Maldives: Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch, Transfer & Bays

If you’re dreaming of a day spent lounging on pristine beaches, swimming in some of the clearest waters you’ve ever seen, and exploring untouched bays, then the Suluada Boat Tour from Antalya might just be your perfect getaway. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, the detailed reviews and features paint a clear picture of a memorable day immersed in natural beauty.

What immediately draws attention are three standout aspects: the opportunity to visit three stunning bays and swim in crystal-clear waters, delicious on-board lunch with bay views, and the smooth, all-inclusive experience with no surprise costs. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found the stops a bit rushed, especially when trying to enjoy every moment in the limited time.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing in nature, especially those who enjoy boat trips with scenic stops and good food. Families, groups of friends, or solo explorers looking for an authentic day in Turkey’s coast will find much to appreciate here.

Good To Know

• Beautiful Bays and Clear Waters: Expect to swim in three distinct bays, each offering unique scenery and tranquility.
• All-Inclusive Value: The tour includes lunch, guide, insurance, and transfers, making it a stress-free experience.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Boats typically hold around 50-60 people, balancing social interaction with personal space.
• Flexible Duration: Ranging from 7 to 9.5 hours, so check specific start times for your schedule.
• Prepare for Water and Sand: Bring beachwear, towels, and suitable shoes for boarding and disembarking.
• Limited Time in Stops: Reviewers mention that the swimming and sightseeing windows are brief, so plan to make the most of each stop.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Embarking on the Suluada Experience: What Travelers Can Expect

The Suluada Boat Tour is designed as a full-day adventure that combines sightseeing, swimming, and delicious local cuisine. It begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel (if you choose that option), followed by a 1.5-hour bus journey to Adrasan port, setting the scene for a leisurely day on the water.

The Boat Journey and Initial Bays

After boarding a boat accommodating around 50-60 people, you’ll set sail towards the first stop, Paradise Bay. The roughly 40-minute cruise offers panoramic views and the excitement of being on the sea. Once there, you’ll have about 35 minutes to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the azure surroundings. One reviewer, Thibaut, shared that in November, the bay was not overcrowded, with only four boats, giving plenty of space for everyone to relax.

Next is Waterfall Bay, another stunning spot known for natural rock formations and tranquil waters. Here, you’ll again have time to dip into the water, explore the natural pools, or take photos of the scenery—ideal for those Instagram-worthy shots.

Lunch with a View

One of the highlights is the on-board lunch—typically a two-course meal with options like fish, chicken, spaghetti, or rice accompanied by salad. Reviewers like Chris praised the food as “good” and “better than nothing,” emphasizing that for the tour’s price point, the meal offers solid value. While some mention the lunch is simple, the setting—eating while gazing at bay views—is hard to beat.

The Main Attraction: Suluada, the ‘Maldives’ of Turkey

The island of Suluada earns its nickname because of its striking white sandy beaches and transparent waters, reminiscent of the Maldives. You’ll get several hours here to swim, explore, photograph, and enjoy the natural beauty. Visitors often comment on the pristine sand and crystal water, with some noting the island’s resemblance to a tropical paradise.

A guided tour part allows you to see natural pools, water resources, and take memorable photos. Reviews mention that the natural pools and scenic vistas make this a highlight, although some feel the time allocated was a bit tight—one reviewer expressed they only had an hour to enjoy the island.

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Final Stops and Return

After Suluada, the boat cruises past other bays, giving you more chances for swimming or relaxing onboard. The boat then heads back to Adrasan port, with a journey of about 15 minutes before the 1.5-hour bus ride back to your hotel. The entire trip generally lasts between 7 and 9.5 hours, depending on the specific schedule.

Practicalities and Tips for Your Trip

• Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option, making logistics straightforward. Be ready outside your hotel a few minutes early, as pickup times are flexible by about 15 minutes.
• What to Bring: Pack a towel, beachwear, and suitable shoes for boarding—since you’ll cross water and walk over pebbly shores. Water shoes are recommended.
• Duration and Timing: Check your start time, as the tour spans most of the day. Be prepared for a mixture of relaxing breaks and active swimming.
• Group Size: The boats are mid-sized, providing a balance of social vibe and personal space.
• Cost and Value: For the price, you get multiple scenic stops, lunch, insurance, and guided support, offering good value considering the memorable experience.
• Weather Considerations: The reviews show September and November can have different crowds and weather conditions, so dress accordingly and bring sun protection.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that guides make a difference, with many noting that knowledgeable team members enhance the trip’s enjoyment. A guest named Telma appreciated the support during a slight delay, and others found the guides friendly and helpful.

One reviewer, Thibaut, pointed out that the music onboard could be loud, but that’s typical for such boat trips. The most common praise was for the stunning views and crystal waters—ingredients for a truly relaxing day. However, some found the short time at each stop a bit rushed, particularly when trying to fully soak in the beauty.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a mix of scenic beauty, swimming, and good food without the hassle of planning multiple activities. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy boat trips and natural scenery. If you want a day to disconnect, take plenty of photos, and enjoy Turkey’s coast in an authentic setting, this tour delivers.

Those who prefer more flexibility or longer exploration might find the tight schedule a bit limiting. But for a well-organized, value-packed day on the water, the Suluada Boat Tour offers a memorable escape to a slice of paradise.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat trip around Adrasan, visits to bays and beaches, lunch on the boat, swimming in secret bays, guide, insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so bring your own or purchase them during the day.

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts between 7 and 9.5 hours, depending on the schedule and specific arrangements.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, suitable shoes for boarding, and sun protection. Water shoes are recommended for pebbly shores.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, since there’s no long-distance walking involved and the experience is mostly boat-based, it suits most ages. Just be prepared for some water crossings.

What is the group size like?
The boats generally hold around 50-60 people, offering a good balance of social atmosphere and personal space.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip, allowing flexibility if your plans shift.

What happens if the weather is bad?
While not explicitly mentioned, weather conditions might affect the tour. It’s best to check the weather forecast closer to your date.

Is there any time spent on land besides the beaches?
Most of the time is spent swimming, relaxing, and exploring on the islands and bays. The natural pools and water resources are part of the guided tour.

Final Thoughts

The Suluada Boat Tour offers a well-rounded day of natural beauty, swimming, and local flavors, all set against Turkey’s stunning southern coast. While some may wish for more time at each stop, the experience still provides excellent value and authentic scenery that will stay with you long after the trip ends.

Ideal for those craving a scenic, hassle-free day out on the water, this tour balances adventure and relaxation with the added bonus of delicious food and knowledgeable guides. It’s a fantastic way to see some of Turkey’s most photogenic bays and enjoy a true coastal escape.

Whether you’re a beach lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply after a peaceful day at sea, this trip is likely to leave you with plenty of beautiful memories—and maybe a desire to come back for more.

You can check if your dates are available here: