From Antalya or Kemer: Suluada Island Boat Trip with Lunch

The best part of this trip is the water. Suluada’s bays are clear enough to see the seabed, and the boat stops let you swim rather than simply admire the island from offshore. I especially like the three swimming breaks, each offering a different view of the rocky coast, and the freshly prepared lunch served while you are out on the Mediterranean.

I also like the price. At $18 per person, this is an unusually inexpensive full-day outing if your main goal is sea time, scenery, and a simple meal. The catch is the long day: pickup from Antalya can take about two hours each way, and the shared transfer from Adrasan parking to the boat involves a 750-meter walk.

Key points to know before booking

• Suluada’s clear water is the main event: Bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes, and a change of clothes.
• You get several chances to swim: Stops include Suluada’s western coast, the freshwater beach, a secluded bay, and Hacivat Bay.
• The $18 price is strong value: Hotel transfer, the boat ride, lunch, and swimming stops are included if you select the transfer option.
• The day can last up to 16 hours: Antalya pickup adds a long road journey, while Kemer is generally the easier starting point.
• Adrasan access takes a little effort: Vehicles stop at a parking area, then you walk about 750 meters to the departure point.
• Plan for extra costs: Drinks and photographs are not included, and onboard photographs may cost about €25 each.

What the Suluada boat trip is really like

This is a sea-and-swimming day, not a sightseeing cruise packed with monuments or guided commentary. The reward is simple: you reach a pretty island, stop in clear water several times, eat lunch aboard a traditional-style excursion boat, and spend much of the day outdoors.

The advertised duration ranges from seven to sixteen hours because the total depends heavily on your pickup point. From Antalya, the road to Adrasan can take around two hours, and shared transfers may collect people from several hotels. One reported schedule began at 7:45 and ended around 17:00, with roughly five hours on the boat.

That distinction matters. If you are staying in Antalya, you should think of this as a full-day commitment. If you are based in Kemer, the transfer may be less tiring, though the exact pickup time depends on your hotel and booking choice.

The boat ride itself is the pleasant center of the day. You cruise away from Adrasan Harbor, pass sections of the Mediterranean coast, and head toward Suluada. The view includes rocky shorelines, green hills, small coves, and the traditional wooden boats leaving the harbor.

Getting from Antalya or Kemer to Adrasan

You have two basic choices: book the option with hotel pickup and drop-off, or make your own way to the port. The transfer option is useful if you do not have a car and want the day handled in one booking. It also removes the need to arrange your own route to Adrasan.

The tradeoff is time. Transfers are shared, so the vehicle can stop at several locations. Pickup times can change, and the exact time is sent by email the day before. You should wait at your hotel’s main security gate ten minutes before the stated time, since drivers wait no more than five minutes after pickup.

Small hotels in Antalya’s old town area have an extra wrinkle. Buses cannot enter the narrow streets, so you may be asked to meet near McDonald’s instead. Read the final pickup message carefully rather than assuming the vehicle will come to your front door.

At Adrasan, vehicles can only reach the parking area. From there, allow for a 750-meter walk to the boat departure point. This is not a major trek, but it is worth knowing before you arrive with a heavy suitcase, large beach bag, or difficult footwear.

Sailing toward Suluada Island

Once aboard, the pace becomes easier. You can settle into the boat, look back toward the coast, and wait for the first swimming stop. The route is scenic without demanding much from you, which makes it a good break from city sightseeing and long walking days.

Suluada is often called the Turkish Maldives, a nickname that sets a high bar. The island does offer striking turquoise water and pale, rocky shorelines, but you should picture a natural Mediterranean island reached by a busy day boat, not a private tropical resort.

The island is surrounded by green slopes and exposed rock. In calm conditions, the water is clear enough to see the bottom, which is why swimming is the main attraction. The coast also has interesting rock shapes, giving the journey more visual variety than a simple stop at one beach.

The boat’s staff speak English and Russian. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, and the Mert Kaptan boat team receives particular praise. Do not expect a formal lecture about geology or local history. This outing is geared toward practical help, swimming time, food, and keeping the schedule moving.

Three swimming stops with different views

The swimming breaks are the strongest part of the day. The exact timing can vary, but one reported schedule had three stops of about 45 minutes each. That gives you enough time to get into the water, float, take photographs, and dry off without feeling hurried.

The first stops around Suluada include the western coast and the well-known freshwater beach. The western side gives you open coastal views and a chance to see the island’s rocky form from the water. The freshwater beach is a distinctive stop because of its name and setting, though you should not expect a large resort beach with rows of facilities.

A later stop takes you to a quieter bay. This is where the trip feels most relaxed. You can swim away from the main harbor activity and enjoy the clear water with the island rising around you. If you are not a confident swimmer, life jackets are available, and you can remain close to the boat.

Water shoes are a smart addition. One useful detail from the day is that some areas are rocky, so bare feet may be uncomfortable when entering or leaving the water. Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes will make the long day much easier.

The final swim is at Hacivat Bay, named for rock formations that resemble Hacivat, a familiar figure from Turkish shadow theater. This gives the return journey a memorable last stop. It is not just another patch of sea, since the unusual rock shapes provide something to look at between swims.

Lunch aboard the boat

Lunch is included and served on board. The meal has been described as chicken or fish with spaghetti, vegetables, and bread, with vegetarian options available. Drinks are not included, although drinks can be purchased on the boat.

The food is best viewed as a practical boat lunch rather than a culinary reason to book the trip. Some people find it very good, while others may not enjoy it as much. That variation is normal for a simple group meal prepared for a full boat.

I like that lunch is built into the day. You do not need to leave the water to find a restaurant, and you can use the meal as a break between swimming stops. If you have strong dietary needs, confirm the vegetarian choice when booking and bring extra water if you prefer to have your own supply.

The lunch also helps explain the value of the tour. For $18, you are not paying only for a short boat transfer. The price includes the full-day cruise from Adrasan, the swimming stops, and a meal, with hotel transport included when you choose that option.

Photos, drinks, and the real final cost

The basic price is excellent, but budget for extras if you want them. Drinks are separate, and photographs or video are not included.

A photographer works on some departures and can take posed beach and boat pictures. At the end of one trip, photographs were offered at about €25 each. You do not need to buy them, but it is worth knowing the price before agreeing to a photo session.

Your own camera or phone can capture excellent water and coastline shots, but protect it carefully around the swim stops. A waterproof case is sensible. The bright sea, white rock, and wooden boats give you plenty of attractive subjects without needing professional equipment.

The low base fare can make this a good choice for couples, families, and budget-minded solo visitors. Just compare the total cost after adding optional transfers, drinks, and photographs. The tour remains good value, but it is better to know which parts are optional.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend the trip to anyone who wants a relaxed day on the water and does not need a tightly guided cultural program. It suits you especially well if you like swimming, coastal scenery, simple food, and a schedule with enough free time to sit back.

It also works well as a change of pace after several days of walking through Antalya. You spend much of the day seated or swimming, with no complicated sightseeing route to follow. Couples can treat it as an easy scenic outing, and families may appreciate the life jackets and repeated swimming opportunities.

Non-swimmers can still join, but the day is built around time in the water. You will enjoy it less if you want to spend the whole day on dry land or if you dislike boats, shared transfers, or busy excursion schedules.

The trip may also be tiring for anyone who has mobility concerns. The information provided confirms a 750-meter walk between the parking area and the boat, but it does not give further accessibility details. Ask the provider before booking if that walk or boarding arrangement could be difficult for you.

How the timing affects the experience

The biggest drawback is not Suluada. It is the road time. A two-hour transfer each way can turn a five-hour boat outing into a ten-hour day, especially if your pickup involves other hotels.

That is still reasonable for a memorable sea trip, but you should not book it on the same day as an evening show, airport transfer, or important dinner reservation. Pickup and return times can shift, and the activity duration may reach sixteen hours depending on location and schedule.

Kemer is likely the more convenient base for this outing because it is closer to the departure area than Antalya, but the supplied details do not give exact driving times from each hotel. Use your hotel location and the confirmed pickup message to judge the day realistically.

The return trip is easier if you keep your expectations simple. After swimming, lunch, and sun, you may be ready for a quiet ride back rather than another activity. Bring water, a light cover-up, and dry clothes for the transfer.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. This is useful when your plans are still shifting, particularly if you are watching the weather.

The meeting point changes by booking option. If you choose hotel pickup, wait at the main security gate, not inside the lobby, unless your final instructions say otherwise. If you choose direct arrival, check the exact port meeting details before leaving.

The operator is Denizhan Turizm Taşımacılık. English and Russian support is available, which helps with pickup instructions and basic questions on the day. Exact boat size and group capacity are not specified, so do not book expecting a small private cruise.

Should you book the Suluada Island trip?

I would book it if you want clear Mediterranean water, several swim stops, and strong value more than a polished luxury experience. The island scenery is the reason to go, and the combination of boat time, lunch, and swimming is hard to beat at $18.

I would hesitate only if you are short on time, dislike long shared transfers, or want a quiet private boat. From Antalya, the road journey can take about two hours each way, and the boat may feel busy during the high season.

For most people staying in Antalya or Kemer, this is a sensible full-day escape. Pack water shoes, sun protection, a towel, and dry clothes. If you accept the long schedule and modest group-tour setup, Suluada delivers a beautiful day at sea without putting much strain on your budget.

FAQ

Where does the Suluada boat trip depart from?

The boat departs from Adrasan Harbor. If you use the transfer option, vehicles stop at an Adrasan parking area, followed by a walk of about 750 meters to the departure point.

Is hotel pickup from Antalya or Kemer included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option when booking. Direct port arrival is also available depending on the option chosen.

How long does the full activity take?

The stated duration ranges from seven to sixteen hours. A reported schedule from Antalya ran from about 7:45 to 17:00, with around five hours spent on the boat.

What swimming stops are included?

Stops include Suluada’s western coast, the freshwater beach, a secluded bay, and Hacivat Bay on the return journey. The exact order and timing can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board, with chicken or fish, spaghetti, vegetables, and bread described as typical choices. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, but they can be purchased on board.

Do I need to bring water shoes?

Water shoes are recommended because some swimming areas are rocky. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and beachwear.

Are life jackets available for non-swimmers?

The provided information confirms that you can use a life jacket if you cannot swim. The trip still includes several swimming stops, so you should be comfortable being around open water.

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.