Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Island Small-Group Boat Tour w/ Lunch

Turkey’s clearest water is out at sea. This full-day Suluada trip pairs three beautiful swim stops with a cooked lunch, friendly guides, and a price of about $21 per person. I especially like the clear, warm water and the easy hotel pickup option. The main catch is the long day: transport can take about four hours in total, and the boat may carry up to 65 people.

I also like the relaxed rhythm. You can swim, snorkel, stretch out on a rooftop mattress, or simply watch the coast slide past. Guides such as Kartal, Mehmet, and Ugur are often praised for keeping the mood lively, though music and entertainment may feel too energetic if you want a quiet escape. Drinks cost extra, and water shoes are a very good idea.

The Suluada experience in six useful points

• Three sea stops: Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach give you several chances to swim and take photographs.
• Warm, clear water: The main reason to book is the chance to swim in the open Mediterranean at scenic coves.
• A real value at $21: Lunch and the boat ride are included, with optional transport available depending on your booking.
• Up to 65 people aboard: This is marketed as small-group, but it can feel like a sizeable shared boat trip when full.
• Hotel pickup from Antalya areas: Pickup and drop-off may be available from Konyaaltı, Belek, Kemer, Lara Beach, and Antalya.
• Bring water shoes and cash: Shores can be made up of rough stones and sand, and drinks are sold on board.

Why Suluada makes a good day from Antalya

Suluada is an uninhabited island off the coast near Adrasan. Its appeal is simple: white sand, rocky coves, clear water, and a day spent mostly outside. You are not coming here for museums or village life. You are coming to swim in a striking stretch of the Mediterranean and enjoy the coast from the deck of a boat.

That focus makes the trip easy to understand. You board, sail out, stop in several coves, eat lunch, and return. I like tours with a clear purpose, and this one delivers exactly what its price promises.

The water is the star. Several people praise how warm and transparent it feels, especially in the warmer months. You can bring your own snorkeling gear, use a waterproof phone case, or simply float beside the boat. Marine life viewing is part of the activity, but sightings are not guaranteed, so think of snorkeling as an optional bonus rather than the main event.

The boat itself is described as compact and comfortable, with mattresses on the upper deck. That detail matters on a long day. You will spend plenty of time cruising between stops, and having somewhere to lie down is far better than sitting on a hard bench for hours.

The two-hour ride from Antalya or Kemer

If you choose hotel transport, expect an early start and a road journey of roughly two hours each way. Pickup times vary by location, so you should watch your confirmation closely and wait outside your hotel’s security gate. Tour vehicles cannot enter hotel grounds, and drivers may wait only five minutes.

The pickup network covers several parts of the Antalya region. Konyaaltı, Lara Beach, Belek, Kemer, and central Antalya are among the listed areas. If you stay outside those zones, the meeting point is Kooperatif Cafe, where the host will wait for you.

The road portion is necessary but not especially glamorous. It turns this into a seven to twelve-hour outing rather than a quick harbor cruise. I would choose the tour only if you are happy to trade much of a day for time on the water.

There may also be a breakfast stop during the drive when hotel transport is selected. Breakfast is not listed as part of the included lunch, so carry some cash if you want to buy food there. One unusual detail from the feedback is that the breakfast stop received strong praise, with fresh food and reasonable prices.

Transport quality can vary. Some people describe the bus as comfortable and nicely air-conditioned. One complaint mentions a hot van, weak air conditioning, and a rude driver. That appears to be an exception rather than the main pattern, but it is a useful reminder that the road transfer is not the reason to book this outing.

Sailing from Adrasan toward Suluada

After the coach ride, you board the boat at Adrasan and head toward Suluada. The cruise from the mainland to the island takes about 45 minutes according to the tour description, while the full itinerary allows additional boat time around the island.

This is a good point to settle into the day. Put on sunscreen, find a comfortable spot, and keep your camera ready. The coast becomes the entertainment, with rocky headlands, open water, and views toward the coves.

The boat can hold up to 65 passengers. That number is important. The experience may feel friendly and social, but it is not a private yacht trip or a silent sailing excursion. Guides may play music, lead light entertainment, and keep people involved. Kartal is repeatedly praised for his humor and energy, while Mehmet and Ugur also receive warm mentions for their friendly style.

If you prefer calm, sit away from the speakers and use the cruise time to rest. If you like a lively boat, the music and jokes are part of the appeal.

Paradise Bay: your first swim in open water

The first main stop is Paradise Bay. You get roughly 30 to 40 minutes here, enough for a swim, a short snorkeling session, or photographs from the boat.

The name sets high expectations, but the setting earns much of the praise. The water is clear and blue, and the surrounding coves provide the kind of postcard views people hope to find on a Mediterranean boat trip. I would get in early rather than wait until the end of the stop. The best part of this outing is being in the water, not merely looking at it from the deck.

Bring water shoes. The shores and seabed can include rough stones as well as sand, and flip-flops are better than bare feet if you are sensitive to rocky entries. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and a dry change of clothes will make the day more comfortable.

Snorkeling goggles are worth packing. You may also be able to rent goggles for about €5, but your own pair avoids another onboard purchase. A waterproof phone pouch is useful if you want photographs in the water.

The time can pass quickly. One person wished the stops were longer because swimming time felt too short. That is a fair criticism. Three stops sound generous, but each one has a fixed schedule, and the boat must keep moving.

Waterfall Bay and the value of a second swim

Waterfall Bay is the next stop, offering another chance to swim and snorkel in warm Mediterranean water. The exact natural conditions may depend on the day, but the appeal is the same as Paradise Bay: a scenic cove, a swim from the boat, and a break from the road and city.

Having two early swimming stops is one of the strongest parts of the plan. If one cove is crowded or the water feels less inviting, you still have another chance soon afterward. It also spreads the activity out, so you are not expected to spend the whole day at one beach.

The boat may gather with other vessels in popular areas. Suluada is well known on the local excursion circuit, and several dozen boats can be present during busy periods. You should not expect complete solitude, even though the island itself is uninhabited.

That said, the open setting gives you room to enjoy the water. You can swim beside the boat, remain on deck, or relax on the rooftop mattresses. Families and mixed age groups are welcome, and the activity has worked well for children, teenagers, adults, and older participants.

Lunch on board: practical, fresh, and not fancy

Lunch is a three-course meal served on the boat. Fish and chicken are the usual main choices, with salad and a small snack or tea service also mentioned. Several people particularly liked the fish, while one person found the chicken more like a large chicken nugget.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is included excursion food, not a restaurant meal. Some passengers describe it as fresh, delicious, and one of the day’s best features. Others call it ordinary or say it was the weak point of an otherwise excellent outing.

The value remains strong because lunch is included in a $21 package. Drinks are not included, though soft drinks and alcohol are available to buy on board. Bring cash, especially if you want drinks, breakfast during the transfer, or rented snorkeling goggles.

Lunch also gives you a useful pause. Three swim stops and a long coach ride can make the day feel active, so a meal on deck helps break up the schedule without taking you away from the views.

Maldives Beach and the final major stop

The last named stop is Maldives Beach, sometimes referred to as Suluada Beach in the trip details. Its name comes from the pale sand and clear water, which recall the Indian Ocean islands.

This is the stop for your final swim and your best chance to take the classic Suluada photographs. The beach can be very attractive, but it may also be crowded. Do not expect an empty strip of sand just because the island is uninhabited. Other boats use the same popular coves.

You should have about an hour and a half for this part of the island experience according to the broader itinerary, though the exact division of time can vary. Use it for the activity you value most. If swimming is your priority, get in the water first. If photographs matter more, walk the beach or frame the boat against the cliffs before settling down.

The sea may be warm enough for a long swim, but sunscreen remains essential. Reflected light from the water can catch you off guard, especially while you are sitting on deck between swims.

The return through Adrasan

The boat returns toward Adrasan, with about 30 minutes set aside for free time, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views on the way. A short yacht transfer of about 15 minutes may be part of the final movement back to shore before you board the coach.

Then comes the return road journey. If you began with hotel pickup, you are driven back toward your original drop-off area. The overall day can last anywhere from seven to twelve hours, depending on your pickup point, traffic, waiting time, and the day’s schedule.

This is why I would not plan an important evening reservation in Antalya after the tour. Keep your return plans loose. The trip is good value, but it is not tightly compressed into a predictable half-day.

What the $21 price really gets you

At around $21 per person, this is a very inexpensive way to reach Suluada. The boat trip, lunch, and three scenic stops are included. If transport is included with your selected option, the price becomes even more useful because you avoid arranging your own ride to Adrasan.

The price does not buy privacy, luxury, or total control over the schedule. You share the boat with a potentially large group, pay extra for drinks, and may spend four hours on the road. Still, the core experience is strong: open-water swimming, attractive coves, lunch, and a full day away from the city.

I would call it excellent value for people who want sea time rather than a premium sailing experience. The 4.4 rating from more than 4,200 bookings also suggests a consistently popular outing, though your enjoyment will depend heavily on weather, crowd levels, and your tolerance for a long day.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You want several chances to swim in clear Mediterranean water.
• You are staying in Antalya, Kemer, Lara Beach, Belek, or nearby areas.
• You like social boat trips with music and a lively guide.
• You are traveling with children or a mixed-age group.
• You want a low-cost day at sea with lunch included.
• You enjoy photographs, snorkeling, and sunbathing more than formal sightseeing.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, loud music, long bus rides, or fixed stop times. The boat may carry 65 people, and the most popular beaches can fill with other excursion boats.

This is also not the right choice if you need a fully private boat, guaranteed snorkeling wildlife, or a quiet luxury setting. For those priorities, you would need a different type of excursion, though likely at a much higher price.

My practical packing list

Bring comfortable clothes and breathable layers for the hot deck. You should also pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes or sturdy flip-flops
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Your own snorkeling goggles
• A waterproof phone case
• Drinking water
• Cash for drinks, breakfast, or rentals
• A dry change of clothes
• A small card game or book for the longer cruise and coach ride

Wear shoes that are easy to remove. You will move between the deck, swimming areas, and shore, and rocky beaches are not kind to bare feet.

Should you book the Suluada tour?

Yes, if you want the most sea time for the least money. I like the three-stop format, the warm water, the included lunch, and the cheerful guides. The trip gives you a proper full day away from Antalya without requiring complicated planning.

Book it with realistic expectations. You may share the boat with a large group, the lunch may be simple, and the transfer can be long. But if you pack water shoes, accept the social atmosphere, and keep your evening free, this is an easy and affordable way to see Suluada.

FAQ

How long does the Suluada boat tour take?

The full experience lasts about seven to twelve hours, depending on your pickup location and the day’s schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the option that specifically includes transportation. Pickup may be available from Konyaaltı, Belek, Kemer, Lara Beach, and Antalya.

Where do I meet the tour if I do not choose pickup?

The meeting point is Kooperatif Cafe. The host will wait there for you.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 65 passengers.

How many swimming stops are included?

The tour visits three main spots: Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach. Swimming and snorkeling are available at the stops.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course lunch is served on the boat. Fish and chicken options are mentioned in the meal details.

Are drinks included?

No. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase on board.

Should I bring water shoes?

Yes. Water shoes are strongly recommended because the beaches and entrances may include rough stones and sand.

What languages are spoken by the host or guide?

The listed host languages are English and Russian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.