From Alanya, Side To Adrasan Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch

Discovering the Turkish Maldives: From Alanya and Side to Suluada

This boat trip from Alanya or Side to Suluada offers a chance to enjoy some of Turkey’s most beautiful coastal landscapes for about $74 per person. The full-day adventure (around 4-5 hours from Alanya and about half that from Side) takes you to the so-called Turkish Maldives, with stops at crystal-clear beaches, natural water springs, and the famous Cave of Love. You’ll also get a tasty included lunch onboard, making it a good value for a day on the water.

What we love are the stunning scenery—the waters are as clear as promised—and the chance to swim at multiple stops, especially when the boats aren’t too crowded. The guide provides helpful commentary about the sights, and the lunch options are a well-appreciated touch.

One thing to consider is that access to the island can be quite busy, especially during peak season, with many boats vying for space. The long bus ride from Alanya (up to 4-5 hours) and from Side (about 3 hours) can also test your patience, especially if the coach isn’t air-conditioned.

This trip suits travelers who love exploring scenic waters, enjoy swimming, and are okay with potentially crowded stops. It’s best for those looking for a full-day adventure or a beach-focused experience with an emphasis on natural beauty.

Key Points

• Stunning waters and beautiful beaches make this a memorable outing.
• The natural water springs and Cave of Love add a touch of natural wonder.
• Multiple swimming stops offer chances to cool off and relax.
• Long bus rides can be tiring, especially without air conditioning.
• Crowded island stops might limit your swimming space during peak season.
• The lunch onboard provides good value and tasty options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Suluada Boat Tour Experience

If you’re dreaming of a day in Turkish paradise, this boat tour promises to deliver a combination of spectacular scenery, relaxation, and adventure. From the moment you’re picked up—either from Alanya or Side—you’re headed on a journey that mixes coastal exploration with natural beauty.

What the Tour Covers

The full itinerary focuses on Suluada, often called the Turkish Maldives, because of its turquoise waters and unspoiled beaches. Starting from Adrasan pier, the boat sets sail, heading to the island with several stops along the way. The tour includes visits to Suluada Beach, American Beach, natural water springs, and the Cave of Love, with ample opportunities to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun.

The Journey: From Land to Sea

From Alanya, you should expect about 4 to 5 hours of travel time by bus to reach the departure point in Adrasan. This long bus ride is a common theme, with some travelers noting it can be uncomfortable, especially if the coach lacks air conditioning. One reviewer mentioned, “the bus ride took 4 hours and the bus had no air conditioning,” which may impact your comfort but not necessarily the quality of the trip once on the water.

For those departing from Side, the transfer is shorter—around 3 hours—but still involves a bus ride that travelers should prepare for, especially in hot weather. The key is to dress comfortably, bring sunscreen, and be prepared for a bit of travel before reaching the boat.

The Boat Itself

Once aboard, you’ll find a comfortable vessel that comfortably hosts the group, though during high season it can get quite busy. Multiple reviews mention that there are many boats in the area, which creates a crowded atmosphere at popular stops like Suluada Beach. As one traveler put it, “there are a lot of boats, but they don’t get in the way of going into the water, and there’s plenty of space,” suggesting that the boat operators manage to keep a good balance despite the crowds.

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The Stops: Highlights and Challenges

Suluada Beach

This is the main attraction, often called the Turkish Maldives for its pristine waters and soft sands. Travelers love the crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling. One review states, “the sea was fantastic,” and another mentions that being first at the beach allows for more space to enjoy the water, which is a real plus.

However, during high season, the crowds can make swimming tricky, with many boats mooring nearby, which sometimes spoils the experience. As one review noted, “the island was super busy with people and boats, which made swimming a bit difficult.” During peak times, you might find yourself swimming between boats, which isn’t ideal but is part of the reality at popular spots.

American Beach and Other Stops

Next, you’ll visit American Beach, a quieter spot where you can relax, swim, or explore. The natural water springs on Suluada add a unique touch, nourishing the ecosystem and offering a natural, refreshing experience. The Cave of Love provides an opportunity to see a stunning natural formation, which many travelers find charming.

Lunch on Board

No trip is complete without good food, and this tour provides a lunch with a choice of dishes, plus tea and biscuits. While the menu isn’t detailed, travelers report it’s delicious and adds value to the experience. It’s a chance to relax, refuel, and enjoy the scenery without having to hunt for a restaurant.

The Return Journey and Overall Value

After the day’s adventures, the boat heads back, with many travelers feeling that they’ve experienced more than they expected. The price of around $74 includes transportation, guidance, lunch, and insurance, making it a reasonable choice for a day exploring some of Turkey’s most spectacular waters.

Some reviews highlight good guides who provide helpful commentary, adding context and making the trip more engaging. Others mention the long bus ride as a downside, especially without air conditioning, but most agree that the scenery and swimming opportunities make it worthwhile.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who love swimming and natural scenery, and who are prepared for a full day of travel. It’s suitable for those who don’t mind crowded beaches and want to see Suluada’s natural beauty firsthand. If you’re looking for a relaxing day with excellent photo opportunities and don’t mind the busy stops, this tour offers good value. However, if long bus rides and crowded beaches aren’t your thing, you might want to consider alternative options or look for less crowded times.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour from Alanya or Side to Suluada offers a quintessential Mediterranean experience, with crystal waters, beautiful beaches, and a natural landscape that’s hard to beat. The inclusion of lunch, guidance, and insurance makes it a solid value, especially if you’re eager to explore Turkey’s version of the Maldives.

While crowds and long travel times can be challenges, the stunning scenery and swimming stops are likely to leave you with memorable stories and plenty of photos. It’s best suited for active travelers looking for a full-day outdoor adventure who don’t mind sharing the experience with fellow travelers.

FAQs

How long does the bus ride take?
From Alanya, expect about 4-5 hours each way, while from Side, it’s roughly 3 hours. Be prepared for a long journey, especially in hot weather.

Is the boat crowded?
During peak season, yes. Many boats visit the area, which can make stops feel busy and swimming space limited. Early arrivals help avoid the worst crowds.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and beachwear to make the most of the stops.

Is there food onboard?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch with several options, plus tea and biscuits. It’s generally well-received and adds good value.

Can I snorkel?
Yes, the clear waters at the stops are suitable for snorkeling, and many travelers enjoy exploring beneath the surface.

Are the stops busy?
Yes, especially Suluada Beach, which can get crowded with boats and visitors during high season.

What natural sights will I see?
Expect to visit natural water springs, the Cave of Love, and enjoy beautiful beaches with remarkably clear water.

Is this suitable for families?
Most likely, but keep in mind the long travel time and busy stops. Ensure children are comfortable with boat trips and swimming.

Are there safety concerns?
The tour provides insurance, but some reviews mention unsafe driving on the bus with no seatbelts, so be cautious during transfers.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot in advance, with flexible pay later options, and cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

This boat tour offers a wonderful way to enjoy some of Turkey’s most stunning waters. It’s perfect for those seeking natural beauty, swimming, and adventure, with the understanding that busy beaches and travel times are part of the package.

You can check availability for your dates here: