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Taking a boat trip to Suluada is often described as a highlight for visitors wanting a break from the bustling streets of Antalya. This tour promises a full day of sun, swimming, stunning scenery, and a taste of the local marine paradise, often dubbed the “Maldives of Turkey.” With hotel pickup, a generous lunch, and several stops at beautiful spots, it offers quite a package.
What we really appreciate about this trip is its value for money—it’s an affordable way to experience some of Turkey’s most scenic coastlines. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the duration of transfers and the overall pace which some reviews suggest could feel a little rushed.
If you’re a family, a group of friends, or a solo traveler looking for a laid-back day at sea with easy logistics, this tour could suit you well. Only keep in mind that if you’re expecting a totally exclusive or quiet experience, the popularity and crowding at some stops might be a consideration.
Key Points
- Affordable price point offers great value for a full-day adventure.
- Well-organized logistics with hotel transfers and mobile ticketing.
- Stunning scenery and swimming stops at Suluada Island, often called the Maldives of Turkey.
- Diverse itinerary including cave visits, beach stops, and scenic cruising.
- Mixed reviews on food quality—lunch is included but may be quite basic.
- Crowd levels can vary—some stops are busy, and the beaches are pebbly, so water shoes are recommended.
- Proficient guides and cheerful staff who keep the atmosphere lively and informative.
What to Expect from the Itinerary
Pickup and Transfer
The day begins with hotel pickups in Antalya, with the tour provider, Payless, ensuring a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer. The journey to the departure point typically takes about two hours, and some travelers mention that the vans can be quite packed, with minimal legroom and no air conditioning in some cases. This can be a bit uncomfortable, especially in hot weather, so packing light and arriving early might help you feel more relaxed.
Transfer to the Port and Boarding
Once at the port, you’ll be transferred onto a spacious boat designed to hold up to 80 passengers. Reviews highlight that the boats are well-equipped, with shade and clean bathrooms, making the long day more bearable. The crew speaks English and are generally described as friendly and cheerful, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Scenic Cruise & First Stops
The boat departs with beautiful views of the coastline, and you’ll cruise for approximately an hour before reaching your first swimming stop at Adrasan Bay. Some reviews note that the scenery here is breathtaking, with pristine waters perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the deck.
Suluada Island: The Main Attraction
The highlight is a four-hour stop at Suluada Island itself. This tiny island, often compared to the Maldives, has white sands and turquoise waters—a picture-perfect setting. Reviewers mention that the waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with some even calling it an exotic, almost untouched backdrop for photos.
One reviewer, Anita, appreciated the well-organized visit and the cheerful staff, mentioning that the boat crew, including guides like Eric, added that extra friendly touch. The time at Suluada allows plenty of opportunity to swim, relax, and take photos, although some wish they had more than four hours to explore.
Lunch on Board
After the swimming and photo session, the boat departs for a midday meal. The included lunch features fish or chicken, pasta, and salad. Several reviews praise the food, describing it as tasty and generous, with some mentioning that the fish or chicken was fresh and flavorful. However, a few travelers found the lunch quite basic, with limited options, and some noted the absence of free drinks, making purchases on board necessary.
Visit to Akseki Bay & Love Cave
The journey continues to Akseki Bay, famous for the Love Cave—a spot shrouded in local myth about a girl’s tears filling the cave with cold water. Visitors typically spend about an hour here, swimming in the cold waters and exploring the cave’s unique features. Reviewers describe this as a cool, refreshing experience and a good photo opportunity.
Final Stop & Return
The last stop is at Love Cave, after which the boat heads back toward Antalya. The return cruise offers more scenic views and a chance to unwind. A transfer then takes you back to your hotel in the late afternoon—concluding a busy but scenic day.
Authentic Experiences & Traveler Insights
From reviews, it’s clear that the guides and crew play a significant role in making the day enjoyable. Anita, for example, appreciated the cheerful staff and the detailed info given before the trip, which helped set expectations. Many travelers love the helpfulness and friendliness of the crew, who are often praised for their attentiveness, especially during busy times.
Swimmers will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel or paddle around the rocky and sandy beaches, but water shoes are advised as some beaches are pebbly and uncomfortable to walk on. One reviewer mentioned how the stones hurt their feet, so packing some comfortable footwear is a good idea.
Food quality seems to vary. While most say the lunch is satisfying and authentic, some found it a bit basic and wished for more beverage options included. Interestingly, reviews note that soft drinks are sometimes unlimited if you bring your own or purchase them onboard, but the included meal might not be enough to keep everyone energized for the long day.
Pros & Cons Based on Reviews
Pros:
- The scenery is stunning, especially at Suluada Island, which many compare to a Maldives-like paradise.
- Good value for the price, with hotel transfers included.
- The friendly crew and well-organized service make for a smooth trip.
- Ample time at key stops allows for swimming, sunbathing, and photography.
Cons:
- The transfers can be long and uncomfortable, especially without air conditioning.
- The crowd levels can be high at some beaches and stops, making it less private.
- The food can be quite basic, with some reviews criticizing the lack of variety.
- Some travelers found the itinerary rushed—short stops and limited time at key spots.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This boat trip is ideal for budget travelers seeking scenic beauty and a fun day at sea. Families with children, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy social, lively atmospheres will likely enjoy the cheerful crew and the chance to swim in a picture-perfect setting.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet getaway, this might not be the best choice, as some stops tend to be crowded, and the pace can be quick. Also, if you’re particular about food or comfort during transfers, consider whether the basic lunch and long van ride match your expectations.
Overall, it’s a great way to combine sightseeing with relaxation, especially if you’re eager to experience the “Maldives of Turkey” without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel transfer included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it very convenient. Just note that some reviews mention the vans can be crowded and not the most comfortable.
What is the duration of the tour?
Expect the whole day to last about 10 to 11 hours, starting with pickup in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
How much time do we spend at Suluada Island?
Approximately four hours, which is enough for swimming, sunbathing, and taking plenty of photos.
What kind of food is served during the trip?
The included lunch usually features fish or chicken, pasta, and salad. While most find it tasty enough, some say it’s quite basic, with limited beverage options unless you buy drinks separately.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll need to purchase water, soft drinks, or alcohol onboard if desired.
What should I pack?
Bring water shoes for rocky beaches, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. If you want to snorkel, consider bringing your own gear.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the majority of reviews mention that the trip is suitable for all ages, with stops accessible for kids and plenty of swimming opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Suluada Boat Tour from Antalya offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of Turkey’s most beautiful spots with remarkably good value. The scenic stops, cheerful guides, and the chance to swim in waters often compared to the Maldives make it an appealing choice.
While the transfer might be less comfortable for some, and the lunch quite simple, the overall experience provides a fun, lively day of sun, sea, and stunning views. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free day out and don’t mind sharing the space with other travelers.
If you’re after a well-organized, scenic adventure that’s easy to book and offers plenty of photo opportunities, this tour is worth considering. Just pack your water shoes, a good attitude, and a sense of adventure—then sit back and enjoy the ride.
