Suluada Boat Tour from Side, Antalya & Kemer: Swim & Lunch

Suluada is the star here: a small Mediterranean island with white shores and startlingly clear water, reached by boat from Antalya Province. The day mixes swimming in quiet-looking coves, a hot lunch aboard ship, and broad views of the Turkish coast, with no need to arrange your own transport to the harbor if you choose pickup.

I like the strong value at $29 per person, especially since lunch, marine insurance, and several swim stops are included. I also like the easy rhythm of the day: sit in the sun, swim from the boat, eat, then do very little for a while. The main drawback is crowding. Several boats can arrive at Suluada together, and the transfer may run up to 45 minutes late.

Key points to know

• Suluada’s clear water: Swim from the boat in bright turquoise water around the island and nearby coves.
• Three or more swim opportunities: The route is built around swimming, sunbathing, photos, and time on deck.
• Lunch at sea: Expect freshly prepared fish or chicken, pasta, salad, and bread, with drinks sold separately.
• Love Island and Love Cave: The route includes a look at the small cave and the romantic coastal setting.
• Comfortable transport option: Hotel pickup is available, though Antalya’s Kaleiçi area is excluded.
• A busy arrival at Suluada: Boats may dock at the same time, so get ready to take photos quickly.

Suluada is the reason to book

Suluada is often called the Maldives of Turkey, a catchy comparison that sets expectations high. The water can certainly look the part, with pale shorelines, clear blue-green shallows, and rocky Mediterranean scenery. It is not a private island escape, though. The island is a popular boat stop, and the sight of other vessels is part of the day.

I would choose this trip for the water rather than for a long island walk. The schedule centers on swimming from the boat, looking at caves and bays, and enjoying the coast from deck level. That makes it a good fit if you want a simple sea day instead of a demanding sightseeing tour.

You will also see rugged cliffs, small inlets, and coastal rock formations on the way. The scenery changes as the boat moves along the shore, so keep your camera handy before the swimming begins. Caretta Caretta turtles are part of the local natural setting, although sightings are not guaranteed.

From your hotel to the harbor

The pickup option takes much of the work out of the morning. You wait outside your hotel’s security booth, then ride to the departure harbor, usually in a minibus. The transfer is included when you select that option, but it is not available from villas or apartments. If you stay in Antalya’s Kaleiçi, you must make your own way to the stated meeting point.

The transfer can be delayed by up to 45 minutes, so do not plan a tight connection afterward. It is worth keeping your morning flexible, especially since the trip itself may last anywhere from five to seven and a half hours depending on the schedule and weather.

At the harbor, the stated meeting time is 09:45. The boat is currently listed as the TROYS Suluada, but the boat name and exact location can change. Check the geographic location sent to you within 24 hours of departure, rather than relying only on an older map pin.

The road portion may include a stop at a roadside café. This is useful if you need breakfast or a drink before boarding, though it adds a little time to the journey. One account described fresh juice and an inexpensive breakfast stop, while the return route also included a brief café break.

What the boat day feels like

Once aboard, you have space to sit, move around, and watch the shore pass by. The boat is described as modern, with comfortable mattresses and headrests. That matters on a long outing. A hard bench can make a full day at sea feel much longer, while a proper place to stretch out lets you enjoy the ride between stops.

The crew provides assistance throughout the cruise, and support is available in English, Russian, German, and Turkish. Depending on conditions, an audio guide may also be available. This is not the kind of trip to book for a detailed lecture on ancient Turkey. The focus is the sea, swimming, lunch, and scenery.

You will want to claim a comfortable spot early, then move around as the boat leaves the harbor. The best view can change from one side to the other as the route follows the coast. A hat, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, and camera belong in an easy-to-reach bag.

Swimming in clear coves

Swimming is the heart of the itinerary. The boat makes several stops at Suluada and nearby bays, with three swimming breaks mentioned in the experience details. You can get into the water, float near the boat, sunbathe on deck, or stay dry and enjoy the view.

The water is prized for its clarity and strong blue color. This is a good place to bring a mask if you already own one, though snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. Do not expect a guided snorkeling session or a long shore excursion. The emphasis is on easy swimming and time in the water.

The stops are also good for photographs. Rocky coastlines, white shoreline, and open Mediterranean views give you plenty to frame. At Suluada, all boats may arrive at about the same time. If you want an unobstructed photo of the island or cave, have your camera ready and move promptly when the boat docks.

The swimming stops are not equally appealing to every person. If you dislike getting in from a boat ladder, prefer a sandy beach, or need long stretches on land, this may feel limiting. For confident swimmers who enjoy a quick plunge into clear water, the format works well.

Love Island and the small Love Cave

Love Island adds a themed stop to an otherwise nature-focused cruise. The nearby Love Cave is tiny, so think of it as a short photo and sightseeing moment rather than a major attraction. The appeal is the setting: a small cave, clear water, and the playful romance attached to the name.

I would keep expectations modest here. You are not touring a large cavern system or spending hours ashore. The cave is one piece of a coastal route, and its value comes from the view and the chance to see a different rock formation between swimming stops.

The same is true of the island itself. Suluada is most enjoyable when you let the whole scene work together: the pale shoreline, the water around the boat, the cliffs, and the open horizon. It is less about checking off a landmark and more about enjoying a bright, slow day on the Mediterranean.

Lunch with the coastline for a dining room

Lunch is served on board and is included in the price. The usual choices are grilled fish or chicken, with pasta, fresh seasonal salad, and bread. Fish options can include sea bream or salmon, while chicken may be served as a leg.

The meal has earned unusually strong praise for a budget boat trip. Fresh cooking, a choice between fish and chicken, and a simple salad make it more satisfying than the standard cold boxed meal. Tea may also be available, but drinks are not generally included, so bring money for beverages and personal purchases.

Eating at sea is part of the charm, but it is also worth being realistic. This is a working excursion boat, not a restaurant with a quiet dining room. Timing, seating, and wind can affect the meal. If you have dietary needs, the supplied details do not promise special menus, so ask before booking.

At $29, the meal adds real value. A harbor cruise with transport, lunch, insurance, and several stops can quickly cost more when arranged separately. The price is especially attractive if you plan to spend the day swimming anyway.

Crowds, comfort, and the less polished parts

This is a popular coastal outing, not a private charter. Four boats may be at a stop at once, and the main island arrival can feel crowded. That does not cancel out the scenery, but it changes the mood. You may need patience when taking photos, finding a clear patch of water, or moving around the dock.

The transfer can also be uneven. A comfortable minibus is a plus, but the last passengers collected may find themselves in cramped rear seats. If pickup is important to you, confirm your hotel details carefully and be ready for a longer road section before and after the boat ride.

There is no named guide provided in the tour information. The crew assists with the practical side of the trip, and the driver or an audio guide may offer basic information. Book this for a relaxed sea outing, not for expert interpretation of every cove and formation.

The biggest physical concern is motion sickness. People prone to seasickness are specifically advised against the trip. Even on a calm day, several hours on a boat can be tiring. Take sensible precautions if you already know that open water affects you, and avoid booking if this is a serious problem.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the cruise to couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone staying in Side, Antalya, or Kemer who wants a low-cost day on the water. It also suits people who prefer a planned outing, since hotel transfer, lunch, a boat, and the main swim stops are arranged together.

It is a particularly good match if you want:

• Clear water without arranging a private boat
• Several swim breaks instead of one long beach stop
• A warm lunch included in the day
• Coastal views and photo opportunities
• A straightforward option for a family or couple
• A relaxed schedule with time to sit and sunbathe

I would think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded island or a detailed cultural tour. The Love Cave is small, the island stop can be busy, and the day depends on weather and sea conditions. People who get seasick should choose a land-based activity instead.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for water activities. Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is sensible for phones and small valuables, though such equipment is not listed as provided.

Keep sunscreen close rather than buried under a seat. Much of the day is spent on open deck, and the sun can feel strong even when the boat is moving. Carry some cash or another payment method for drinks, café stops, and personal expenses.

Check the pickup option when booking. Hotel transfer is not automatic for every reservation, and villas, apartments, and Antalya Kaleiçi do not receive the same service. If you are not using pickup, follow the location sent shortly before departure, since the meeting point may change.

Weather controls the day. Bad conditions can cause a reschedule or cancellation, and the total duration may shift. The included cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, which gives you some protection when plans are still moving.

Is the Suluada boat tour good value?

At $29 per person, this is one of the easier excursions to justify if you want a full day of swimming and do not need luxury. You receive the boat cruise, several swim stops, lunch, crew assistance, marine insurance, and hotel transfer when selected. Even after allowing for drinks and personal spending, the package covers the main costs.

The value comes from the combination rather than any single attraction. Suluada itself is scenic, but the boat ride, coves, lunch, and coastal views make the day feel full. The tradeoff is that the trip is shared, the timing can change, and the most popular stops may be busy.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want clear-water swimming, a good included lunch, and easy transport at a modest price. It is a practical choice for a sunny holiday day, especially if you are comfortable on boats and happy to share the island with other groups.

Skip it if you need a private setting, dislike boat motion, or want a guide-led cultural tour. For everyone else, the sensible plan is to accept the crowding, pack for the sun, arrive ready to swim, and treat Suluada as a beautiful sea day rather than a deserted-island fantasy.

FAQ

How long does the Suluada boat tour last?

The excursion lasts between five and seven and a half hours. The exact duration depends on the selected schedule and weather conditions.

What time should I arrive at the port?

The stated meeting time is 09:45. Check the geographic location sent within 24 hours before departure because the boat name and meeting point may change.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included only when you select the transfer option. Transfers are not provided from villas, apartments, or Antalya’s Kaleiçi area.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch typically includes grilled fish or chicken, pasta, seasonal salad, and bread. Fish choices may include sea bream or salmon. Drinks are not included.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Drinks are not included, so bring money for beverages and other personal expenses.

How many swimming stops are there?

The tour includes multiple swimming stops, with three swim breaks noted in the activity details. Stops take place in scenic bays around Suluada and nearby coves.

Can I visit Love Island and Love Cave?

Yes. The route includes Love Island and the small cave known as Love Cave. The cave is a brief coastal stop rather than a large underground attraction.

What languages are available?

Host or greeter assistance is available in English, Russian, German, and Turkish. An audio guide may be available on the boat depending on conditions.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The tour may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather, and the trip duration can vary with conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.