Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset

Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset – A Balanced Look at a Scenic Sea Adventure

If you’re dreaming of cruising along Turkey’s stunning coastlines, this Suluada Island cruise offers a chance to see some of the area’s best natural sights, enjoy a relaxing boat ride, and indulge in a tasty dinner as the sun dips below the horizon. The tour includes hotel transfers from Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, making it a convenient way to escape the busy city streets and indulge in a daytime adventure on the water.

What we particularly like about this experience is the opportunity to swim at Suluada Island, which is often described as a highlight thanks to its clear, inviting waters and pristine white sands. Plus, the chance to capture that perfect sunset shot while out on the boat adds a memorable touch to the day. However, some travelers have expressed concerns about the overall value, especially considering the duration and food quality. This tour might suit those who are looking for an easy, scenic getaway rather than a high-end luxury experience.

Key Points:
– Stunning swimming stop at Suluada Island with unspoiled beaches
– Convenient hotel transfers from major resorts in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer
– Beautiful sunset views with photo opportunities on the water
– Relaxed boat ride with modern amenities and professional crew
– Onboard dinner featuring fish, chicken, and vegetarian options, with some reviews questioning quality and quantity
– Some reviews mention the tour duration being shorter than advertised and extra charges

A comprehensive look at the tour experience

The Pickup and Transportation

The experience begins with hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicles from throughout Antalya Province, including Belek and Kemer. We appreciate this convenience, as it removes the hassle of navigating to a port yourself. The pickup times are flexible but can vary depending on your hotel location, so it’s wise to arrive a few minutes early at the designated spot.

The transfer itself is straightforward and comfortable — a welcomed start to what can sometimes be a long day at sea. Once aboard, you’ll be directed to a spacious, double-deck boat equipped with modern amenities and a professional crew. The boat’s design allows for excellent views from both decks, which is ideal for sightseeing, photography, and relaxing.

The Voyage to Suluada Island

The journey to Suluada is part of the charm. Once underway, you’ll enjoy views of Antalya’s coastline and unspoiled bays, some of which are home to Caretta turtles, adding a touch of wildlife magic to the trip. The boat ride is described as relaxing and scenic, with many passengers appreciating the salty breeze as they take in the turquoise waters.

The reviews note that the boat often visits the same island twice, just different beaches, which might seem repetitive but still offers a chance to enjoy different spots for swimming and sunbathing. It’s worth noting that sea conditions can affect the itinerary, and some stops might be skipped for safety reasons, so flexibility is key.

Swimming at Suluada Island

The primary attraction is the stop at Suluada Island. The island is renowned for its clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cooling off. The white sands and calm waters make it an ideal spot for a leisurely float or a quick dip.

One reviewer, Maria, pointed out that the swimming was a highlight: “The boat visited the same island twice, just at a different beach,” which suggests you’ll have multiple chances to enjoy the waters. This stop is especially recommended for travelers wanting a peaceful retreat from busy beaches or those seeking photos of pristine nature.

The Dinner on Board

After some time at the island, the boat returns to the water for a dinner service. The menu includes fish, chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and fruit, offering a decent selection that caters to various tastes. The experience of dining with a view is enjoyable, but reviews suggest that the quality and quantity can sometimes fall short.

One traveler mentioned that the dinner “sounded fancy, but was pretty basic,” and another noted that the food wasn’t enough for everyone. It’s worth arriving with modest expectations — this is a cruise, not a fine dining experience, but it does add to the relaxed, holiday vibe.

Watching the Sunset

As the boat slowly turns back toward the harbor, you’ll get to witness the sunset over the sea. According to the tour description, this is one of the most memorable moments, with photos capturing the vibrant sky and tranquil waters. However, some reviewers felt that by the time they reached the best sunset spots, the boat was heading back to port, so timing might vary.

Unique Stops: Love Cave in Akseki Bay

On the way back, the boat stops at Love Cave in Akseki Bay, which has a charming legend attached — that the water is cold because it contains the teardrops of a girl separated from her lover. While it may sound romantic, it’s a simple stop that offers a chance to explore and take photos. It’s a nice break in the journey, adding a touch of local folklore.

Practical details and considerations

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts between 5.5 to 9 hours, depending on sea conditions and the specific itinerary for the day. The shorter durations may be closer to 4 hours, as noted in one review, which is a significant point to consider if you’re expecting a longer, more leisurely experience.

Meals and Drinks

The onboard dinner features fish, chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and fruits, designed to satisfy most tastes. However, some travelers have found the food to be basic and not enough for everyone, so packing a snack or drink might be wise. Drinks are available for purchase, but outside drinks are prohibited, which can be frustrating if you’re hoping for a more personalized experience.

Snorkeling and Extras

While snorkeling isn’t officially offered as part of the tour, travelers can bring their own equipment to swim and snorkel during designated stops. Remember to bring your own gear if you want to explore underwater; the tour doesn’t provide it.

Costs and Extras

Booking without hotel transfers might seem more economical upfront, but one reviewer noted an additional charge of 50 Turkish Lira per person if you didn’t select the transfer option. This adds to the overall cost, so check what’s included when booking.

What the reviews tell us

The majority of reviews are mixed, with a 2.5-star average rating. Some highlight the stunning views and pleasant boat ride as the main draw, but others mention disappointing food quality, shorter-than-advertised durations, and extra charges that can catch travelers off guard.

Maria’s review pointed out that despite paying extra for no hotel transfer, she was still charged later, and the length of the tour was only about 4 hours instead of the promised 5.5. She also found the dinner “pretty basic” and the sunset “a letdown,” since the boat was already heading back.

Another reviewer appreciated the cruise itself but was disappointed with the quality and quantity of food, mentioning that “the food wasn’t enough for everyone,” and that the boat was cramped and hot. They also noted the lack of an English-speaking guide, which could diminish the experience for non-Turkish speakers.

These insights suggest that while the cruise offers beautiful scenery and a relaxing atmosphere, it may not fully meet expectations in terms of duration, food, or value.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This Suluada Island cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a short, scenic escape on the water with the opportunity to swim in beautiful, calm waters. If you’re eager for picturesque sunsets and enjoy casual dining onboard, this tour will suit you. However, if you’re looking for a luxurious experience with gourmet food or a longer, more in-depth exploration, you might find this trip somewhat underwhelming.

It’s also suitable for those who appreciate local legends and folklore, like the story of Love Cave, or simply want a convenient, guided transfer from their hotel to the coast.

Final thoughts

The Antalya Suluada Island cruise offers a beautiful day out on the water, with highlights including swimming at Suluada, picturesque scenery, and the special experience of watching the sunset from the sea. The convenience of hotel transfers and a relaxed pace make it a good option for travelers who want to enjoy some sea time with minimal hassle.

However, the value for money can be a concern, especially given the shorter duration and questionable food quality reported by some guests. The extra charges for transfers and the lack of an organized snorkeling activity** may also impact your overall satisfaction.

If your priority is stunning coastal views, a peaceful swim, and a simple, hassle-free day, this cruise could work well. But if you’re seeking an extended, high-end experience or gourmet dining, it might be worth exploring other options or adding personal touches to your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration varies from approximately 5.5 to 9 hours, depending on sea conditions and itinerary adjustments. Some reviews mention the actual time being around 4 hours, so plan accordingly.

What is included in the dinner?
The onboard dinner features fish, chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and fruit. The quality and quantity have been described as basic and sometimes insufficient for all guests.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased on the boat. Bringing outside drinks is prohibited.

Is snorkeling available?
Snorkeling isn’t officially part of the tour, but you’re welcome to bring your own gear and snorkel during swim breaks.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater. A hat and water bottle are also recommended for comfort.

Can I opt out of hotel transfers?
Yes, but be aware that if you choose to book without transfers, you might still be subject to an extra fee of around 50 TRY per person.

What about the sunset?
You’ll have the chance to see a sunset while on the boat, but some reviews suggest that timing isn’t always perfect — the best views might be missed if the boat is heading back.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and swimming stops make it suitable for families, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions or safety considerations.

This cruise offers a pleasant, if somewhat simple, way to enjoy the coast of Antalya from the water. It’s best suited for travelers who value scenic views, casual dining, and swimming over luxury or extended excursions.