What to See on Suluada: Bays, Beaches and Sea Caves
Most people picture Suluada as a single white beach, but the island and its coast have several sides to them. Our boat leaves Adrasan Harbour and calls at the places below; the captain may change the order depending on the wind and the sea.
In short: A Suluada boat trip visits American Bay, Love Beach, West Beach, the sea caves on the island’s south side, the freshwater spring that gave Suluada its name and, on the way back, Lighthouse Bay. You swim at the beaches, the spring and the bays; the caves are a photo stop.
1. American Bay
The first stop, a short ride from the harbour on the way to the island. Sheltered, calm and very clear – an easy place for the first swim of the day. Local lore says it got its name from American navy ships that anchored here during the Cold War.
2. Love Beach
The beach in nearly every Suluada photo you have seen. Powder-white sand and water that stays shallow and turquoise well away from the shore are what earned the island its “Maldives of Turkey” nickname. This is usually the longest stop, and a mask is enough to see the sandy bottom clearly.
3. West Beach
Captains call it the “back beach”: the sandy shore on the far side of the island, which catches a light westerly breeze in the afternoon. Lunch is usually served on board while we are anchored around here.
4. Sea caves
Waves have carved caves into the rocky southern coast. Currents make this a no-swim zone, so the boat edges in slowly for photos. The coast is known habitat for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal – rare to spot, but it happens.
5. Freshwater spring
Suluada means “island with water”, and this spring is why. Filling a bottle here is a small tradition, and some locals swear by its healing powers. The water is deep and full of life, good for snorkelling; life jackets are available for non-swimmers.
6. Lighthouse Bay
The final swim on the way back to Adrasan, named after the old lighthouse on the shore, with tea and fruit served afterwards.
Bring along
A snorkel mask, an empty water bottle and a waterproof phone pouch. Timings are in the tour programme; prices and pickup on the Suluada boat tour page.
Which stops are best with a mask, we cover in snorkelling at Suluada. For the best angles and light, see our guide to Suluada photo spots.