Antalya/Kemer: Suluada & Adrasan Boat Trip with Lunch

The Turkish Riviera looks best from the water. This long day from Antalya to Adrasan gives you three swimming stops, bright beaches, cliffs, caves, and the chance to see Suluada, often called the Turkish Maldives. I especially like the clear water and the relaxed boat setup, with sun mattresses, toilets, and child and adult life vests. The main drawback is the long road transfer, which can take about three hours each way for some hotel pickups.

I also like that lunch is included and that the crew keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed. Guide Fatima earned special praise for her helpful attitude, while other visitors found the crew friendly and professional. Bring enough cash for drinks, though: card payment may not be available on board, and that small detail can become a real problem on a hot day.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: Suluada, Akseki Bay, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay give you different settings for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
• The transfer takes time: The full outing lasts 12 to 13 hours, and some hotel pickups can mean roughly six hours on the road.
• Suluada is the star: Its white beaches, bright water, cliffs, and caves create the most memorable part of the day.
• Lunch is included: Food is served back on the boat, but drinks cost extra and cash is the safer choice.
• Good for families: The boat has child and adult life vests, a toilet, and plenty of space to rest on sun mattresses.
• Busy stops are possible: The bays are popular with many boats, so you should not expect complete solitude in high season.

Why this boat trip earns a full day

The appeal is simple: you leave the road behind and spend the main part of the day on the Mediterranean. From Adrasan Bay, the boat passes tall cliffs and caves before reaching a group of swimming spots that look much better from the deck than they do in a hotel brochure.

At $50 per person, the outing offers solid value if your Antalya holiday already includes a beach day but not a proper boat trip. You get transport when that option is selected, a guide, lunch, and several stops. The price does not include drinks, so budget a little extra and carry cash.

The trade-off is time. Antalya Province is spread out, and Adrasan is not just around the corner from central Antalya or many resort hotels. One pickup took about three hours in each direction, with the guest collected first and returned last. That makes the day tiring, especially in a cramped minibus with weak air conditioning.

I would book this trip for the scenery and swimming, not because it is the quickest way to spend a day. If you enjoy a full excursion and do not mind an early start or a late return, the long transfer is easier to accept.

Leaving Adrasan Bay for Suluada

The boat trip begins in Adrasan Bay. Once on board, you get a changing view of the coast: high cliffs, rock formations, and caves cut into the shoreline. This first stretch gives you time to settle in, find a sun mattress, and enjoy the sea before the swimming starts.

The boat seems set up for a long day rather than a short harbor cruise. You can rest on the sun mattresses, and one parent found the facilities more comfortable than expected, including the toilet. Life vests are available for both children and adults, which is useful when you are traveling with younger family members or prefer extra reassurance in the water.

The trip may also bring wildlife sightings. Dolphins and sea turtles are possible, but they are not guaranteed. Treat them as a bonus, not as part of the fixed program.

The English-speaking guide is available during the outing, but the amount of explanation can vary. One person found there was not enough information about each place or the route. If you want historical and geographical detail at every stop, ask questions directly rather than waiting for a long commentary.

Suluada: white beaches and remarkably clear water

Suluada is the main reason to book this excursion. The island has three beaches used by visiting boats, with bright white sand and clear water that catches the sun. It is the kind of setting where you understand the Turkish Maldives nickname, even if the comparison is a little generous.

Your time here is mostly about swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenery. The water is described as especially clean and transparent, making it a good place to look below the surface. If you do not swim confidently, pay attention to how much time the boat spends near shallow beach areas. One person wished for more time at Suluada because one beach felt better suited to less confident swimmers.

This is also the stop where crowd levels matter most. Several boats may anchor in the same area, particularly during the busy summer months. You can still enjoy the water and white shore, but you should not expect a private island experience.

The Love Cave is another feature connected with the Suluada visit. Its cool water offers a refreshing change after sitting in the Mediterranean sun. The cave itself is part of the fun, but access and time in the water depend on the boat schedule and conditions.

I would bring water shoes if you have them, along with a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for valuables. The information provided does not specify rental equipment, so do not count on being able to borrow snorkeling gear or other beach items.

Akseki Bay and the cold-water Love Cave

The second scheduled stop is Akseki Bay, also known as Love Island. Its appeal is the small cave and its unusually cold water. Local folklore says the water comes from the tears of a girl, which gives the stop a touch of old-fashioned seaside romance.

In practical terms, Akseki Bay is a good place for a quick swim and a look around. The cool cave water feels welcome after the heat, especially on a day that reaches 42 degrees Celsius. It is also one of the stops most suited to snorkeling, so bring or wear your own equipment if you want to spend longer looking beneath the surface.

The limitation is that Akseki Bay is not presented as a broad beach stop. If you want a wide strip of sand and an easy place to sit, Suluada is the better choice. If you enjoy clear water, rock formations, and a short swim into a natural cave, Akseki gives the day more variety.

Busy conditions are possible here too. The bays are popular, and several boats may share the same swimming area. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a public boat circuit, not a private charter.

Lunch back on the boat

After time in the water, you return to the boat for lunch. That arrangement works well. You do not lose more time going ashore, and you can eat while the crew prepares the next section of the trip.

The meal has received mixed but generally acceptable feedback. Some people found it delicious and appreciated the energy before the afternoon stops. Others considered it below average. I would treat lunch as a convenient included meal rather than a reason to book the excursion.

Drinks are not included. More importantly, card payment may not be available on board. One person spent much of the day without enough water after discovering this too late. Bring cash before boarding and buy water early. In hot weather, this is not a minor comfort issue.

You may also want a small snack if you have dietary needs or simply prefer more food after several swims. The available information does not give a menu, so specific dietary arrangements should be checked before booking.

Hacivat Karagoz Bay, the Pirates Bay stop

The final named stop is Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also called Pirates Bay. It is associated with an old pirate settlement and gives the itinerary a different mood from the white beaches of Suluada.

The stop is mainly about swimming and snorkeling from the boat. One account described the final pause as being in the middle of the sea rather than at a conventional beach. That means you should not count on a sandy shore here. Confident swimmers may enjoy the open-water setting, while less confident swimmers should use the available life vest and stay close to the boat.

This stop also helps explain why the trip works best for people who like being in the water. Two stops focus on beaches, while another is more suited to snorkeling and open-water swimming. If your ideal boat day means lying on sand for hours, the schedule may feel too active. If you want repeated chances to cool off, it is a strong fit.

Comfort, crew, and the long road transfer

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. People describe the staff as friendly, hardworking, and capable, even during very hot weather. Fatima is specifically remembered for being supportive and helpful, which can make a difference when you need assistance with the schedule or the swimming stops.

The boat itself seems more comfortable than the basic price might suggest. Sun mattresses are available, the toilet was considered surprisingly good, and life vests cover both children and adults. That combination makes the day easier for families and for anyone who wants to rest between swims.

The weak point is the minibus transfer. The exact experience depends on your hotel and pickup order, but a three-hour drive each way is possible. One minibus was described as cramped, and the air conditioning did not work well for everyone. The return journey can feel especially long after a day in the sun.

When you compare the $50 price with the time involved, ask yourself what you value more: convenience or scenery. A private transfer would likely cost more, but this shared option gives you access to Suluada, the boat, lunch, and several swim stops at a modest price.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend the tour to:

• Families who want a full day at sea with life vests and a toilet on board
• Couples looking for scenic swimming stops and a relaxed boat atmosphere
• Strong swimmers and snorkelers who enjoy changing locations
• Visitors staying in Antalya or nearby resorts who want to see Adrasan and Suluada
• Anyone happy to trade a long transfer for clear water and dramatic coastal scenery

I would think twice if you dislike minibus rides, get uncomfortable on very long day trips, or need a quiet beach without other boats nearby. The schedule also may not suit someone who wants a long stay at one beach, since the trip moves between several stops.

Seasickness does not appear to be a major problem for everyone. One person who usually becomes seasick had no trouble on this outing, but that does not guarantee the same result for you. If you know you are sensitive on boats, bring whatever remedy you normally use.

Practical tips for a better day

Carry cash for water and other drinks. This is the most important tip, since card payment may not be available on the boat.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag. A hat and light cover-up will help during the long hours in the sun, while water shoes may be useful around rocky areas and caves.

Wear comfortable clothing for the transfer. A cramped minibus can make the journey harder than the boat ride itself, especially if you are picked up first and dropped off last.

If you want more information about the sites, ask the English-speaking guide as soon as the day begins. The trip can be enjoyable even with limited commentary, but direct questions may help you understand where you are and what makes each stop different.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the pickup option carefully, since hotel transport is included only when that option is selected.

Should you book the Suluada boat trip?

Book it if clear water, repeated swims, and dramatic coastal scenery matter more to you than a short travel day. Suluada is the highlight, while Akseki Bay and Pirates Bay add caves, snorkeling, and different kinds of water access.

The $50 price is fair for transport when selected, lunch, a guide, and a full day on the sea. Just plan for the drawbacks: the road transfer can be lengthy, the bays may be crowded, lunch is simple, and you need cash for drinks.

For families, couples, and active beach lovers, I think it is a worthwhile Antalya outing. If you want maximum time on one quiet beach or hate long minibus rides, spend your beach budget closer to your hotel instead.

FAQ

Where does the Suluada boat trip begin?

The boat trip begins in Adrasan Bay in Antalya Province.

How long does the full experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 12 to 13 hours, including the transfer to and from the boat.

What places does the boat visit?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the boat after time at the island.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, and card payment may not be available on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Are life vests available?

Yes. The boat has life vests for both children and adults.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

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