface, but still delivers real underwater moments.

I also like how professional instruction makes it beginner-friendly. You don’t need a diving license, and the team covers equipment use and safety before you go, so you can focus on buoyancy and enjoying what’s around you. The one thing to flag: cameras are not allowed, so if you want underwater memories, you’ll need to rely on what the crew offers (and that may not be included).

Key highlights at a glance

  • Two underwater sessions: first around 5 meters, second around 10–15 meters, each with an instructor
  • Aquarium Bay + Kiris Bay: two different scenery types, both known for sea life
  • Hands-on fish feeding: you may get to feed fish from your hands, but follow guide rules closely
  • Beginner-friendly setup: no license required, and even non-swimmers can join
  • Surface time that doesn’t feel wasted: boat relaxing, sun, and snorkeling/swimming
  • Real value for the price: equipment, instructor, and lunch are included

Kemer’s Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay: what makes this route work

Kemer sits along Turkey’s south coast, and the Mediterranean water here is famous for clear visibility on good days. What I like about this specific tour plan is that it pairs two bays so you’re not doing the same underwater look twice. Aquarium Bay is where you’ll set the tone for the day, and Kiris Bay is where the tour shifts into a slightly deeper, more varied underwater feel.

You’ll spend time on a boat between the underwater sessions, and that matters more than people think. If you only had long underwater time, the day could feel stressful. This format keeps you learning and safe first, then lets you enjoy the sea at the pace your group is comfortable with.

Also, the tour’s depth ladder is very sensible for first-timers. You start shallow (around 5 meters) and then move deeper (10–15 meters) later, with a professional instructor guiding you the whole way. Even if you’re new to equipment, you’re building comfort step by step instead of being thrown into the deep end.

The 7-hour rhythm: training, boat routines, then underwater time

The total day runs about 7 hours, and the underwater portions are relatively short—around 20–25 minutes of underwater time overall. That’s not a flaw. It’s a good trade-off for a first scuba experience, because it keeps the focus on technique and safety rather than exhausting you.

Before you head out, the instructors give you what you actually need:

  • how to use the scuba equipment
  • basic safety procedures
  • boat routines (what to do and when)
  • key rules for staying calm and controlled

This is where the “value” of the tour really shows. A lot of budget scuba experiences are mostly about getting you on the water fast. Here, the tour explicitly prioritizes instruction and safety briefing, which is what you want when you’re trying scuba for the first time.

Boat time is part of the day too. You’ll relax in the sun, and you’ll also have time to snorkel and swim in the sea. For me, that’s a smart way to make the day feel full even if your underwater time is brief.

Session one around 5 meters in Aquarium Bay

Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays - Session one around 5 meters in Aquarium Bay
Your first underwater session is planned at about 5 meters. This is ideal for calming your nerves and learning how everything feels underwater. At this depth, you’re close enough to the surface that breathing and buoyancy feel manageable, and the instructor can correct small technique issues quickly.

Aquarium Bay is the moment where the tour leans into sea life. You’re there to witness interesting fish and get a taste of what the Mediterranean looks like below the surface without needing to be a confident advanced diver.

If you’re even a little worried about your comfort level, this first stop is the one that helps you build confidence. You get the training upfront, then you apply it immediately, rather than waiting all day wondering if you’ll be able to handle the equipment once you’re actually underwater.

Session two at 10–15 meters, plus the Poseidon possibility

Kemer: Scuba Diving Experience in Aquarium and Kiris Bays - Session two at 10–15 meters, plus the Poseidon possibility
The second session runs deeper, around 10–15 meters. This is where you’ll likely notice more variation in the underwater view: different angles, different lighting, and more of that “you’re not just floating in front of a wall” feeling.

One detail worth knowing: you might get offered an extra option related to a Poseidon statue around -15 meters. In one account, a participant was proposed a paid add-on at about that depth, with a background requirement mentioned there (a certificate). Because that’s not guaranteed for everyone, treat it as a “maybe” and ask the instructor on the day what’s possible for your comfort and experience level.

Even without any statue add-on, the second session is your chance to experience the deeper half of the itinerary. And the instructor-led structure matters here: going deeper isn’t about speed or bravado. It’s about staying relaxed and in control.

Feeding fish from your hands: the cool factor (and the rules)

One of the most memorable elements is the chance to feed fish directly from your hands. That’s not just a cute photo moment. It gives you a direct, interactive connection to the sea life in the bay—fish come close enough that you can actually watch behavior, not just passively observe.

At the same time, the tour info also says feeding animals is not allowed, which tells me the crew is strict about what counts as acceptable feeding and how it’s done. Translation for you: expect fish feeding only if the instructor sets it up and controls it. Listen carefully, and don’t improvise with anything you brought yourself.

If you want this part of the day to go smoothly, be ready to follow instructions exactly. Keep your hands steady, move slowly, and stay calm. Fish feeding tends to be easiest when you’re not trying to chase anything or overreach.

Snorkeling and swimming from the boat: what you get between sessions

You’ll have time after or between underwater sessions to snorkel and swim. This is important because it turns the day into more than just “scuba for two short periods.” You get a chance to enjoy the surface world too—warm sun, a relaxed rhythm, and the ability to see fish from above water without the scuba setup.

You might also use this time to recover mentally. If your first underwater session felt like a lot, snorkeling is a lower-pressure way to stay connected to the water while your brain decompresses.

This is also a good moment to adjust for practical comfort: rinse off salty water when allowed, reapply sunscreen, and check that your swim gear is staying where it should. Little things matter because you’ll be on a boat for hours.

Lunch and crew support: included comfort that actually helps

Lunch is included, and that’s a big deal on a full-day tour. When you’re wearing gear and spending time in the sun, hunger and low energy can turn a good day sour fast. Having a proper meal built in keeps you focused on enjoying the sea rather than counting minutes until the next food stop.

One review mentioned a warm, substantial meal, which matches what you’d hope for on a day that can be sunny and active. If you’re someone who burns energy easily, you’ll probably appreciate that the tour doesn’t leave you scrambling for snacks.

Also, the tour runs with professional instructors speaking Turkish, German, Russian, and English. That’s useful because you can actually ask questions and get clear answers, not just nod along.

Price and value: is $29 really fair?

At about $29 per person, the price is unusually low for a day that includes two instructor-led underwater sessions, diving equipment, and lunch. On paper, it can look like it’s cutting corners, but the key is what’s included versus what’s not.

Included:

  • 2 underwater sessions
  • professional instructor
  • diving equipment
  • lunch
  • roundtrip transfer only if you select that option

Not included:

  • photos and videos
  • drinks

So where does the value come from? The biggest cost drivers in scuba are instruction quality, equipment, and safety oversight. Since those are included, you’re mostly paying for the boat time and operational costs. The short underwater time (about 20–25 minutes) also helps keep the day efficient, which is part of why the price can stay low.

The trade-off is that you shouldn’t expect a photo package to be included, and cameras are not allowed. If you want a “grab my phone, take pictures underwater” day, this probably won’t match your expectations. But if you want an affordable, well-guided first scuba experience, the math is strong.

Cameras, gear limits, and what to pack for a smooth day

Here’s the practical stuff that can make or break your experience.

What you should bring

  • hat
  • swimwear
  • towel
  • sunscreen

That’s it for the essentials, and it’s smart. You’ll be in the sun for long enough that sunscreen and a hat aren’t optional.

What’s not allowed

The tour info states cameras are not allowed, including waterproof and professional cameras. That means you need to accept that your “memory” will be mostly your own eyes and the tour’s official photography, if any.

One review specifically mentioned a photographer taking beautiful photos. At the same time, photos and videos are listed as not included, so you should treat that as an add-on possibility. If getting photos is important to you, ask early what’s available and how much it costs.

Gear note from real-life experience

One review also flagged that the snorkeling glasses didn’t fit perfectly for their face. That’s a common issue with generic gear. If your goggles or mask feels uncomfortable, tell the instructor right away rather than waiting until you’re already on the water.

Where to meet and how to handle transfers

For this option, roundtrip transfer isn’t included. You’ll be welcomed at Kemer marina.

If you choose pickup instead on another option, the tour notes you should be outside your hotel about 5 minutes before pickup time. That small detail matters because pickup windows on coastal tours can be tight, and you don’t want to miss the boat due to being late by a few minutes.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if:

  • you want a first scuba experience without needing a license
  • you like clear coaching and safety briefings
  • you’re comfortable going from shallow to slightly deeper water under supervision
  • you want a relaxed day that also includes snorkel time and swimming

You’ll also be fine even if you can’t swim, since the tour states that non-swimmers can join. That’s a confidence booster, and it means you can focus on following instructions and staying relaxed.

Who should skip:

  • people with heart problems, since the tour says it’s not suitable for that condition

If you’re traveling with family or friends at mixed skill levels, this format can be reassuring. The day is structured around instruction and controlled depths, not random “figure it out” moments.

Should you book Kemer’s Aquarium and Kiris Bays scuba tour?

I’d book this if your top goal is a guided first scuba day with real sea life, a sensible depth progression, and included lunch for a low price. The combination of Aquarium Bay and Kiris Bay makes the day feel more complete than a single-site outing, and the snorkeling time helps you enjoy the Mediterranean even if your underwater session is short.

I’d hesitate if:

  • you’re very photo-driven and want to bring your own camera underwater (that’s not allowed)
  • you expect long underwater immersion as the main event
  • you’re not comfortable with a tour format that depends on instructions and strict rules for feeding

If you want an honest, affordable taste of scuba in Kemer—with professional help and a fun, interactive sea-life moment—this is a strong choice. Just go in prepared to follow the gear and camera rules, and you’ll get the best version of the day.

FAQ

Do I need a scuba license for this tour?

No. The tour notes that no diving license is required.

How deep are the two underwater sessions?

The first session is around 5 meters, and the second is around 10–15 meters.

Can non-swimmers join?

Yes. The tour states that even those who cannot swim can join.

What’s included in the price?

You get 2 underwater sessions, a professional instructor, diving equipment, and lunch. Roundtrip transfer is included only if you select the option.

Are cameras allowed?

No. The tour states cameras are not allowed, including waterproof and professional cameras.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Scroll to Top

Find your next aquarium

Every tank worth the trip, city by city.