A Day at Suluada Island: What You Need to Know
If you’re visiting Antalya and craving a blend of stunning scenery, relaxation, and a taste of local life, the Suluada Boat Tour offers a unique escape. For just around $19 per person, you’ll spend roughly 10-11 hours exploring turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and secluded bays while being cared for by an enthusiastic crew. The tour departs from Kemer and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and stops at some of the area’s most photogenic spots.
We love the way this trip combines effortless comfort with authentic natural beauty. The boat is spacious, offering plenty of shade and seating, making it easy to relax and enjoy the views. Plus, the different stops, especially at Suluada Island, are genuinely breathtaking — with its white sands and transparent waters, it truly feels like a slice of paradise.
However, a few considerations are worth noting. Some travelers have mentioned that the beach at Suluada is pebbly rather than sandy, which might require water shoes. Also, the itinerary can feel rushed, especially with many stops packed into a long day. This trip is best suited for those who want a hassle-free, scenic day at sea with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying local cuisine.
This experience is ideal for families, first-time visitors to Antalya, or anyone looking to escape the crowds for a day. If you enjoy boat trips with friendly guides and authentic landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Key Points
- Beautiful scenery and clear waters make Suluada a top highlight for beach lovers.
- Hotel transfers included simplify logistics, saving time and effort.
- The lunch menu features fresh local recipes, adding value to the experience.
- Multiple stops allow swimming, snorkeling, and photography amid peaceful surroundings.
- The tour is suitable for all ages, with a crew that provides helpful, friendly service.
- Some reviews mention the pebbly beach and packed schedules as minor drawbacks.
The Full Experience: What to Expect
The Itinerary Breakdown
The day begins with a hotel pickup early in the morning, setting the tone for a well-organized tour. The journey to the departure port usually takes about two hours, depending on where you’re staying in Antalya. While some reviews highlight the long transfer time, it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of door-to-door service and avoiding the hassle of finding your way to the port yourself.
Once at the port, you’ll board a large, comfortable boat shared with other travelers — generally up to 80 people. The vessel is equipped with shade areas and bathrooms, ensuring you can relax comfortably during the cruise. You’ll set out into the Mediterranean, with your guide providing commentary and answering questions along the way.
First Stop: Adrasan Coast and Bays
The initial cruise along the coast offers stunning views of untouched bays and secluded coves. Be prepared for some photo opportunities; the scenery here is postcard-perfect. This part of the journey typically lasts about an hour, giving you a sense of peace and anticipation before the main event.
The Highlight: Suluada Island
The boat drops anchor at Suluada Island for a four-hour stay — the longest stop of the day. This is the part that most travelers find unforgettable. Surrounded by turquoise waters and featuring white sands, Suluada is often called the “Maldives of Turkey,” and for good reason.
Here, you’re free to swim in the calm, clear waters or snorkel to see the underwater life. Many reviews mention that the waters are perfect for relaxing and photos, with Anita_Z praising the “beautiful places and clear blue water.” The shallow waters make it friendly for children and non-swimmers, while the scenic backdrop is ideal for photographers.
While the sands are white and inviting, some travelers have noted that the beach is rocky and pebbly, which can be uncomfortable for walking barefoot. Water shoes are highly recommended, especially if you plan to stay longer on the shoreline.
Lunch on Board
After a good swim, the boat crew serves a hot lunch—usually featuring fish or chicken, along with pasta and salad. The food is described as fresh and tasty, with several reviews highlighting the delicious local recipes and attentive service. The lunch break lasts about 30 minutes, during which you can refuel and enjoy the views.
Exploring Further: Love Cave and Kumluca
Post-lunch, the boat heads towards Akseki Bay and the famous Love Cave. According to local legend, this cave is filled with “teardrops” of a young girl, making it a unique photo stop. The waters are cold but refreshing, perfect for a quick dip. The cave’s mystical stories add a layer of charm to the scenery.
The final stop is in Kumluca, and while some reviews express disappointment at the short time allocated (about an hour), the view of the cave and surrounding waters still makes this a worthwhile visit. Once the sightseeing concludes, the boat begins its return journey to the port.
The Return and Hotel Drop-Off
After a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and photos, the boat departs back for the port. The transfer service then takes you back to your hotel, generally arriving in the early afternoon. This organized process makes the day smooth, even if the schedule feels packed.
What Travelers Say
From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that many find this tour highly rewarding. Anita_Z highlights the beautiful scenery and cheerful staff, while Michelle_G calls Suluada a “must-see.” Several reviews, like Nosleidy_R’s, emphasize how worth the cost the experience is, praising the helpful crew and stunning views.
However, not all feedback is perfect. Some travelers, like Darrell_A and Iveta_Y, mention the food quality and long travel times, with Iveta describing her trip as “absolutely unacceptable” due to logistical mishaps and the uncomfortable bus ride. While these are important to consider, they seem more related to logistical issues rather than the core experience itself.
A recurring theme among satisfied customers is the knowledgeable guides and crew. Many mention that the staff are friendly and supportive, making the day more enjoyable. The cost is generally seen as reasonable, considering the all-inclusive lunch and hotel transfers, which can be a significant advantage in a busy tourist area.
The Value in Your Ticket
Pricing at around $18.67 per person makes this trip quite appealing. When you factor in hotel transfers, a full day of scenic stops, a hearty lunch, and guidance, it offers quite a bit of value. It’s particularly attractive for travelers who want a stress-free day and to avoid the complexities of arranging their own boat trips or transportation.
The large boat size and organized schedule mean you won’t feel crowded, and the multiple stops ensure variety—from relaxing on Suluada’s sands to exploring the Love Cave. The scenic beauty and opportunities for swimming and photos are what make this trip stand out.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is best suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to escape the hustle of Antalya for a relaxing day on the water. Those who enjoy scenic landscapes, peaceful beaches, and simple, hearty food will find it particularly appealing. If you’re looking for a luxury experience or a highly exclusive setting, this may not meet your expectations. But if authentic landscapes, friendly staff, and good value are your priorities, this trip is likely to satisfy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel transfers, the boat trip, a lunch (fish or chicken, pasta, salad), and guidance. Drinks are not included and need to be purchased separately. - What should I bring?
Bring water shoes (recommended for rocky beaches), sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. It’s also wise to carry some cash for drinks or souvenirs. - How long is the transfer?
The transfer from Antalya to the port takes around two hours each way, depending on your location. Many find this a small inconvenience for the ease of door-to-door service. - How much time do we spend at each stop?
You can expect about 4 hours at Suluada, plus some time at Love Cave and other scenic points, with shorter stops for swimming and photos. - Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews mention the tour being friendly for all ages, especially since the waters are calm and the boat spacious. - What about the food?
The lunch is generally praised as tasty, with fresh ingredients. However, some reviews mention it being basic and lacking options for specific dietary needs. - Can I snorkel?
Yes, the waters around Suluada are clear and perfect for snorkeling, especially during the long swim stops. - What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. - Are there any safety precautions?
While the boat is equipped with bathrooms and shade, it’s wise to listen to the crew’s safety instructions. There are no explicit safety briefings mentioned, but the crew is generally helpful. - How crowded does it get?
The boat can carry up to 80 people, but many reviews mention the boat feeling well-organized and not overly crowded, especially at the quieter stops.
In essence, the Suluada Boat Tour offers a practical, scenic, and reasonably priced way to enjoy some of Turkey’s most beautiful waters. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed day with plenty of swimming, good food, and stunning views without the fuss of organizing everything themselves. Just be prepared for a busy schedule and rocky beaches, and you’ll likely leave with great memories of your Turkish Riviera adventure.