Suluada Boat Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the messages we get before a booking ask the same handful of things, so we have collected the answers in one place. If your question is not covered here, our team is a WhatsApp message away.
Below are the most frequently asked questions about the tour, with short answers.
This FAQ answers the most common questions guests ask before they book the Suluada boat tour.
Questions and answers before you book
What is Suluada, and where does the Maldives nickname come from?
Suluada is a small, uninhabited island off Adrasan, south-west of Antalya. White sand, shallow turquoise water and not a single building remind many visitors of the Maldives, which is how it got the name Turkey’s Maldives. You can only get there by boat, on a Suluada boat tour.
Where does the tour start?
Every boat sails from Adrasan harbour, the nearest mainland point to the island, and leaves at 10:00. A round-trip hotel transfer from Antalya, Konyaaltı, Lara, Belek and Kemer is included. Driving yourself? There is parking close to the harbour.
Which places will we see?
The boat follows the Adrasan coast out to Suluada and anchors in several bays for swimming. The wind on the day decides the order. Typical stops:
- Suluada white beach, the longest stop, with fine sand and shallow turquoise water.
- Rocky coves near caves and rock formations, good for snorkelling.
- Calm anchorages such as Hacivat Bay and Fener Bay.
What does the price cover?
Round-trip hotel transfer, the boat trip, lunch cooked fresh on board (fish or chicken, pasta, salad and fruit), tea and insurance. Life jackets for adults and children are on board. Bar drinks and personal expenses are paid separately.
What is served for lunch on the boat?
Lunch is cooked fresh on board and included in the price. You can choose chicken or fish as your main course, served with pasta, salad and fruit. Tea is on the house too.
What should I pack?
- A spare swimsuit and a towel.
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- A snorkel or goggles, as the water around the island is very clear.
- A waterproof bag to keep your phone and money dry.
Is the trip good for children?
Yes. The water at Suluada beach is shallow and calm, one of the best places in the area for families to swim. Children aged 0–3 travel free, and children aged 4–10 get a 25% discount. Non-swimmers can relax in the shade on deck or paddle in the knee-deep water by the shore.
How do I book and pay?
WhatsApp us your date, number of guests and hotel. Payment is possible by credit card, bank transfer or cash. In July and August the tour can sell out, so reserve a few days in advance, and please read our cancellation and refund policy first.
Want more detail? See our packing guide and the article on the best time to visit Suluada.
More questions about our boat trips
Can we stay overnight on Suluada?
No. The island has no buildings, shops or facilities, so every visit is a day trip. Our boat leaves Suluada at 15:30 and you are back in your hotel area at around 18:30.
Where does the pirate boat leave from, and is it good for kids?
The pirate ship sails from Lara or Konyaaltı harbour, with hotel transfers included from Antalya, Lara and Konyaaltı. Children get pirate shows, a treasure hunt and face painting, and lunch is a buffet on board.
Is the foam party boat a separate tour?
No. The foam party is part of the pirate boat tour. Joining in is up to you; anyone who wants to stay dry can simply watch.
How is the relax boat different?
It leaves Kundu Marina, takes no more than 50 guests and lasts 5–6 hours. There is no DJ and no foam, just two long swim stops, one of them near the Düden Waterfall, and lunch with soft drinks.
What time does the Antalya sunset boat tour start?
Pickup is in the late afternoon. The exact time changes with the season, because sunset moves through the summer. A swim stop and dinner on deck are included, from €35.
Payment, weather and pickup
Can I pay in euros or Turkish lira?
Yes. Prices on our English pages are shown in euros, and you can pay by credit card, bank transfer or in cash, either in euros or in Turkish lira. Drinks from the bar on board are paid separately, so a little cash is handy.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips run when the weather and sea conditions allow. If the captain cannot sail safely, we let you know on WhatsApp, and our cancellation and refund policy explains what applies.
Can I book a winter boat trip in advance?
Not in the winter months. Contact us on WhatsApp or by phone one day before your preferred date: we check whether the weather is suitable and only then confirm your booking. That way nobody has to deal with cancellations or refunds.
Do you pick up from Side, Manavgat or Alanya?
Yes, transfers cover the coast from Antalya to Alanya. For Manavgat, Side and Alanya, please ask for your pickup time on WhatsApp or by phone at least one day before.
About Suluada
Where is Suluada?
Suluada is a small, uninhabited island just off the tip of Adrasan, in the Kumluca district of Antalya. It is about 95 km from central Antalya; boats leave from Adrasan Harbour and the crossing takes around half an hour. See how to get to Suluada for directions.
Why is it called the “Maldives of Turkey”?
Because of its fine white sand and turquoise water that stays shallow far from the shore. The name Suluada – “island with water” – comes from the freshwater springs on the island.
Can I join without a hotel transfer?
Yes. If you drive to Adrasan Harbour yourself, the price is €35 (1,800 TL) per person. We meet at the pier at 09:45. Details: Suluada from Adrasan without transfer.
Can I hire a private boat to Suluada?
Yes – we have luxury private boats for up to 7, 12 or 18 guests, for a day trip or at sunset. Lunch is included; a VIP hotel transfer is an optional extra. Ask for a quote on the private boat page.
How warm is the sea at Suluada?
From mid-June to early October it stays above 25 °C, peaking at about 29 °C in August. In April it is around 18 °C. Month-by-month figures are in our best time to visit guide.
I am staying in Kemer – is the Suluada trip a good idea?
Yes. Pickup in Kemer is around 09:00 and the drive to Adrasan takes about an hour. We compare it with trips from Kemer harbour in Kemer boat trip or Suluada?
Something else on your mind?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date, group size and hotel name. We answer quickly with availability and your pickup time.
