From Antalya or Kemer: Suluada Island Boat Trip with Lunch

Suluada is the star here: a small Mediterranean island wrapped in clear turquoise water, pale rock, and green slopes. The trip gives you several long swimming stops, a freshly prepared lunch, and fine views from the boat. The water is often clear enough to see the seabed, which explains the island’s Turkish Maldives nickname.

I like the three swimming breaks, each lasting about 45 minutes on a well-organized day, and I like the value: an advertised price of $18 includes the boat, lunch, and a hidden-bay stop. The main drawback is the long day, especially from Antalya. The ride to Adrasan can take around two hours, and the full outing may run from 7 to 16 hours depending on your pickup and return time.

Key points to know before booking

• Three proper swim stops: Plan on roughly 45 minutes at each stop, with time to enjoy the water instead of making quick photo stops.
• Adrasan departure: The boat leaves from Adrasan Harbor, not directly from Antalya or Kemer.
• A long transfer from Antalya: The road journey can take about two hours each way, depending on your hotel and shared pickups.
• Lunch is included: Expect chicken or fish, spaghetti, vegetables, bread, and vegetarian options. Drinks cost extra.
• Rocky entry points: Water shoes are useful, especially around the island’s pebbly and rocky edges.
• Mert Kaptan may be your boat: A boat crew named Mert Kaptan has received especially warm praise for friendly, helpful service.

From Antalya or Kemer to Adrasan Harbor

Your day begins with a hotel pickup if you choose the transportation option. The exact pickup time arrives by email the day before, so do not rely only on the broad start time shown while booking. Be ready at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes early. Drivers wait no more than five minutes.

From Antalya, allow plenty of time. One recent schedule ran from 7:45 in the morning until about 5:00 in the afternoon, with roughly five hours spent on the boat. The road portion took about two hours. From Kemer, the transfer may be shorter, but your exact time depends on the hotel and the shared vehicle route.

The transfer is shared, so the minibus may collect people from several hotels. That is normal, but it can make the morning less predictable. If you stay in a small hotel in Antalya’s Old Town, the bus may not fit the narrow streets. In that case, you may be asked to meet near McDonald’s, with the provider sending the details one day before.

There is also a short walk at the port. Because of local restrictions in Adrasan, vehicles stop in a parking area about 750 meters from the boats. Pack your swim bag so that this walk is easy, especially if you are carrying towels, cameras, and water shoes.

Boarding at Adrasan and setting out

At Adrasan Harbor, you board a traditional wooden boat and settle in for the cruise toward Suluada. The trip is as much about being on the Mediterranean as it is about reaching the island. From the deck, you get broad views of the coast, rocky headlands, and the smaller wooden boats working out of the harbor.

The boat is arranged for a full day on the water, not a short sightseeing cruise. You will have time to sit, talk, take photographs, and wait for the next swimming stop without feeling rushed. Staff members speak English or Russian, and the crew on the Mert Kaptan boat has been particularly friendly and helpful.

A photographer may work on board and take posed or candid pictures during the day. These images are not included. If you want them, expect to pay separately, with one recent price around €25 per picture. You can still take your own camera, but protect it from spray and keep it secure near the water.

Suluada’s western coast and clear water

The first major reward is Suluada itself. The island has green cover above the shore, bright water below, and striking rock formations along its edges. In calm conditions, the sea is clear enough for you to see the bottom, making this a fine place for a relaxed swim rather than a fast stop for a single photograph.

The nickname Turkish Maldives is promotional, but the comparison makes sense in one important way: the water is the main event. It can look clear and blue from the boat, then become even more impressive once you are in it. You can swim from the boat or enjoy the shore, depending on where the captain anchors and how the stop is arranged.

The western coast is one of the scenic parts of the outing. It gives you open views of the island’s rock faces and water, with fewer signs of development than a regular resort beach. I would bring a hat and sunglasses, but remember that wind can carry them away on deck. A secure strap is useful.

The water may be warm and inviting during the main summer season. In spring, conditions can be cooler, so pack a change of clothes even if you expect to stay in your swimsuit for most of the day. A towel is not listed as included, so bring your own.

The famous freshwater beach

Another stop is the beach known for its freshwater. This is one of the more unusual details of the trip and a good reason to keep the island stops distinct in your mind. You are not simply returning to the same cove three times. Each stop offers a different setting for swimming and photographs.

The beach can be a better choice if you prefer getting onto shore rather than climbing into the water from the boat. Still, conditions vary, and the shore may be rocky. Water shoes are a smart addition. One passenger specifically found them useful because some areas were quite stony.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy this outing. Life jackets are available, and you can wear one in the water. That makes the trip more workable for families and cautious swimmers, although children should remain closely supervised around the boat, shore, and boarding areas.

Lunch on board, with simple choices

Lunch is served during the cruise and is included in the price. The meal is straightforward rather than fancy. A typical serving can include chicken or fish, spaghetti, vegetables, and bread, with vegetarian choices available.

I like this arrangement because it keeps the day moving. You do not lose an hour looking for a restaurant on shore, and you can eat while enjoying the sea view. The food received mixed personal reactions, though most comments about it were positive. One person loved the day but did not care much for lunch, so set your expectations at a solid boat meal rather than a special dining experience.

Drinks are not included. You can buy them on board, and prices have been described as reasonable. Still, bring some water if you prefer having your own supply, especially on a sunny day. A reusable bottle also helps you avoid depending on the boat shop for every drink.

Hacivat Bay and its unusual rock shapes

On the way back, the boat makes a final swimming stop at Hacivat Bay. The bay is named for rock formations that resemble Hacivat, a character from traditional Turkish shadow theater.

This stop adds a bit of local character to what could otherwise be only a beach-and-swim trip. Look closely at the rocks from the water and from the boat, then decide whether you see the familiar figure. The shapes may be more obvious from one angle than another, and that is part of the fun.

Hacivat Bay also provides one last chance to swim before the return to Adrasan. By this point, you may be ready to dry off and sit in the shade rather than swim again. The schedule gives you the choice. Bring dry clothes so the ride back is comfortable, especially if the return transfer to Antalya is still ahead.

What the $18 price really buys you

At an advertised $18 per person, this is unusually inexpensive for a full-day sea outing that includes a boat ride, lunch, and multiple swimming breaks. The price is strongest if you are already near Kemer or can reach Adrasan easily. From Antalya, the long shared transfer changes the calculation slightly, but the package still offers a lot for the money.

You are paying for a simple, busy day rather than private service. The boat may carry a full group, the transfer may include several hotel pickups, and the schedule depends on shared transport and sea conditions. In exchange, you get access to a scenic part of the coast without arranging a car, boat, lunch, and port logistics separately.

Optional costs matter. Drinks and photographs are extra, and the photographer’s pictures may appeal to you if you want polished holiday shots. If you do not want to buy them, you can simply use your own camera and enjoy the views.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want a day away from city streets, resort pools, and museums. It suits you if swimming is a major part of your holiday and you like having several chances to get in the water rather than one long beach visit.

It also works well for couples, families who are comfortable with a full day, and anyone looking for a low-cost break from walking tours. The boat ride gives you time to relax, while the stops provide enough activity to keep the day from feeling static.

You may want to skip it if you dislike long transfers, shared minibuses, or staying in the sun for hours. It is not a quick half-day outing from Antalya. If your holiday schedule is tight, check the pickup and return times carefully before committing.

A practical packing list

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water shoes. The last item matters because the island’s edges and swimming areas can be rocky.

A camera is worthwhile, but keep it in a waterproof pouch until you are ready to use it. Bring some cash or another payment method for drinks and optional photographs. If you use prescription glasses, secure them before swimming.

Wear something comfortable for the transfer. You may leave the hotel early, spend hours on the boat, walk 750 meters from the parking area to the harbor, and then sit in a minibus again. This is one of those days when practical clothing beats stylish clothing.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your holiday plans are still shifting, but you should still check the exact pickup details once they arrive.

Should you book the Suluada boat trip?

Book it if you want clear water, several generous swimming stops, a simple lunch, and a full day on the Mediterranean for a low price. The strongest parts are the scenery, the water, the relaxed pace on the boat, and the chance to see Suluada from several different angles.

I would book from Kemer without much hesitation if the timing suits you. From Antalya, I would still consider it, but only if you are happy to spend much of the day on the road and do not mind shared transportation. Pack water shoes, expect a basic lunch, and treat the optional photos and drinks as extras. With those points in mind, this is a very good-value outing for a swim-focused day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The boat departs from Adrasan Harbor. Pickup from Antalya or Kemer is available only with the transportation option you select.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you choose that option. Otherwise, you may need to make your own way to the meeting point or port.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration ranges from 7 to 16 hours. The exact length depends on your pickup location and selected option.

How long is the transfer from Antalya?

The transfer can take around two hours. Shared transport may collect people from several hotels, so the total time can vary.

What swimming stops are included?

Stops include parts of Suluada’s western coast, the famous freshwater beach, and Hacivat Bay. A hidden-bay swimming break is also included in the activity details.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board, and vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

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

Do I need to bring water shoes?

Water shoes are not required, but they are strongly useful because some swimming areas can be rocky.

Is the trip suitable for someone who cannot swim?

Life jackets are available, so you can enter the water with one. You should still follow the crew’s instructions and supervise children closely.

What languages are available?

Host or greeter support is available in English and Russian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, depending on the booking option.