Antalya/Kemer: Suluada & Adrasan Boat Trip with Lunch

Suluada is the star here: a small island of white beaches, clear water, cliffs, and caves reached by boat from Adrasan. The route also includes the chilly Love Cave, Akseki Bay, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, better known as Pirates Bay.

I like the three swimming stops, which give you more than one chance to enjoy the sea, and the easy $20 price, which includes lunch and a guide. I also like that the crew is described as friendly and hard-working, with Fatima singled out for helpful support.

The main catch is time. Hotel transfers can be long, and one passenger spent about three hours each way in a cramped minibus. The boat trip itself can also feel crowded at popular swim stops, while commentary may be brief.

Key points to know before booking

• Suluada is the main attraction: Expect white beaches, bright water, cliffs, caves, and a busy anchorage shared with other boats.
• Three major swim areas: The route includes Suluada, Akseki Bay with its Love Cave, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also called Pirates Bay.
• Lunch is included: Drinks cost extra, so bring money or confirm what you want before setting sail.
• Transfers can shape the day: Hotel pickup and return are available when selected, but long shared minibus rides are possible.
• Guiding can be light: English and Turkish are offered, but one passenger felt the route was not explained clearly enough.
• Best for confident swimmers and sun lovers: Several stops focus on swimming and snorkeling, with less time on the island itself.

Why Suluada makes this trip worthwhile

The appeal of Suluada is simple and easy to understand. You reach the island by boat, then look back at a bright strip of sand, pale rock, and clear Mediterranean water. It is often compared with the Turkish Maldives because of the water color and white beaches, though you should expect a popular day-trip setting rather than a private island.

The boat leaves from Adrasan Bay and follows a rocky coast marked by high cliffs and caves. That ride is part of the experience, not just transport. You get changing views of the shoreline, open sea, and rock formations that are difficult to see from land.

You might spot dolphins or sea turtles along the route, but these are lucky sightings, not a promised part of the day. Keep your eyes on the water, especially during the slower sections of the cruise.

Suluada has three beaches where boats can anchor. The beaches are described as bright white and untouched, but the anchorage itself may be busy because several excursion boats use the area. If you picture a quiet beach with no one else around, adjust that expectation.

The best use of your time here is swimming, floating, sunbathing, and taking in the rock scenery. One practical point matters: time on Suluada may feel short. A passenger specifically wished for more time there, especially because one beach seemed suitable for people who are not strong swimmers.

The Adrasan departure and the transfer question

The day begins at Adrasan Bay, either with your own arrival or with hotel pickup if you select that option. The tour is sold from the Antalya and Kemer area, so the total outing can last anywhere from seven to thirteen hours depending on the departure time and transfer arrangement.

That wide time range is important. The boat portion may be the highlight, but your full day includes getting to and from Adrasan. One passenger reported roughly three hours on the way there and three hours back, partly because the minibus picked them up first and dropped them off last.

That is not necessarily every pickup route, but it is a real possibility when you choose a shared transfer. The minibus was described as cramped and uncomfortable for such a long ride. If you are staying far from Adrasan, check the estimated pickup and return times before booking.

If you are prone to seasickness, the available feedback is encouraging. One person who usually gets sick on boats had no trouble during this trip. Still, sea conditions vary, so sit where you feel most comfortable, watch the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

The pickup service itself received strong praise for arriving on time. That helps on a long day, especially when you are relying on a transfer rather than making your own way to the bay.

Sailing past cliffs and caves

Once the boat leaves Adrasan, the coast becomes the view. High cliffs rise from the sea, and caves appear along the shoreline. The route gives you a chance to enjoy the coast at a slower pace than a road trip, with the water always close by.

The boat is described as a yacht, but you should think of this as a shared excursion rather than a private sailing charter. The atmosphere has been praised as friendly and enjoyable, and the crew is said to work hard throughout the day.

This is a good time to settle into the rhythm of the trip. You may spend parts of the ride seated on deck, watching the coast, waiting for the next swim stop, or chatting with the people around you. The boat atmosphere is one of the more consistently praised parts of the experience.

The guide speaks English or Turkish, depending on the arrangement. Do not count on a detailed explanation at every point, however. One passenger enjoyed the day but felt there was no clear guide explaining where the boat was or what each stop meant.

That makes a difference if you want a history-focused cruise. The trip works better if your priority is the sea, swimming, scenery, and a relaxed boat day. You can still ask the guide about the stops, but keep your expectations modest about formal commentary.

Suluada: white beaches and bright water

The first major stop is Suluada. The island is known for its white beaches and clean-looking water, with sunlight making the sea sparkle around the boat. This is the place to bring your best swimming plans.

You can swim from the boat or make your way toward the beach, depending on where the yacht anchors and how the schedule is running. The island has natural appeal, but the exact amount of time available can vary. If Suluada is your main reason for booking, pay attention to the day’s schedule and do not spend all your energy at the first opportunity.

The water is a major strength. Several people describe it as especially pretty, and one person called the stop very good for swimming and sunbathing. This is the kind of setting where you will likely want to get in quickly, so wear swim clothes under your travel clothes and keep your towel easy to reach.

The beach conditions are not equally useful for everyone. One passenger wanted more time at a beach that worked better for non-swimmers, while the other stops were seen as more focused on snorkeling. If you are traveling with children or adults who are not confident in the water, ask about the safest and shallowest place to enter before getting off the boat.

The island is also the most photogenic part of the route. White sand, pale rock, open water, and the boat anchored offshore make for strong pictures. Just remember that a popular photo stop can be less peaceful than the pictures suggest.

Love Cave and Akseki Bay

The second stop is Akseki Bay, also known as Love Island. Its main feature is a small cave with unusually cold water. Local folklore says the water comes from the tears of a girl, which gives the stop a bit of character without turning it into a formal historical site.

The cave is best treated as a short swimming feature. You can enter the cold water, look around, and enjoy the contrast with the warm Mediterranean air. If you dislike cold water, do not feel obliged to stay in for long. The point is the setting and the novelty of the stop, not a long beach visit.

Akseki Bay is also a good place for snorkeling if conditions are clear. The route description emphasizes swimming and seeing the natural surroundings, but no snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Bring your own gear if you want to look below the surface, or confirm in advance whether equipment is available.

The Love Cave name can make the stop sound more elaborate than it is. Expect a small cave, cold water, and a brief nature stop, not a large cavern or a major attraction with facilities. That simplicity is part of its charm.

Because this is a boat route, timing matters. The crew has to keep the day moving through several stops, lunch, and the return to port. Enjoy the cave while you are there, but do not expect unlimited time.

Lunch back on the boat

After time around the island and bays, you return to the boat for lunch. The meal is included in the price, which helps make the $20 fare good value for a full-day outing.

The food has been described as decent rather than memorable. That is a fair way to approach it. Lunch gives you the energy to continue swimming and sailing, but this is not a food tour and you should not book it for an elaborate meal.

Drinks are not included. Bring extra money for beverages, and if you have particular dietary needs, ask before departure because the available information does not specify the menu or special-diet options.

Lunch also creates a useful pause in the day. After several swim stops, you can dry off, sit down, and enjoy the coast from the deck. The meal is less about culinary excitement than convenience, especially at this price.

The crew’s friendly attitude is part of the appeal here. A smooth boat day depends on the staff keeping lunch, swimming, and sailing on schedule, and the crew has been praised for working hard and knowing what they are doing.

Hacivat Karagoz Bay, the old Pirates Bay

The final named stop is Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also called Pirates Bay. It is associated with an old pirate settlement, giving the bay a story that sets it apart from the other swimming locations.

The information provided does not describe ruins or a preserved settlement to explore, so treat the pirate connection as context for the bay rather than a land-based archaeological visit. The main activity remains swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the rock formations from the water.

This stop helps vary the route. Suluada gives you the white beach setting, Akseki Bay gives you the cold-water cave, and Pirates Bay adds a little history and a different coastal view. None of these stops is likely to satisfy someone seeking a long guided tour on shore.

You should also expect some crowding. One passenger found several swim stops busy, which is normal for a shared boat route to well-known coves. The water can still be beautiful, but you may need to share the best swimming areas with other boats.

How much value do you get for $20?

At $20 per person, this is an inexpensive way to spend a day on the Mediterranean. The price includes the boat trip, lunch, and a guide, with hotel pickup and drop-off included only when you choose that option.

Even if you pay extra for drinks, the package remains strong value for anyone who wants several swim stops without arranging a private boat. A private charter would offer more control over timing and crowd levels, but it would not match this price.

The value is best if you are already near Adrasan or can reach the departure bay without a long transfer. If your hotel is far away, the day may contain as much minibus time as boat time. In that case, the low price comes with a comfort and time tradeoff.

The trip also offers more than a single beach visit. You get cliffs, caves, three named bays, lunch, and the chance to see marine life. That variety makes the outing feel fuller than a simple transfer to one swimming spot.

Do not expect luxury service at this rate. Drinks cost extra, the boat may be shared with many other people, and the guide may provide only limited information. The price is for a scenic, active boat day, not a private cruise.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a low-cost day on the water and are happy to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the coast without a packed program of land sightseeing. Couples, groups of friends, and families with confident swimmers can all find something to like.

It suits people who value variety. You do not stay in one place all day, and each stop has a slightly different appeal. The white beaches of Suluada are the visual highlight, Love Cave adds a fun cold-water stop, and Pirates Bay brings a small dose of local legend.

It is less suitable if you need lots of quiet beach time. The schedule covers multiple stops, and one passenger wanted more time on Suluada. It may also disappoint you if you expect detailed explanations of the coastline or a guide-led cultural tour.

Non-swimmers should think carefully before booking. The route is built around swimming and snorkeling, and some stops may not offer the easiest beach access. Suluada appears to be the best option for a more comfortable beach visit, but the available details do not guarantee shallow water or special assistance.

If you dislike long shared transfers, arrange your own transport to Adrasan if possible, or check the hotel pickup plan closely. The boat experience received far warmer comments than the cramped minibus ride.

Booking details, timing, and what to bring

The activity lasts between seven and thirteen hours, depending on the starting time and transport plan. Check the available departure times carefully, especially if you have evening plans in Antalya or Kemer.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when selected. The guide operates in English and Turkish. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and some money for drinks. Keep your phone and camera protected around the water, and pack any snorkeling gear you want if it is not supplied separately.

I would also bring a light layer for the ride back. The sea breeze can feel cooler after sunset or after you have been swimming, though the exact weather and return time will depend on the day.

Should you book the Suluada boat trip?

Book it if you want good-value swimming, white beaches, and a full day at sea for a low price. The friendly crew, reliable pickup reported by one passenger, helpful guide Fatima, included lunch, and several attractive stops make this a practical choice.

Think twice if you want peace, privacy, or a detailed guided account of every bay. Shared boats can be busy, Suluada time may feel short, and a distant hotel can mean a very long minibus ride.

My advice is to book this as an active Mediterranean day, not as a luxury cruise. If you set that expectation and are comfortable in the water, the route offers a lot for $20.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The boat trip starts in Adrasan Bay in Antalya Province.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts between seven and thirteen hours, depending on the available starting time and transport arrangement.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Suluada Island, Akseki Bay and its Love Cave, and Hacivat Karagoz Bay, also known as Pirates Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the activity price.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included and cost extra.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Which languages are available for the guide?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Turkish.

Can I see dolphins or turtles?

You might see dolphins or turtles during the boat ride, but sightings depend on luck and are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling the main activity?

Swimming and snorkeling are central parts of the route. Some stops focus more on snorkeling, while Suluada also offers time for beach visits and sunbathing.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

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