Antalya: Suluada Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Suluada is the draw: white shore, clear turquoise water and a string of swim stops reached by boat from Adrasan. I like that the day pairs island time with a second bay, and that transport and lunch are included, so you do not need to plan every piece yourself.

The main trade-off is the long day. Pickup and the drive can take several hours each way, and Suluada gets crowded when many boats arrive together. If you want quiet, empty beaches, this may not be your best match.

What to know before you book

• The island is reached from Adrasan: Expect about two hours by road from Antalya, then a coastal boat ride.
• There is time for more than one swim: The schedule includes two hours at Suluada and a 1.5-hour break at another bay.
• Lunch is included, drinks are not: The meal is chicken or fish, with vegetarian options noted for the experience. Bring cash for drinks or snacks.
• The outing can last 7 to 12 hours: Pickup time and route conditions affect how long you are out.
• Crowds are possible: Several boats can gather at the island’s popular coves, which can limit space in the water.
• Bring swim shoes and a towel: Some shore areas are rocky, and you will want a towel for the return journey.

From Antalya to Adrasan: the long road to the sea

The day starts with hotel pickup in Antalya or Kemer if you choose that option. The exact time is sent the day before, and the drive to Adrasan takes about two hours. That road transfer is a substantial part of the outing, so think of this as a full-day excursion rather than a quick boat ride.

There may be a short break on the way. One trip included a stop at a roadside café, useful if you skipped breakfast or want to pick up a snack. Food and drinks are not included beyond lunch, so bring a little cash and anything you know you will want during the day.

Pickup has a few practical wrinkles. The driver waits at the hotel’s main security gate, and the instructions ask you to be there ten minutes early. In Antalya’s old town, where narrow streets keep buses out, the meeting point may instead be in front of McDonald’s. Confirm the precise location and time in the message sent before departure.

If you are meeting the boat directly, the stated meeting point is at the port entrance, in front of Akdeniz Cafe, beside the Osman Baba Boat. The trip ends back at the meeting point. This distinction matters: pickup is optional, and the easiest plan depends on where you are staying.

Boarding at Adrasan and cruising the coast

Once you reach Adrasan, you board for a roughly one-hour cruise along the Mediterranean coast. That first stretch is a useful change of pace after the van ride. You can settle in, take in the shoreline and get ready for the water instead of having to find your own way to the island.

The boat has been described as having sunbeds, which are handy when you want to rest between swim stops. There are also reports of clean, roomy restrooms aboard. Facilities and comfort can make a real difference on a long outing, especially if you are travelling with children or spending much of the day on the water.

The crew and local guide are included, and staff languages listed are English, Russian, Turkish and German. The amount of spoken commentary may vary. If you are hoping for a detailed explanation of every cove, do not assume you will get one; this trip is mainly about coastal scenery, swimming and free time.

Suluada: clear water, white sand and busy coves

Suluada is often called the Turkish Maldives, a comparison that points to the pale shore and strikingly clear water. The island is the headline stop, and you have up to two hours there for swimming, relaxing on the beach and taking photos. It is the stretch of the day to save your best swimwear and camera for.

That two-hour block does not necessarily mean two uninterrupted hours in the water. Boats may stop at more than one point, and time is shared between swimming, getting ashore and enjoying the views. One account described two stops around the island, with roughly 45 minutes of swimming at each. The precise arrangement may vary, so treat the scheduled time as time at the destination, not a promise of a single long beach session.

The island’s popularity is also its chief drawback. A number of boats can gather around the same bays, leaving less room to swim and making the shoreline feel busier than the word escape suggests. The water remains the reason to come, but this is not a private-island outing. If you value stillness above scenery and easy access, that matters.

Bring swimming shoes if you have them. Shore areas can be rocky, and shoes make getting in and out more comfortable. A towel, swimwear, camera and power bank are also on the recommended packing list. Keep valuables and cash secured while you are in the water.

A second bay and the final swim

After Suluada, the boat continues to another bay for a 1.5-hour break. It gives the day a second setting for swimming and relaxing, rather than making the island the only chance to get in the sea. The stop is useful if the first bay feels crowded or you simply want another stretch of water time.

The route also includes a short cruise between Suluada and the next stop, followed by a longer return cruise toward Adrasan. Some trips have included a brief look at sea caves and an additional open-water swim before heading back. Those details should be treated as possible features of the day, not guaranteed headline stops: the central plan is Suluada, a second bay and the return cruise.

Time goes quickly when you are swimming, so bring your own sense of pacing. If you prefer a long, unhurried stretch on one beach, several scheduled stops may feel a little fragmented. If you enjoy changing scenery and having more than one chance to swim, the format is a better fit.

Lunch on board: simple, useful and included

Lunch is served on the boat and is included in the price. The stated choices are chicken or fish, and vegetarian options are noted. Meals described on the trip have included items such as pasta, bread, salad and watermelon, but the exact menu may change.

I would treat this as a practical meal rather than a restaurant lunch. It breaks up the day, saves you from arranging food on shore and gives you a chance to sit down between swims. Portions have pleased many people, though they may not feel generous to everyone, so a small snack is sensible if you have a hearty appetite.

Snacks and drinks are not included. Drinks may be available to buy on board, but bring Turkish lira for purchases. Paying in local currency is the safer choice: one account described a much higher converted charge after paying in euros. Water and a few snacks in your bag can also help on a long day, especially during the road transfers.

What the $18 price does and does not cover

At the stated price of $18 per person, the value is compelling if you use the included boat trip, lunch and hotel transfer. Organising the drive to Adrasan, finding the departure point and arranging a boat independently would take more effort. The package puts the main pieces together, which is especially useful if you are staying in Antalya or Kemer and want a straightforward day on the water.

Still, a low headline price does not mean every expense is covered. Snacks and drinks are extra, and pickup depends on the option you select. Check the available option and current price before booking, since availability and starting times need to be checked for your date.

The tour has a 4.5 rating across 1,858 ratings, and the strongest recurring positives are the water, the views, the crew’s help, the organisation and the included meal. Eric is named as a helpful booking contact in several accounts, but he is not guaranteed to be your guide or coordinator. Other staff, including Aliah, have also been praised, so expect the team to vary.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits you if you want to see Suluada without arranging your own transport, like swimming in several places and are content with a busy shared boat. Families and groups can appreciate the simple logistics, and the schedule offers multiple breaks rather than one long stretch on a beach.

It is less suited to you if you dislike early starts, long van rides or crowded swimming spots. The overall duration ranges from seven to twelve hours, so leave room in your day and avoid making tight plans for the evening. The ride back can be slower in traffic, and one account notes that a van without air conditioning made the return less comfortable. Vehicle conditions may differ, but heat and traffic are worth keeping in mind.

Practical details that can make the day easier

Pack swimwear, a towel, camera, power bank and cash. Add swim shoes and a snack if you have them. The key things you will want close at hand are the items you need at the water, since the schedule moves between boat, shore and swimming stops.

If you choose hotel pickup, wait at the main security gate ten minutes before the confirmed time. Drivers may wait no longer than five minutes after that time, and the pickup can vary. For small hotels in Antalya’s old town, follow the alternate meeting instructions rather than expecting the van to enter narrow streets.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, plus a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms give you some flexibility, but check the details for your selected date and option when booking.

Should you book the Suluada boat trip?

Book it if clear water, a boat ride and several opportunities to swim sound worth a long day out. The included lunch and optional pickup make the $18 listed price strong value, and the second bay adds variety beyond the island’s main cove.

Skip it if your ideal beach day means quiet sand and plenty of empty space. Suluada can be crowded, time at each stop is finite, and the drive from Antalya takes effort. For a first visit to this stretch of coast, though, the combination of Suluada, a second swimming stop and a prepared return to town is an easy way to make a day of it.

FAQ

How long does the Suluada boat trip take?

The stated duration is 7 to 12 hours. The total depends on the selected starting time and transport schedule.

Where does the trip start?

With hotel pickup, the meeting point depends on your selected option and accommodation. For direct meeting, meet at the port entrance in front of Akdeniz Cafe, beside the Osman Baba Boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. It is available from Antalya or Kemer.

How long is the drive from Antalya to Adrasan?

The drive is about two hours each way.

How much time is spent at Suluada?

The itinerary allows two hours at Suluada for free time, photos and swimming.

Is there another swimming stop?

Yes. The tour includes a 1.5-hour break at a second bay for swimming and free time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board, with chicken or fish listed. Vegetarian options are noted for the experience.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included. Bring cash for purchases, and use Turkish lira if buying drinks on board.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, camera, cash and a power bank. Swim shoes are also useful because some shore areas are rocky.

Can I cancel the booking?

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