Antalya/Kemer: Suluada & Adrasan Boat Trip with Lunch

White beaches, cool caves, and a full day at sea. From Adrasan Bay, this affordable boat trip heads to Suluada, Akseki Bay, and Pirates Bay for swimming, sun, cliffs, and Mediterranean views. At $20 per person, it offers a lot for the price, especially if you want a simple day on the water rather than a private yacht outing.

I especially like the three different swimming stops and the chance to see Suluada’s bright beaches from the sea. The friendly crew is another strong point, with Fatima singled out for being helpful and supportive. The main drawback is time: hotel transfers can be long, and busy swim stops may leave you wishing for more time on Suluada itself.

Key points at a glance

• Suluada’s white beaches: The island’s three beaches have pale sand and clear water, with a striking contrast against the surrounding cliffs.
• Three main stops: The route includes Suluada, Akseki Bay with its Love Cave, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also called Pirates Bay.
• Lunch included: A meal is served during the trip, but drinks cost extra.
• Swimming rather than sightseeing: Most of the day is built around getting into the water, so bring swim gear and expect limited time on land.
• Hotel transport may take time: Pickup and drop-off can be selected, but one passenger reported a roughly three-hour ride each way in a cramped minibus.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later.

Why Suluada makes a good boat-trip destination

Suluada is often presented as the Turkish Maldives, which is a flashy label, but the reason is easy to understand once you see the water. The island has white beaches, clear sea, and pale rock formations that catch the sun. You are not coming for museums or old streets. You are coming for a day of blue water and open sky.

The island is reached by boat from Adrasan Bay, a coastal area in Antalya Province. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You pass high cliffs and caves, and the open view gives you a different sense of the Turkish Riviera than you get from a beach resort. If you are lucky, dolphins or sea turtles may appear, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

The trip is best understood as a swimming cruise with scenic stops. You will spend time on the boat, then swim near beaches, caves, and bays. If your ideal day includes long walks, historical sights, or a quiet island with no other boats, this is not the right match. Suluada can be busy, and several boats may anchor in the same area.

Leaving Adrasan Bay by boat

The day starts in Adrasan Bay, either with your own arrival or with hotel pickup if you choose that option. The exact start time depends on availability, and the full experience can last from seven to 13 hours. That wide range matters. A trip with hotel transfers may take most of your day, while the actual boat portion is only one part of the schedule.

Once aboard, the route follows the coast toward Suluada. The cliffs and caves give the early part of the trip some visual interest before the swimming begins. I like this section because it helps you see the coast from the water instead of simply arriving at a beach and staying there.

The atmosphere on the boat is one of the tour’s strongest points. The crew has been praised for being friendly and professional, and Fatima receives special credit for helping passengers. That practical support can make a difference on a boat day, particularly when you are unsure where to go, when to return, or how the stops work.

Still, do not expect a detailed guided lecture throughout the day. One passenger enjoyed the tour but wished there had been more explanation about the stops and locations. If you want constant commentary, ask the guide about the route as you go. English and Turkish guiding are available, but the amount of narration may vary.

Suluada’s beaches and clear swimming water

Suluada is the main attraction, and the first stop is usually the moment the trip begins to feel special. The island has three beaches used by visiting boats. They are described as bright white and largely untouched, with clear water that invites swimming.

The color of the sea is the point here. Sunlight reaches through the water, making it easy to appreciate the pale bottom and rocky edges. You can swim, float, or stay near the boat, depending on your comfort in open water. One useful detail from the feedback is that not every beach works equally well for weak swimmers. A passenger specifically wished for more time at the beach that was easier for people who did not swim confidently.

That is worth keeping in mind. The program favors water access and snorkeling-style stops more than broad, shallow beach time. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask which stop is best for staying close to shore, and do not feel pressured to swim farther than you like.

The island can also be busy. Several boats may anchor at the same beach, especially during popular periods. The water remains beautiful, but the feeling is less like having a private island and more like sharing a very attractive swimming area with other day boats.

You may have time to sunbathe and explore a little around the beach, but this is not a long island walk. The main reward is the combination of white sand, clear water, and dramatic rock. Bring a towel, sun protection, and something to cover yourself between swims.

The cool water of Love Cave at Akseki Bay

The second major stop is Akseki Bay, also known as Love Island. Its draw is a small cave with unusually cold water. Local legend says the water comes from the tears of a girl, which gives the stop a little story to go with the swim.

The cave is not presented as a grand natural chamber or a major sightseeing site. Its appeal is simple: you swim toward it, feel the colder water, and enjoy a short break from the Mediterranean warmth. The setting is unspoiled, and the surrounding bay provides another chance to enjoy the coast away from the main island beach.

This stop is more suited to confident swimmers and people who enjoy getting into the water to see something up close. If you prefer a shallow beach, you may find Suluada more comfortable. The schedule also matters. With several stops and a lunch break packed into the day, you may not get unlimited time at the cave.

I would treat the Love Cave as a quick natural curiosity rather than the centerpiece of the trip. It adds variety to the route and keeps the day from feeling like one long stop at a single beach.

Lunch on board between swimming stops

After time in the water, you return to the boat for lunch. The meal is included, which helps keep the $20 price attractive. You do not have to search for a restaurant in a remote bay, and the food gives you a chance to refuel before the next stop.

The meal has been described as decent rather than remarkable. That is a fair expectation for a low-cost boat excursion. Think of lunch as useful and convenient, not as a culinary event. Drinks are not included, so budget separately for water and anything else you want during the day.

Because the tour includes several swims, hydration matters. The supplied information does not specify the drink menu or prices, so it is sensible to check before departure. You should also keep valuables protected while moving between the boat, the beach, and the water.

Lunch is one of the quiet advantages of this trip. At a higher price, you might expect a more elaborate meal, but at $20, having food included makes the day easier and better value. You are paying mainly for transport by boat, the route, the stops, lunch, and the crew rather than for a luxury dining service.

Pirates Bay and the final swim

The next stop is Hacivat Karagoz Bay, commonly called Pirates Bay. It is linked with an old pirate settlement, giving the bay a touch of coastal folklore. The description does not suggest a preserved archaeological site or a formal ruins visit, so do not arrive expecting to walk through an excavated harbor.

Instead, this is another scenic swimming stop. The name and rock formations provide atmosphere, while the water gives you the practical reason to get off the boat. The route works well because each stop has a slightly different character: Suluada offers white beaches, Akseki Bay offers the cold cave, and Pirates Bay adds a rugged coastal setting.

Some passengers found the swimming opportunities plentiful, but also noted that certain stops were busy. That is the tradeoff with a popular shared boat. You get a varied route at a low price, but you do not control the pace or have much privacy.

After Pirates Bay, the boat sails back to port. If hotel transport is included in your selected option, a car or minibus waits to return you to your hotel. This makes the outing simple, but it can turn an already long day into a very long one.

The real cost of the $20 price

At $20, this is one of the better-value ways to spend a day on the Antalya coast if you want several sea stops. Lunch is included, a guide is provided, and hotel pickup and drop-off may be included depending on the option you select. You also get a full route rather than a short harbor cruise.

The price comes with limits. This is not a private charter, a quiet luxury yacht, or a highly personalized excursion. Busy anchorages, fixed timing, and basic lunch are part of the bargain. Drinks cost extra, and the transport may be uncomfortable if your hotel is far from Adrasan.

The longest transfer issue deserves special attention. One passenger reported around three hours in each direction, with the minibus feeling cramped. That may not apply to every hotel or route, but it shows why you should check the pickup area before booking. If you are staying near Adrasan, the day may feel much easier. If you are coming from farther away in the Antalya or Kemer area, the road time could take up a large part of the experience.

The free cancellation period also gives you some useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep your plans open. These policies are helpful if your schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• Several chances to swim in clear Mediterranean water
• A low-cost full-day outing from Antalya Province
• White beaches and rocky coastal views without arranging a private boat
• A social boat atmosphere with a friendly crew
• Lunch included in the day’s price
• A simple route with Suluada as the main highlight

It is also a good fit if you are happy to spend much of the day in swimwear and on the water. The rating of 4.3 from 83 reviews suggests a generally strong experience, with the crew and atmosphere receiving particularly positive attention.

I would think twice if you need a quiet beach day, dislike shared boats, or are uncomfortable in open water. You may also want another plan if long road transfers make you tired or if your main interest is history. Pirates Bay has a pirate connection, but the outing is not a historical tour.

Weak swimmers can still consider it, but you should be cautious. One stop may suit people who want easier beach access, while other stops focus more on snorkeling and swimming. Tell the crew about your comfort level and use the boat as your base if a swim feels too demanding.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. You will have several opportunities to enter the water, and the sun can feel strong on an open boat.

Pack money for drinks because they are not included. A waterproof pouch can help protect your phone and other small items, though the tour information does not specify storage arrangements.

If you are prone to seasickness, the available feedback is encouraging: one person who usually gets seasick had no trouble on this trip. That does not guarantee the same result for you, so take your normal precautions and choose a place on the boat where you feel most comfortable.

Finally, check the estimated pickup and return time. The duration is listed as seven to 13 hours, which is a broad range. The boat itself may be enjoyable, but the total day includes road transfers for some pickup locations.

Should you book the Suluada and Adrasan trip?

Book it if you want good-value swimming, scenic bays, and a full day at sea for a modest price. Suluada’s white beaches are the clear highlight, while Love Cave and Pirates Bay add variety. The crew’s friendly service, including helpful support from Fatima, gives the experience a reassuring human touch.

Skip it if you want solitude, a detailed history tour, or lots of time on one beach. Also check the transfer distance before you commit. For many people, the biggest question is not the sea or the lunch. It is whether the long ride to Adrasan is worth the beautiful water waiting at the other end.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The boat trip starts in Adrasan Bay in Antalya Province.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Suluada Island, Akseki Bay, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also known as Pirates Bay.

How many beaches does Suluada have for the tour?

The tour visits an area of Suluada with three beaches where boats can anchor.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the activity.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included and must be paid for separately.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is seven to 13 hours, depending on the available start time and arrangements.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Turkish.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to book without paying on the day of reservation.