Maldives: Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch, Transfer & Bays

Discovering Suluada: A Practical Guide to the Boat Tour from Antalya

If you’re dreaming of a day on a seemingly untouched island with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, the Suluada Boat Tour is worth considering. This experience, offered by Yükay Turizm, takes you on a 7 to 9.5-hour journey to some of Turkey’s most beautiful bays, with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and a tasty lunch included. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a full day of relaxing by the water, away from the crowded beaches, and into some of the most picturesque spots near Antalya.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it combines beautiful natural scenery with practical comforts — a balanced mix of adventure, leisure, and good value. The friendly guides, who speak multiple languages, help make each stop informative and enjoyable. The included lunch, with its two-course meal, adds a satisfying touch to the day. The only potential downside? The busy cruise environment can feel a bit hurried at times, especially if you’re craving longer at each stop. Still, if you’re looking for an authentic, stress-free day out on the water, this tour caters well to families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

This experience suits travelers who want a taste of paradise with minimal fuss. If you’re eager to explore multiple bays, enjoy snorkeling, and see natural pools, this boat trip offers a comprehensive look at the region’s coastal beauty. Keep in mind, it’s best for those comfortable with some light walking, as the islands have pebbly shores and may involve crossing water to board the boat.

Key Points

• Stunning Bays & Clear Waters: Visit three pristine bays, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Lunch, guide, insurance, and transfer are included, offering good value.
• Natural Attractions: See natural springs, lovers’ cave, and natural pools on Suluada.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Boats hold 50-60 people, creating a lively but manageable environment.
• Flexible Tour Duration: Ranges from 7 to 9.5 hours—check availability for exact times.
• Good for Relaxation & Photo Ops: Beautiful scenery perfect for capturing memories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Day

Your day begins with hotel pickup, sometimes quite early, especially if you opt for the transfer service. Once you arrive at Adrasan port, you’ll hop aboard a boat designed to accommodate 50-60 passengers, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and lively group energy. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the sea breeze.

Exploring Paradise Bay

Your first stop is Paradise Bay, famous for its fine, clean sand and incredibly transparent water. The reviews reflect how stunning this spot really is — one guest described it as “idyllic,” with the perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging. The water’s clarity makes it ideal for spotting marine life and taking memorable photos. You’ll get around 35 minutes here, which many found just enough for a quick swim and some relaxing on the sand.

Waterfall Bay & Natural Sites

Next up is Waterfall Bay, another natural marvel. As the boat approaches, you’ll be dazzled by its rugged beauty and natural pools. The stop here allows for more swimming or simply soaking in the surroundings. Many reviewers appreciated the chance to see caves and natural rock formations, making it more than just a beach stop. You can also stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery, which some travelers prefer to avoid the crowded water spots.

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Lunch with a View

One of the tour highlights is the lunch served aboard the boat, which features two main course options — typically fish and chicken, accompanied by spaghetti or rice and salad. The meal is straightforward but well-reviewed, especially considering the price. It’s a good way to refuel after swimming, with bay views providing a picturesque dining setting. Several guests noted the meal was minimal but satisfactory, with some mentioning that music volume on the boat can be loud, so bring earplugs if you prefer quiet.

The Maldives Beach & Natural Pools

The last major stop is the famous Maldives beach, which earns its name thanks to its white sand and crystal-clear water that resembles the world’s famous Maldives. Here, you’ll have time to swim in the extraordinarily clear sea, explore natural pools, and take photos of the stunning scenery. Many reviews mention how the place feels like an untouched slice of paradise, perfect for a relaxing dip and picture-taking.

Exploring the Island

After the swimming break, your guide will take you around the island, pointing out natural water resources and pools. Some reviews highlight the opportunity to see natural springs and the lovers’ cave, adding an element of discovery. The natural pools are especially popular for their unique beauty, offering a different perspective than the bays.

Transportation & Group Dynamics

The tour involves multiple modes of transport: a coach ride from your hotel (if included), the boat cruise, and a short 15-minute transfer back by bus. The group size tends to be around 50-60 people, which keeps the experience lively but not overwhelming. Some travelers found the schedule a little hurried, with only about an hour in each bay, but the overall experience was still well worth it — especially if you’re eager to see multiple locations in one day.

Price & Value

For the cost, this tour offers considerable value. It includes hotel transfers, guide services, lunch, insurance, and the cruise across several bays. The reviews reflect a sense of getting their money’s worth, especially considering the access to beautiful locations that might be difficult to reach independently. A couple of travelers mentioned the minimalist lunch but acknowledged it’s a fair trade-off for the convenience and stunning scenery.

What to Bring & Tips

Travelers should pack a towel and beachwear, and wear suitable shoes for crossing water and walking on pebbly shores — many mention they got their feet wet while boarding or disembarking. Bringing sea shoes is recommended. Also, since drinks aren’t included, you might want to bring water or purchase beverages on the boat. The tour is generally suitable for all ages, with no long walking involved, making it accessible for families and older travelers.

Real Traveler Insights

From the reviews, we see a common theme: stunning scenery combined with friendly guides makes for a memorable day. One guest shared, “the island was amazing, nice relaxing day with good food,” emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere. Another appreciated the good organization and timeliness of transfers, which can be a challenge on busy tours but seemed well-managed here.

However, some found the stops somewhat rushed, with just enough time to dip and snap photos but not linger. The mention of crossing water to board the boat highlights the importance of prepared footwear and a sense of adventure. The tour seems to deliver on its promise of a beautiful, well-organized day out, especially if you’re prepared for a bit of a busy schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is best suited for travelers seeking picturesque bays, snorkeling, and a relaxing day in natural surroundings. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with small group excursions and don’t mind a somewhat bustling environment. Families, couples, and solo travelers who value good value, scenic beauty, and a straightforward way to see multiple bays in one day will find this experience rewarding.

It’s less suited for those looking for an extended stay at a single spot or wanting to explore on their own — the schedule is quite packed, and the focus is on seeing several highlights rather than long leisure periods.

Final Thoughts

The Suluada Boat Tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable way to experience some of Turkey’s most stunning coastline. With beautiful bays, natural pools, and a scenic cruise, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a practical, fun-filled day with good value. The guided aspect, combined with the scenic stops and included lunch, makes for a stress-free experience that captures the essence of the region’s natural beauty.

If your ideal day involves swimming in clear waters, snapping photos of untouched beaches, and enjoying authentic Turkish hospitality, this tour fits the bill. Just pack your shoes, prepare for some busy schedules, and get ready for a memorable sea adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. You’ll be picked up by a midibus outside your hotel, with flexible timing.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs between 7 and 9.5 hours, depending on availability and specific scheduling. Check the starting time when booking.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a towel, beachwear, suitable shoes for crossing water, and potentially some extra water or snacks, as drinks aren’t included.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, it’s suitable for everyone since no long walking is required, and the boat is accessible. Just note the natural, sometimes pebbly beaches.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but you can purchase them on the boat or bring your own.

Can I stay longer at the bays or beaches?
The stops are scheduled to be around one hour each, which many find sufficient for swimming and photos but not for extended lounging.

This Suluada Boat Tour from Antalya is a well-rounded choice for travelers craving scenic beauty, good organization, and a taste of Turkish coastal charm. Perfect for those who want an authentic experience without hassle, it offers a day full of picture-perfect moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: