Antalya/Kemer: Suluada & Adrasan Boat Trip with Lunch

Suluada is the star here: a bright-white island reached by boat from Adrasan, with clear water, sea caves, and swimming stops that feel far removed from the busy resorts. I like the chance to see three different coves in one day, and I like the low price, $20 including lunch, which makes this a strong value for a full day on the Mediterranean.

The main catch is the long road transfer if you choose hotel pickup. One passenger spent about three hours each way in a cramped minibus after being picked up first and dropped off last. Crowded swim stops are another possibility, especially in high season, and time on Suluada may feel short if you prefer a slow beach day.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different water stops: Visit Suluada, Akseki Bay, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also called Pirates Bay.
• The Love Cave has cold water: At Akseki Bay, the cave is linked to a local story about a girl’s tears.
• Lunch is included, drinks are not: Bring money for beverages or confirm what is available onboard.
• Adrasan is the departure point: The boat does not leave from central Antalya or Kemer.
• Fatima is one helpful guide: English and Turkish guiding are offered, though the level of commentary can vary.
• The value is strongest for swimmers: You get a full boat day, lunch, transport when selected, and several chances to enter the sea for a modest price.

Why Suluada is the main event

Suluada is best understood as a swimming island rather than a sightseeing island. The appeal comes from its white beaches, clean-looking water, steep rock faces, and the feeling of reaching a place that cannot be visited by ordinary road transport.

You sail out from Adrasan Bay, passing high cliffs and caves along the coast. The boat ride gives you a different view of Antalya Province, one shaped by limestone rock, open sea, and small coves rather than hotels and roads. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and sea turtles, although sightings depend entirely on luck.

The island has three beaches used by tour boats. They are described as bright white and untouched, but you should set your expectations sensibly. Several boats can anchor in the area, so Suluada is not a private island visit. The water and setting are the real attractions, not solitude.

I like the simple rhythm of the stop. You can swim, sit in the sun, and take in the rock formations without needing a packed sightseeing schedule. If you do not swim well, pay close attention to how much beach time is offered. One stop may suit weaker swimmers better, while the other coves focus more on entering the water and snorkeling.

The boat ride from Adrasan Bay

The trip begins in Adrasan, a coastal bay south of Antalya. If you are staying in Antalya or Kemer, the day can become much longer once road transfers are added. The advertised duration is seven to thirteen hours, with the exact length depending on the starting time, pickup route, and tour schedule.

For visitors staying near the departure area, this is a much easier outing. For those coming from farther away, the transfer can shape your entire day. One passenger reported roughly three hours on the road in each direction, with a cramped minibus making the ride uncomfortable. That is a serious consideration for anyone who dislikes long transfers.

If hotel pickup is selected, the service includes transportation to the port and back to your hotel. Pickup timing matters, so check the exact details when booking. If you are prone to motion sickness, the boat portion may still be manageable. One person who gets seasick easily had no trouble on this trip, though that result will not apply to everyone.

Once underway, the boat offers the best chance to settle into the day. The pace is not a rushed series of land visits. You spend much of the time on the water, moving between bays and swimming areas. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry place for your phone. Drinks are not included, so plan to buy them or bring money for the boat.

Akseki Bay and the cold Love Cave

The second scheduled stop is Akseki Bay, also known as Love Island. Its main feature is a small cave with unusually cold water. A local legend says the water comes from the tears of a girl, which gives the stop a little storytelling charm without changing its basic appeal: you get a cool swim in a dramatic setting.

This is a good stop for people who enjoy short swims, clear water, and rock formations. The cave adds a point of interest beyond simply sitting on the boat, but it may not be comfortable for everyone. The water is specifically known for being cold, and the area can attract many people at once.

The schedule here is built around swimming rather than a long walk or formal tour. You will not be exploring a village, museum, or archaeological site. Instead, you get a short natural encounter and a chance to cool off before returning to the boat.

If you want quiet time in the water, try to enter soon after the boat anchors. Swim stops can feel busy, especially when several boats use the same bay. This is one of the places where your enjoyment depends on how much you like shared sea excursions.

Lunch between the swimming stops

Lunch is included, which matters at this price. A day on the water can leave you hungry, and having a meal provided means you do not need to arrange food between stops. The meal is served during the boat trip, after time on the island, and gives you a break before the next bay.

The food has been described as decent rather than a major feature of the outing. That is the right way to view it. You are paying for the sea route, swimming locations, transport, and boat access. Lunch supports the day, but it should not be the reason you book.

Drinks are separate. This is easy to overlook when comparing the low headline price, so budget for water and other beverages. A hot day in the sun makes regular drinking important, especially if you plan to swim at every stop.

The meal also creates a useful pause in the schedule. You can dry off, sit back, and enjoy the coastline without having to rush straight from one swim to the next. The overall atmosphere has been praised as friendly, with crew members working hard to keep the day moving.

Hacivat Karagoz Bay, the old Pirates Bay

The final named stop is Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also called Pirates Bay. It is known as the site of an old pirate settlement, giving the cove a bit more character than an unnamed swimming stop.

The information provided does not describe ruins or a preserved settlement to visit, so do not book this as an archaeological tour. The value is the setting and the story attached to it. You will stop in the bay, take in the rock surroundings, and have another chance to swim or look around from the boat.

This stop is part of the reason the trip feels fuller than a simple ride to Suluada and back. You see more of the coast and get several different water settings in one day. The tradeoff is that each stop has a set schedule. If you find a particular cove you love, you may wish you had longer there.

After Pirates Bay, the boat returns to the port. If you selected hotel transportation, a car or minibus is arranged for the ride back.

What the guide service is really like

English and Turkish guides are available. Fatima is one guide specifically praised for being supportive and helpful, especially during the day’s activities. A friendly crew is one of the stronger features of this outing, and that can make a real difference on a boat trip where people need help moving between the deck, swim areas, and meal service.

Do not expect a detailed coastal lecture at every stop. One person enjoyed the trip but felt there was not enough explanation about the places being visited. That means you may get a better experience if you want to ask questions directly, rather than waiting for a long presentation.

The guide role here seems practical as much as educational. You get help with the schedule and general flow of the day, but the amount of history and geography explained can vary. If identifying every cave and rock formation is important to you, this may feel light on information. If your priority is swimming and scenery, the limited commentary may not bother you.

Is $20 a good price?

At $20 per person, this is inexpensive for a full boat outing with lunch. The price includes the main parts that make the day useful: the boat ride, several coastal stops, swimming opportunities, and a meal. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select that option, though you should check whether the price changes for your location or transport choice.

The value is strongest if you are already near Adrasan or if your hotel is on an efficient pickup route. A long transfer can make the low price feel less attractive, especially if the minibus is crowded. You are saving money, but you may be spending much of the day getting to and from the harbor.

The trip also compares well with arranging a private boat day. You get access to Suluada and several bays without organizing a boat yourself. In exchange, you share the vessel with other people and follow a fixed schedule.

The best question is not simply whether $20 is cheap. It is whether you want a shared, swimming-focused day rather than a quiet private cruise. For the right person, the answer is yes.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would choose this trip if you want to see Suluada without paying for a private boat. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families who enjoy swimming, sun, and a day outdoors. The several stops also help keep the outing interesting if you like moving from one cove to another.

It is a particularly good fit for confident swimmers and people who enjoy snorkeling. The schedule includes several chances to enter clear water, and some stops focus more on swimming than beach lounging.

You may want a different plan if you need long, relaxed time on one beach. One person specifically wished for more time on Suluada, including at a beach suited to people who do not swim well. The schedule is designed to cover multiple places, so it cannot offer unlimited time at the island.

You should also think twice if you have limited patience for road transfers. The boat itself may be comfortable enough, but a pickup route that collects you first and returns you last can turn a pleasant sea day into a very long day overall.

Practical tips for a smoother boat day

Check the exact starting time and total duration before booking. The range of seven to thirteen hours is wide, and the difference usually matters most to people relying on hotel transport.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and money for drinks. Since lunch is provided but beverages are not, you should not assume every onboard need is covered.

If you get seasick, consider where you sit and avoid arriving hungry. The available information includes one positive experience from someone who usually gets sick on boats, but sea conditions and personal tolerance vary.

Try to be ready when the boat reaches each stop. Suluada, Akseki Bay, and Pirates Bay each offer a different setting, but the schedule may not allow a long leisurely stay at every one.

Finally, ask the guide about the route and stop names as the day unfolds. That is especially useful if you want more context, since the commentary may be brief. Fatima is noted for offering strong support, but the tour can be more enjoyable when you take an active interest in the places you are seeing.

Should you book the Suluada boat trip?

Book it if you want an affordable full-day sea outing with several swimming stops, lunch, and a chance to see Suluada’s white beaches and rocky coves. The friendly crew, clear water, and low price make it a sensible choice for a first boat day from the Antalya area.

Think carefully if you are staying far from Adrasan, dislike crowded swim areas, or want a long stretch of quiet beach time. In that case, the transfer and fixed schedule may outweigh the savings.

For most visitors who value water, scenery, and variety over detailed guiding, this is a good-value day. Just confirm the pickup route, bring money for drinks, and expect a shared boat rather than a private island escape.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The boat trip starts in Adrasan Bay in Antalya Province.

What places does the boat visit?

The itinerary includes Suluada Island, Akseki Bay, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also known as Pirates Bay.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is seven to thirteen hours. Starting times and the total length should be checked when you select your date.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the activity.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select that option.

Which languages are available for the guide?

Live guiding is available in English and Turkish.

Can I swim at Suluada?

Yes. The trip includes time to swim in Suluada’s clear water and visit its beaches.

What is special about the Love Cave?

The Love Cave at Akseki Bay has cold water and is linked to a local story about the tears of a girl.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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