Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Boat Tour with Bays & Maldives Beach

Suluada’s appeal is simple: clear water, white sand, and three swimming stops packed into one long day from Antalya Province. The boat ride from Adrasan takes about 40 minutes, and the island’s Maldives Beach gives you the strongest postcard moment, with pale sand and water clear enough to see the colored rocks below.

I like the all-in pricing, which covers the boat trip and two-course lunch, and I like the range of pickup points around Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Side, and Alanya. The main trade-off is time. With transfers included, the day can last 7 to 9.5 hours, while some swim stops may feel short, especially when several boats arrive together.

Key points to know before booking

• Three different swimming areas: Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach each offer a slightly different setting.
• A 40-minute sea journey: The ride from Adrasan port gives you open-water views before the swimming begins.
• Lunch with a view: A two-course meal is included, with at least two main-course choices.
• Up to 55 people on the boat: This is a shared excursion, not a quiet private cruise.
• Wet boarding is part of the day: You may need to walk through water to board and leave the boat, so wear suitable sea shoes.
• Good value at $25: The price includes the boat and lunch, while drinks cost extra.

Why Suluada makes a good day trip from Antalya

Suluada is reached from Adrasan, on Turkey’s southern coast, rather than directly from Antalya city. That means your day begins with a road transfer, followed by a short boat trip and several hours around the island.

The route works well if you want a full beach day without arranging a car, port transport, boat tickets, and lunch separately. Pickup is available from many places in Antalya Province, including Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side, Manavgat, Alanya, and nearby resort districts. The exact pickup time depends on your location and is confirmed after booking.

I would allow the full advertised duration rather than treating this as a quick half-day outing. The road journey can take about 1.5 hours each way, and the sea portion adds another 40 minutes. From some resorts, the day may feel long, but that is the price of reaching Suluada without handling the transport yourself.

The boat carries up to 55 people. That is large enough for a social, lively outing and small enough to move around the deck, but you should not expect a private island cruise. Music may be played at a high volume, as is common on group boat trips. If you prefer a quiet sea day, this may not be the right format.

The road to Adrasan and the first boat ride

Your minibus pickup takes you to Adrasan port. Pickup is optional, so you can also meet the guide at the assigned meeting point if that suits your plans. If you use hotel pickup, wait at the outer gate entrance, since the minibus may not enter the property itself.

At the port, the guide identifies the correct boat after your booking details are confirmed. The sea crossing to Suluada takes about 40 minutes. That ride is not the main event, but it gives you time to settle in, find a place on the upper deck, and prepare for swimming.

Bring a towel and beachwear from the start. You may also want to keep a dry layer in a small bag, since the boat boarding process can involve water up to your knees. Shoes are removed when boarding, on the boat, and when getting off according to the practical instructions for this trip. That can be awkward, but it is manageable if you wear simple sandals or sea shoes that you can remove quickly.

Paradise Bay gives you the first swim

The first stop is Paradise Bay, where you have about 35 minutes to swim, snorkel, or simply watch the water from the boat. This is a useful first stop because you can get comfortable in the sea before the longer island visit.

The water is the main attraction. It is described as exceptionally clear, and the bay’s rocky edges give you something to look at while snorkeling. You should not expect a formal snorkeling lesson or supplied specialist equipment, so bring your own mask if seeing below the surface matters to you.

Thirty-five minutes passes quickly. If you want to swim and take photographs, decide what matters most before entering the water. The schedule is shared with the whole boat, so you need to be back on board when the guide calls time.

Waterfall Bay combines scenery and lunch

The boat continues to Waterfall Bay, another attractive swimming area with rock formations and cave-like features along the coast. You can swim again, stay on the boat, or use the stop to enjoy the view from the deck.

Lunch is prepared while you are in the water. A two-course meal is included, and you can choose from at least two main-course options. Eating with a bay view is one of the better touches of the trip, particularly when you consider the low price.

Keep your expectations practical. This is a simple group lunch rather than a long restaurant meal. One account described it as minimalist, but still worthwhile for the price. Drinks are not included, so bring money for those or check what is available before leaving the port.

Waterfall Bay may be more useful to you as a scenic break than as a long swim. The timetable is designed to move the boat through several locations, not to give you an entire afternoon at one beach.

Maldives Beach is the day’s main photo stop

The final major stop is Maldives Beach, named for its pale sand and clear water. You are not visiting the actual Maldives, of course, but the comparison makes sense as a quick description of the setting. The beach has fine sand, bright water, and colored rocks that show through the shallows.

This is the place to take your best photographs, but it is also the stop most affected by crowd levels. Several boats may arrive at the same time. During a quieter period in early November, there were only a few boats at the beach and enough room to swim comfortably. At busier times, the same beach can feel much less private.

The planned time at Suluada is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, with another section of about 105 minutes for a guided island visit, free time, swimming, and photographs. In practice, the stops can feel hurried. You may need to choose between swimming, exploring the shore, and taking pictures instead of doing everything slowly.

If white sand matters to you, save enough time to enjoy it rather than spending the whole stop on the boat. If you prefer swimming in open water, stay near the boat and use the clear shallows as your focus.

Natural pools, springs, and the island walk

After the swimming break, you explore part of Suluada with the guide. The island has natural water sources and pools, which add something different from the usual boat-and-beach routine.

No long walk is required, and the activity is suitable for most people who can manage a normal shore visit. Still, the island’s edges can be pebbly. Sea shoes are a smart choice, not just for swimming but also for getting in and out of the water and walking near the shore.

The island visit is best treated as a short look at the natural features rather than a serious hike. You can photograph the pools, look for the springs, and visit the lovers cave mentioned in the description. The schedule does not promise an extended guided talk, so the value here is mainly visual.

How the timing affects the day

The stated duration ranges from 7 to 9.5 hours. That wide range reflects different pickup points, road conditions, and the time needed to gather people from several resorts.

The rough structure is:

• About 1.5 hours by bus to Adrasan
• About 40 minutes by boat to Suluada
• More than two hours around Suluada for lunch, swimming, and sightseeing
• A further swimming and photo stop
• About 15 minutes on another water transport segment
• About 1.5 hours by bus back to your drop-off point

The stops are the part you will remember, but the transfers shape how the day feels. From Kemer or nearby resorts, the outing may be easier to handle. From Alanya or farther east, the road portion is more significant.

Pickup may not run like a city bus timetable. One trip had a late transfer, which caused some worry before the driver arrived, although the transport and customer support were helpful. Give yourself patience on a shared route, and keep your phone available in case the pickup time changes.

What the $25 price really includes

At $25 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want transport, a boat ride, several swim stops, and lunch in one booking. The boat alone is only part of the cost. You are also paying for the road transfer when selected, coordination at the port, the guide, and the meal.

The price is especially useful for families and couples who would otherwise need to organize a private car and separate boat tickets. It also makes sense if you want to see Suluada once without paying for a private charter.

The compromises are clear. You share the boat with up to 55 people, drinks are extra, music may be loud, and the lunch is basic. The schedule also favors variety over lingering. I would not book it expecting a quiet, slow island escape.

The advertised cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still sorting out your Antalya plans.

Who will enjoy this Suluada trip most

This outing suits you if you want:

• Clear water and several chances to swim
• A simple beach day with transport included
• A family-friendly activity with no long walking route
• A low-cost way to see Suluada
• Photos of pale sand, natural pools, rock formations, and bays
• A group boat atmosphere rather than private sailing

It is less suitable if you want complete peace and quiet, a private boat, a long island walk, or hours at one beach. The program keeps moving, and you need to return to the boat on time.

Families should find the format manageable, provided everyone brings suitable swimwear and footwear. The wet boarding can be amusing, but it may be inconvenient for anyone who dislikes slippery or uneven shore access.

What to pack for the boat and shore

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a small bag for dry clothing. Sea shoes or secure sandals are particularly useful because you may cross shallow water while boarding and leaving the boat.

Bring cash or another payment method for drinks, since they are not part of the package. If snorkeling is important to you, bring your own mask unless the operator confirms equipment availability.

A waterproof phone pouch is sensible for the swimming stops, though it is not listed as an included item. Keep valuables limited, since you will be moving between the minibus, boat, and shore.

Should you book this Suluada boat tour?

Book it if you want good value, clear swimming water, and several scenic stops without arranging your own transport. The combination of a $25 price, included lunch, optional pickup, and a full day around Suluada is hard to fault for a budget beach outing.

Go in knowing what you are buying. This is a shared boat tour with a busy schedule, a simple lunch, possible loud music, and wet boarding. Choose sea shoes, protect your phone, and accept that Maldives Beach may be crowded.

For a relaxed family day or a first look at Suluada, I would book it. For a peaceful private cruise, I would choose something smaller.

FAQ

How much does the Suluada boat tour cost?

The tour costs $25 per person. The boat tour and two-course lunch are included. Drinks are not included.

How long does the tour take?

The advertised duration is 7 to 9.5 hours, depending on the selected option, pickup location, and starting time.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is optional and is available from points throughout Antalya and Belek, with many listed drop-off areas including Kemer, Side, Antalya, Belek, and Alanya. The exact pickup time is provided after booking.

How long is the boat ride to Suluada?

The boat journey from Adrasan port to Suluada takes about 40 minutes.

How many people can the boat carry?

The boat tour has a maximum capacity of 55 people.

What places will I visit during the trip?

The program includes Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, Maldives Beach, and parts of Suluada with natural pools and water sources. Adrasan Beach is also included as a stop in the transport schedule.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A two-course lunch is included, with at least two main-course choices. Drinks are extra.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, beachwear, and suitable sea shoes. Sea shoes are recommended because some shores are pebbly and boarding may require walking through water.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.