Maldives: Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch, Transfer & Bays

Exploring Suluada: A Day of Crystal Waters and Natural Beauty

This tour review covers a popular day trip from Antalya Province that promises a relaxing escape to one of Turkey’s hidden gems—Suluada, often called the “Maldives of Adrasan.” The experience revolves around a boat cruise to a pristine island featuring crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, and natural pools. It’s a full-day outing with a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and good food, curated by Yükay Turizm.

What makes this trip appealing are the two standout features: first, the chance to swim in extraordinarily transparent sea waters and explore the natural springs and caves, and second, the delicious, freshly prepared lunch onboard with stunning bay views. I also appreciate the fact that there are no surprise costs—everything is included, which helps keep the experience smooth and enjoyable.

However, there’s a consideration worth noting: the quick stops mean your time in each beautiful bay is somewhat limited, often around 35-40 minutes per swimming spot. If you’re craving more time to relax or explore at a leisurely pace, this might feel a little rushed. Still, for most visitors, the value of seeing multiple bays and enjoying the natural beauty outweighs this minor inconvenience.

Overall, this boat trip strikes a good balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s especially suitable for those who love the idea of hopping between scenic spots, enjoying a hearty lunch, and swimming in waters so clear you can see your toes. It’s also a great option if you prefer organized tours that handle all the logistics, including transfers and guided sightseeing.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Stunning bays with crystal-clear waters offer perfect swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Well-organized transfer and boat rides make logistics smooth for travelers.
• Lunch on the boat features a two-course meal (fish or chicken plus rice or spaghetti), offering good value.
• Limited time at each stop means you’ll need to move quickly if you want to explore everything.
• Knowledgeable guides help enhance the experience, providing info about natural springs and the island.
• Comfortable group sizes (around 50-60 people) balance lively atmosphere with space to relax.

Entering the World of Suluada

This tour offers a chance to see a lesser-known Turkish paradise that’s often compared to the Maldives due to its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel (if you choose that option), you’ll enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour bus ride to Adrasan port—an easy way to start the day without the stress of planning. The boat cruise itself lasts around 40 minutes, sailing you to the first stop, Paradise Bay.

The boat rides on this tour are rather intimate, with around 50-60 people, which strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and personal space. As the boat glides across the water, you’ll get a glimpse of the beautiful coastline and natural scenery. Many reviews mention feeling relaxed just watching the views roll by or enjoying the gentle sea breeze.

Discovering the Bays: Paradise and Waterfall

Your first stop is Paradise Bay, where you’ll have roughly 35 minutes to swim or snorkel. The water clarity here is highly praised, often described as “beautiful, clean, and perfect for a dip.” Several guests note they enjoyed just lounging on the boat’s upper deck, soaking up the sun and admiring the scenery.

Next, the boat moves on to Waterfall Bay, which lives up to its name with striking rock formations and a natural waterfall. Again, you get about 35 minutes to enjoy the water or take photos. Several reviews highlight the unique rock caves and the peaceful atmosphere—an ideal spot for a quick swim or just relaxing on the boat.

Lunch with a View: Fresh and Filling

Around midday, the crew serves a two-course meal—options include fish or chicken, accompanied by spaghetti or rice and a salad. Many guests find this lunch to be better than expected for a tour meal, offering tasty, freshly prepared food with plenty of bay views to enjoy as you eat. The reviews describe the lunch as simple but satisfying, and some mention it’s a good value for the price.

The Highlight: Maldives Beach and Natural Pools

The last major stop is the Maldives-like beach, famous for its white sands and exceptionally clear waters. This spot is often cited as the highlight of the trip—“it truly looks like the Maldives,” one reviewer said, thanks to the crystal blue water and fine sand. Here, you’ll have time to walk along the beach, take photos of the natural pools, or simply enjoy swimming in the extraordinarily transparent sea.

The guided exploration of the island includes views of natural springs, water resources, and natural pools—perfect for photography or just marveling at nature’s artistry. Several reviews mention the beauty of the scenery and how the water resources and rock formations create a truly special environment.

Returning and Practical Tips

After exploring, you’ll head back to Adrasan port, where arrangements are made for your transfer back to your hotel. The return journey takes about 1.5 hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day.

One tip from reviews: bring sea shoes or sandals. The pebbly shores and water crossings might be inconvenient, but they are part of the charm. Also, pack your towel and beachwear if you plan to swim frequently.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a day of scenic swimming and natural beauty, this trip is ideal. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or even solo travelers who enjoy organized excursions. Those who value good food, comfortable group sizes, and professional guides will find this experience rewarding. On the other hand, if you prefer more time at each stop or dislike quick swimming sessions, you might find the schedule a little rushed.

Most reviews emphasize the value for money—including lunch, transfers, and guides—making it an attractive option for travelers looking to see multiple bays without the hassle of planning each detail.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour to Suluada offers a beautiful slice of Turkish coastal paradise. The stunning bays, natural pools, and white sands make it a memorable outing. The delicious lunch and smooth logistics add to the overall enjoyment, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

While the short stops might be a downside for some, most find that seeing multiple bays compensates for the quick visits. It’s especially perfect for anyone wanting to combine swimming, sightseeing, and good food in one full day.

For travelers who love scenic water, natural landscapes, and organized comfort, this trip hits the right notes. It’s a wonderful way to escape the crowds and discover a piece of untouched Turkish coast, leaving you eager to return for more.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride to Suluada?
The boat ride from Adrasan port to the island takes approximately 40 minutes, giving you a relaxed start to the day and a chance to enjoy the scenery.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring a towel, beachwear, and suitable shoes for walking on pebbly shores. Also consider packing sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning views.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides a two-course lunch onboard, with options like fish or chicken, plus rice or spaghetti and a salad.

How much time do I get at each swimming stop?
Expect roughly 35 minutes at each bay for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing. The total day includes multiple stops, so you’ll need to move efficiently.

Are transfers included?
If you select the hotel pickup option, transfers are included. The pickup is flexible, and you’ll be picked up by a midibus outside your hotel.

Can I expect to enjoy the scenery even if I don’t swim?
Absolutely. The boat cruise itself, along with the scenery of the bays and the natural pools, makes for a visually stunning experience even without swimming.

In essence, this Suluada boat tour is a well-organized, scenic, and enjoyable way to discover Turkey’s lesser-known coastlines. It offers enough swimming, sightseeing, and good food to leave most travelers satisfied—especially those who appreciate natural beauty and a bit of adventure.