Suluada is often called the “Turkish Maldives”, and the water really is that clear and turquoise. I live in Antalya and have seen plenty of British visitors overpay for the trip.
The island is beautiful, but the boat trip business around it is a minefield. These are the six traps to watch for.
Quick answer: a Suluada boat trip is worth it if you book a small-group gulet tour online, bring water shoes and serious sun protection, and expect a long coach ride: the island is off Adrasan, about two hours from Antalya.
Table of Contents
1. The “Antalya city” illusion
When you see tours advertised in Antalya, they often make it sound like Suluada is just off the coast of your resort. It isn’t. Suluada is an island off the coast of Adrasan, a small town about a 2-hour drive from Antalya city center (or 1.5 hours from Kemer).
The Hack: Be prepared for a long coach transfer. If you get seasick easily, the drive through the winding mountain roads might be rougher than the boat itself. Download some Netflix episodes for the journey.
2. The mega party boat trap
You’ll see cheap tours offering massive double-decker “pirate” boats with foam parties and blaring club music. Unless you’re on a stag do, avoid these at all costs. These boats carry big crowds, and getting everyone onto the small beach at Suluada can feel like an evacuation.
The Hack: Look specifically for small-group Gulet (traditional Turkish wooden boat) tours. They can cost a little more, but they are usually quieter and more relaxing, with far fewer people on board.
3. The hotel rep price tag
Hotel reps often sell the Suluada trip at the welcome meeting. Before you say yes, compare their price with similar tours online, where you can also read reviews of the exact boat and operator.
The Hack: Book the trip online in advance. On GetYourGuide, Suluada boat trips with lunch start from about £12 (US$16) per person in October 2026; options with hotel pickup cost more, so check the total for your hotel before you book.
Not every tour includes soft drinks, so check exactly what is included before you go.
4. The drinks bill shock
Most decent Suluada boat trips include a hot lunch (usually grilled chicken, pasta, and salad) in the price. However, drinks are rarely included. Once you’re on the boat, you have no choice but to pay their inflated prices for Cokes, Efes beers, and water.
The Hack: Double-check your booking to see if drinks are included. If they aren’t, ask the tour operator before you book whether you can bring your own water and soft drinks.
5. The “white sand” myth
They call it the Turkish Maldives, so everyone expects soft, powdery white sand. Spoiler alert: the beach is a mix of coarse sand and small, blindingly white pebbles rather than soft powder. Walking on it in bare feet can be painful.
The Hack: Buy a cheap pair of neoprene water shoes from a shop near your hotel before you go. You will be the only one gracefully walking out of the water while everyone else hobbles in pain.
6. The sunburn trap
There is almost no natural shade on Suluada’s beach, and no facilities, showers or toilets on the island. When the boat drops you off on the beach for your swim stop, you are fully exposed to the fierce summer sun. I have seen countless Brits look like lobsters by 2 PM.
The Hack: Slather on factor 50 before you get on the boat, wear a UV-protective rash vest if you’re swimming for a long time, or honestly… just stay on the shaded lower deck of the boat while it’s anchored!
Suluada boat trip: is it worth it?
Yes. The water around Suluada really is as clear as the photos, and with the right tour it is one of the best days out from Antalya. Choose a small boat, book online, and protect yourself from the sun. Before you travel, read the official UK travel advice for Turkey.
FAQ: Suluada boat trip
How long is a Suluada boat trip from Antalya?
Plan for a full day. Suluada lies off Adrasan, roughly a two-hour drive from Antalya, so most tours include a long coach transfer each way before and after the boat trip.
How much should a Suluada boat trip cost?
Online, Suluada boat trips with lunch start from about £12 (US$16) per person; options with hotel pickup cost more. Check exactly what is included (hotel transfer, lunch and drinks) before you book.
What should I bring on a Suluada boat trip?
Water shoes for the pebbles, factor 50 sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water and some cash for drinks on board, as they are rarely included.
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