From Antalya: Suluada Island Boat Trip with Lunch

Exploring Suluada Island on a boat trip from Antalya offers a chance to escape the busy coastline and experience some of Turkey’s lesser-known treasures. This 10-hour tour takes you on a relaxing sail across the Mediterranean, stopping at a tiny island often called the “Turkish Maldives,” and includes a freshly prepared lunch on board. It’s an adventure that promises both fun and a touch of serenity — if you don’t mind sharing those small, crowded coves with fellow travelers.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it provides a convenient way to see some stunning spots without the hassle of organizing your own boat. The inclusion of hotel transfers with modern, air-conditioned vehicles means your day begins comfortably, and the boat’s stops at Suluada and other scenic locations mean you get plenty of opportunities to swim and snap photos. Plus, the presence of a friendly guide (likely from Solymos Travel) adds a helpful touch for those unfamiliar with the area.

That said, a key consideration is the small size of the coves, especially Suluada itself. As one reviewer noted, “if your goal is pure relaxation away from crowds, it might be tricky — the cove is tiny, crowded, and the white sand is more stones than sand.” Still, if you’re eager to experience a taste of the ‘Turkish Maldives’ and don’t mind sharing the space, this trip offers good value at $45 per person, especially with lunch included.

Key Points and Takeaways

• Uncrowded Escape: While the trip promises a quieter day away from Antalya’s crowds, the small coves can get busy, especially at Suluada.
• Excellent Value: At $45, you get hotel transfers, a boat ride, two stops, and a freshly prepared lunch, making it a reasonably priced way to explore the coast.
• Authentic Experience: The tour includes visits to untouched natural spots and the chance to swim in turquoise waters, offering a genuine taste of the region’s beauty.
• Well-Organized Logistics: The pick-up service from your hotel ensures a smooth start, with all transfers handled with comfort in mind.
• Potential Crowds: The small coves and popularity of Suluada mean that you might find it crowded, not the perfect spot for complete tranquility.
• Good for Water Lovers: Pack your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen — you’ll want to jump in the water and enjoy the stunning bays.

Starting the Day: From Hotel to Boat

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Antalya hotel. The transfer is via a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the roughly 2-hour drive to Adrasan Port more comfortable than you might expect. I like this setup because, after a long journey, being transported smoothly makes the entire day feel more relaxed from the start. It also sets a good tone for the trip — well-organized and considerate of your comfort.

Once at Adrasan Port, you’ll meet your crew and board a boat ready for a full day of fun. The boat itself is likely to be a standard tour vessel, designed for sightseeing rather than luxury cruising. But its open deck provides great views and room to relax under the sun, which is ideal for a trip like this.

Navigating the Mediterranean: The Journey to Suluada

As your boat pulls away from the port, the scenery starts to open up. The waters are a bright blue, and the feeling of sailing in the Mediterranean is invigorating. The crew, probably including guides from Solymos Travel, will give some safety instructions and lay out the plan for the day.

The boat’s route is especially appealing because it takes you through areas that are protected for Caretta turtles, meaning some of the bays you pass will be pristine and less disturbed. This makes the trip not just about sightseeing but also about seeing lesser-touched parts of the coast.

Suluada Island: The Star of the Show

The main attraction is, of course, Suluada Island. Often called the “Turkish Maldives,” it’s a small but striking island with white sands and turquoise waters. The water here is so clear you’ll want to bring your waterproof camera. Many describe the bay as exotic — like a mini paradise — perfect for a swim or a quick snorkel.

A critical detail from a reviewer named Nadia is that “the white sand is not actually sand but stones,” so water shoes are recommended if you want to avoid discomfort. This is pretty typical for the area, but it’s a good tip to keep in mind.

Most visitors jump right into the water, enjoying the refreshing swim in the calm, colorful bay. The surroundings are largely untouched, which adds to the sense of being somewhere special. However, the small size of the island’s cove means it can get crowded, especially during peak times, so don’t expect complete solitude.

Lunch on Board: A Delicious Break

After your swim, the boat proceeds to the next stop, where a fresh, homemade lunch awaits. This is a notable highlight of the day since the onboard meal is included in the price — no need to pack food or worry about overpriced snacks. The lunch typically features local ingredients and is prepared to give you a quick energy boost before your next dip in the water.

Relaxing under the sun with good food is an underrated part of day trips like this. It’s a chance to chat with fellow travelers or simply enjoy the scenery with a full belly.

The Love Cave and Other Stops

The tour doesn’t just stop at Suluada; you might visit other scenic spots like the Love Cave, depending on your guide’s itinerary. These locations add variety to the day and give you multiple chances to swim and explore.

While the reviews don’t specify all stops, the overall experience is about enjoying untouched nature and unique landscapes. These stops can be more crowded or less, but they offer memorable photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip appeals most to travelers seeking a value-for-money outdoor adventure with plenty of swimming and natural beauty. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable sharing small, busy coves and don’t require complete tranquility. Families, groups of friends, or singles looking for a fun, full-day outing from Antalya will find it worth considering.

If you’re after total relaxation away from other people, be aware that the coves can be crowded. Also, water shoes are recommended for comfort, given that the sands are more stones than soft sand.

Price and Value Analysis

At $45 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The price includes hotel transfers, boat rides, two stops at scenic locations, and a freshly cooked lunch. That’s a good deal compared to many other day trips that charge more for fewer inclusions.

However, keep in mind that the crowded nature of Suluada’s coves might be a downside if your idea of a perfect day involves quiet beaches. Still, for many, it’s a small price to pay for the chance to see a Maldives-like island and enjoy an active day on the water.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is perfect for travelers eager to explore Turkey’s lesser-known coastal gems without the hassle of self-organizing logistics. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy swimming, taking photos, and experiencing untouched nature, even if that sometimes means sharing small spaces with others.

Those looking for a relaxing day entirely away from crowds might find the small, busy coves a bit disappointing — but if you’re happy to accept the lively atmosphere and focus on the fun of being on the water, you’ll find this trip enjoyable.

It’s also an excellent choice if your budget is around $45 and you want an all-included day with lunch, hotel pickup, and drops — making it a practical, enjoyable outing.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, boat transportation, visits to Suluada Island and other stops, and a freshly prepared lunch onboard.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so bring water and any other beverages you may want.

How long does the trip last?
The entire day runs about 10 hours, with check-in times varying — be sure to check availability for your preferred date.

Is there a guide on the boat?
Yes, the activity is hosted by English-speaking guides, making it easier to follow along and ask questions about the area.

What should I bring?
Pack a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Water shoes are recommended because the sands on the island are more stones than sand.

Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, but consider the small, crowded coves. Children who love swimming and boat rides will enjoy it, but keep an eye on them during busy spots.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility.

What kind of boat is used?
It’s a standard tour vessel with an open deck, suitable for sightseeing, relaxing, and sunbathing.

Is this tour good value for the money?
Absolutely. For $45, you get a full-day experience including transportation, scenic stops, and lunch, which is quite reasonable.

Who would this tour suit best?
Ideal for water lovers, adventure seekers, and those happy to share lively coves with others, looking for a fun, affordable day trip from Antalya.

This Suluada Island boat trip offers a lively, scenic, and reasonably priced way to see some of Turkey’s beautiful coastline. While it might not provide total isolation, the chances to swim in stunning waters and enjoy a full day on the water make it a solid choice for those seeking a memorable adventure. Just remember to pack water shoes and expect some lively crowds at the small coves. If you’re looking more for a peaceful beach experience, you might want to consider other options, but for a fun day exploring the “Turkish Maldives,” this trip hits the mark.