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

Suluada’s best feature is easy to understand once you’re in the water: the sea is clear enough to make a swim stop feel like the main event, not a filler between destinations. I like the three separate bays and the chance to snorkel or stay aboard, and I like that lunch is included rather than leaving you to find food on an uninhabited island.

The trade-off is the length of the day. From Antalya, the drive to Adrasan takes about two hours each way, and the boat can carry up to 65 people. The beaches can be busy, and the transfer, boat, and stop times may vary, so book this for a full day at sea rather than a quiet, private-island escape.

At a glance

• Three swim stops: Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach bring different views and time in the water.
• Lunch on board: The included meal is three courses. Fish or chicken may be available, while drinks are sold separately.
• A long outing: Expect 7 to 12 hours overall, including road transfers if you choose hotel pickup.
• Up to 65 aboard: This is a shared boat trip, not a private cruise. The atmosphere can be lively, with music and guides who help set the tone.
• Bring water shoes: Some shores are stony, and water shoes are strongly recommended.
• From $21 per person: At that price, the boat, lunch, and optional transfer can make for a good-value day, though you should check what your selected option includes.

The road to Adrasan takes time

If you select hotel pickup, the day begins with a drive from your Antalya-area hotel toward Adrasan, the port for the boat. The stated bus or coach time is about two hours each way, so transportation is a meaningful part of this outing, not a quick hop to the coast.

Pickup times depend on where you’re staying. You’ll be asked to wait outside your hotel’s security gate, since tour vehicles may not enter hotel grounds. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time, so be ready early and confirm your pickup details before the day.

There may be a stop where you can buy breakfast on the way. It is not included, so bring water and a little cash if you want something before boarding. A few people praise the breakfast stop, but it is best treated as an optional purchase, not part of the package.

Transport quality can vary. Some trips use a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, while a few people have found the vehicle too hot or the driver less welcoming. That uncertainty matters on a long transfer. If you’re sensitive to heat, carry water and keep a light layer handy in case the air conditioning is strong.

If you make your own way to the meeting point, the host waits at Kooperatif Cafe. Pickup and drop-off options cover Antalya, Konyaaltı, Lara Beach, Belek, and Kemer, as well as the cafe meeting point. Check the option you choose carefully: transportation and hotel pickup are included only when selected.

A shared boat, with room to settle in

At Adrasan, you board the boat for the cruise toward Suluada. The boat capacity is up to 65 people, which is worth keeping in mind if you picture a small, hushed sailing trip. This is a shared day cruise; the mood may be relaxed, social, or lively depending on the crew and the people aboard.

The ride to the island is described as about 45 minutes. Boats and crews can differ, but some have comfortable mats on deck where you can stretch out between stops. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and think about where you’d like to sit: you may prefer sun for the views, or shade when the midday heat builds.

The guides help make the time on board feel like part of the outing. Names that have come up include Kartal, also spelled Kartel, Ugur, Mehmet, and Kemel, but you should not expect a particular guide on your departure. Some guides share local facts and keep the atmosphere upbeat; music and light entertainment may also feature.

There is no need to be a strong swimmer to join. At each stop, you can swim or snorkel, or stay on the boat and enjoy the views. If you do get in, water shoes are a smart choice: the shore can be a mix of rough stone and sand, and getting in and out may be less comfortable barefoot.

Paradise Bay: the first chance to swim

The first stop is Paradise Bay, where the plan gives you roughly 30 to 40 minutes. The main appeal is the water and the chance to cool off after the drive and boat ride. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it. Snorkeling masks may be available to rent for a fee, but that detail can depend on the trip, so bringing your own is the safer bet.

This is a short stop, so have your swimwear on before arrival and keep your towel within reach. If you want photos, take them quickly, then enjoy the water. Some people wish they had more time at the stops, and that is a fair expectation to manage: three bays, lunch, and the return cruise all have to fit into one day.

The water’s clarity is a strong reason to choose this trip. You can watch the sea from the boat, but swimming gives you a closer sense of the coves and coastline. A waterproof phone case is useful if you want to take pictures without leaving your phone exposed on deck.

Waterfall Bay and the rhythm of the day

The boat continues to Waterfall Bay for another swim and snorkeling stop. The itinerary gives this portion a substantial block of time, though exact stop lengths can vary. The name adds a point of interest, but the reliable draw is the chance to spend more time in the Mediterranean water and enjoy another stretch of coast.

The day works best if you treat each stop as a swim break rather than a shore excursion. The schedule is built around the boat and the bays, not long walks or independent sightseeing. If you want to explore every corner of each beach at your own pace, the timed stops may feel short.

You can also use the breaks to relax on deck. Bring a book or a small card game for the boat ride, and pack a change of clothes for the return trip. This is a simple way to make the long day more comfortable, especially if you’d rather not stay in wet swimwear all afternoon.

Lunch on board, not a beach picnic

A three-course lunch is served aboard before the final stop. Fish and chicken are among the choices offered on some departures, and the meal may include salad. Food quality varies, but a number of people have found it fresh and satisfying, with fish a popular pick. Others have found the meal ordinary, so think of it as convenient included food rather than a restaurant meal.

That convenience has real value. Suluada is uninhabited, and lunch on board means you do not need to plan a separate meal while trying to make the swim stops. Drinks are not included. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available to buy, so bring cash if you plan to order anything. Carrying your own water is also a good idea.

If you have dietary needs, the available information does not spell out special meal options. Ask the operator before departure rather than assuming the boat can accommodate a request. For everyone else, lunch is a useful pause in a day that otherwise revolves around sun, sea, and moving between bays.

Maldives Beach and the final stop

Maldives Beach is the third named stop. Its pale sand and clear water give it a different feel from rocky stretches elsewhere, and the name comes from its resemblance to the Indian Ocean islands. It is a good place for one last swim and a few photos before the boat heads back.

Suluada is popular, and the same beautiful water that makes the trip appealing also draws many boats. You may share the area with other groups, especially in busy periods. The setting can still be striking, but do not expect a secluded cove all to yourself.

After the final stop, the boat returns to Adrasan. From there, guests using transfer service take the bus or coach back to their selected drop-off area. The total outing can run anywhere from 7 to 12 hours, depending on pickup location and the day’s schedule. Leave room in your plans for a full day, rather than arranging a tight evening commitment.

What the price buys you

At about $21 per person, this can be strong value if you want a full day on the water. The price includes the boat tour and lunch. Transportation and hotel pickup are included only in the option that offers them, so compare the booking choices before paying. Drinks cost extra, and breakfast on the road is an optional purchase.

The low price makes more sense when you consider what the trip bundles: a transfer if selected, a cruise, three bay stops, and a meal. It is not a private boat, and you should not expect a custom route or long hours alone at each beach. You’re paying for a shared, organized way to reach Suluada and swim at several spots in one day.

The boat’s capacity of up to 65 is another part of the value calculation. If your priority is a fun group atmosphere and a convenient outing, it may suit you well. If you want a quiet boat with lots of personal space, a smaller or private charter would be a better fit, though it would be a different kind of purchase.

Pack for sun, stones, and a long day

A few basic items make a noticeable difference. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, comfortable clothes, and breathable clothing for the heat. Water shoes are strongly recommended because some of the beaches have rough stone underfoot.

Take a camera or phone in a waterproof case, plus water and some cash for drinks or snacks. A spare set of clothes is useful after swimming, and a small game or book can help pass the transfer or time between stops. Snorkeling gear is worth packing if you already own it.

This tour suits couples, friends, and families who are happy with a full day out and a shared boat. Children are welcome on the trip, and families have enjoyed the swim stops, but parents should plan for sun, wet clothes, and the long drive. If you dislike boats, crowds, or timed breaks, this is probably not your ideal excursion.

Should you book the Suluada boat tour?

Book it if you want to spend the day swimming in clear water, see several bays without arranging transport and boat access yourself, and keep the cost low. The strongest reasons to go are the scenery, the three swim stops, and the ease of having lunch aboard. A lively guide can add a lot to the ride, though the person leading your trip will vary.

Think twice if you need a quiet, uncrowded beach day or want extended time at each stop. The road journey is long, the boat may carry many people, and the lunch and transfer experience can vary. For a budget-minded day on the water from Antalya or Kemer, though, this is a practical way to reach Suluada and make swimming the focus.

FAQ

How long does the Suluada boat tour take?

The total duration is 7 to 12 hours. The length depends on the selected pickup location and the day’s schedule.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Adrasan. If you are not using hotel pickup, the host meets you at Kooperatif Cafe.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Pickup times vary by location, and you should wait outside the hotel security gate.

How many bays does the tour visit?

The tour visits three bays around Suluada, including Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course lunch is included and served on the boat. Drinks are available to buy separately.

Can I snorkel during the stops?

Yes. You can swim or snorkel at the stops, or stay aboard. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, water, comfortable clothes, and cash. Water shoes are strongly recommended.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat can carry up to 65 passengers.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The host or greeter is listed as speaking English and Russian.