🏝️ The "Turkish Maldives"
Free Cancellation
Suluada Island Boat Trip from Side | Turkish Maldives Tour
Full-day boat trip to Suluada Island from Side. Includes hotel transfer, open-buffet lunch, and 4 swim stops in crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Experience Highlights
Free hotel pickup and drop-off from Side & Manavgat
4 dedicated swim stops in crystal-clear turquoise waters
Open-buffet lunch on board (grilled fish/chicken, pasta, salad)
Double-decker boat with sunbeds and fresh water showers
Protected habitat of the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles
Scenic mountain transfer through the Taurus Mountains
About This Tour
Known as the "Turkish Maldives," Suluada Island offers a breathtaking escape with its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This full-day excursion is the ultimate way to experience the untouched beauty of the Mediterranean.
Your day starts early with a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the stunning Taurus Mountains to Adrasan Port. While the journey is long, the dramatic mountain and sea views make it worthwhile (pro tip: bring a neck pillow!). Upon arrival, you will board a spacious double-decker yacht for a 1-hour cruise to the island.
The captain will navigate through pristine, protected bays, making 4 dedicated swim stops. These waters are a protected habitat for the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles, making your swim both refreshing and eco-conscious. Between swims, enjoy a hearty open-buffet lunch on the lower deck featuring grilled fish or chicken, pasta, and fresh salad. The upper deck is perfect for sunbathing and capturing Instagram-worthy photos against the dramatic orange cliffs.
Please note: This is a full-day commitment (approx. 12 hours door-to-door). The yacht provides basic amenities, but drinks beyond the included tea are available for purchase on board (cash only).
Itinerary
Early Hotel Pickup
Morning collection from your hotel in Side or Manavgat (approx. 06:00)
Scenic Transfer
2.5-hour comfortable bus ride through the Taurus Mountains to Adrasan Port
Boarding & Departure
Welcome aboard the double-decker yacht, departure around 10:00
First Swim Stop
Suluada Island main bay: white sand beach and turquoise water exploration
Second Swim Stop
Love Cave (Akseki Bay): famous local myth and refreshing cold-water cave swim
On-Board Lunch
Open-buffet meal served on the lower deck (fish/chicken, pasta, salad, tea)
Third & Fourth Stops
Fener Bay (Lighthouse) and a unique freshwater/saltwater mixing bay
Return Journey
Sail back to Adrasan Port around 16:30, followed by the scenic bus transfer
Hotel Drop-off
Arrival back at your hotel in Side around 18:30 - 19:00
What's Included
Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned hotel transfer from Side & Manavgat
- Full-day Suluada Island yacht tour with 4 swim stops
- Open-buffet lunch (grilled fish or chicken, pasta, salad, 1 tea)
- Professional English-speaking guide on board
- Full travel and marine insurance
- Use of yacht facilities (toilets, fresh water showers, sunbeds)
Not Included
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on the boat (available for purchase, cash only)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and boat photos
- Snorkeling equipment rental (available on boat for a fee)
- Gratuities for the guide, captain, or crew
Tour Information
Duration
12 Hours
Pickup Time
06:00
Meeting Point
Suluada Island (via Adrasan Port)
Operates
Mon & Wed & Sat
Child Price
€50
Cancellation
Free (24h)
Local Tip
Pro tip: The 'Love Cave' stop is incredibly refreshing but the water is cold due to lack of sunlight. Jump in quickly! Also, the upper deck sunbeds fill up fast. If you want the best spot for photos and sunbathing, head upstairs immediately after boarding at Adrasan Port.
Good to Know
Know Before You Go
- Long Transfer: The drive to Adrasan Port takes 2.5 hours each way. We recommend bringing a neck pillow, downloading movies, or enjoying the scenic mountain views.
- Motion Sickness: The 1-hour boat ride to the island can occasionally be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, please take medication 30 minutes before boarding.
- Footwear: The yacht deck gets very hot in the sun, and some island beaches are pebbly. Water shoes are highly recommended.
- Cash is King: The boat bar and snack service accept cash (TL or Euro) only. Credit cards are not accepted on board.
- Eco-Awareness: Suluada and its surrounding bays are a protected habitat for Caretta Caretta sea turtles. Please do not touch marine life or leave any trash.
- Infants (0-3 years) join for free but do not get a dedicated bus seat. Children (4-12 years) receive a discounted rate.
What to Bring
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Water shoes or secure sandals (highly recommended for hot decks and pebbly beaches)
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- A light cover-up or long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the upper deck
- Cash (Euros or Turkish Lira) for drinks, snacks, or optional snorkeling gear
- Motion sickness tablets (if needed, take before boarding)
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and camera
Guest Reviews (4)
Sophie V.
Netherlands
The water is literally as blue as the Maldives! Yes, the bus ride is long, but the mountain views are beautiful. Bring a neck pillow and you'll be fine. The lunch was surprisingly tasty.
Markus W.
Germany
Great value for €55. The yacht was clean and the crew was very friendly. Pro tip: bring cash for drinks on the boat, they don't take cards. The Love Cave swim was freezing but amazing!
Emma L.
United Kingdom
Beautiful island, but it gets crowded by midday. Our guide made sure we got to the best bay first. Just be prepared for a 12-hour day from pickup to drop-off.
David R.
Ireland
Absolutely stunning. We saw a sea turtle near the boat! The transfer was comfortable and the driver was safe on the mountain roads. Highly recommend the water shoes, the deck gets hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the transfer from Side to Suluada Island, and is it worth it?
The bus journey to Adrasan Port takes approximately 2.5 hours each way (5 hours total travel). While it is a long day, the dramatic mountain scenery makes it worthwhile, and the pristine, crowd-free waters of the "Turkish Maldives" are vastly superior to the crowded beaches in Side. Pro tip: Bring a neck pillow and download a movie for the bus ride.
Does the boat ride to Suluada Island get choppy or cause motion sickness?
The 1-hour crossing from Adrasan Port to the island is usually calm, but it can occasionally be bumpy depending on the wind. If you or your children are prone to seasickness, we strongly recommend taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding the boat.
Why are water shoes highly recommended for this tour?
The upper deck of the boat gets scorching hot under the midday sun, and some of the natural swim stops have pebbly or rocky shores. Water shoes (or secure, old sneakers) will protect your feet from the heat and rocks, making the experience much more comfortable than wearing flip-flops.
Can I pay for extra drinks or snacks on the boat with a credit card?
No. The boat's bar and snack service operate on a strict cash-only basis (Turkish Lira or Euros). There is no Wi-Fi or card terminal on the water, so please bring enough cash for your family's extra drinks, ice creams, or optional photo purchases.
Is it possible to see Caretta Caretta sea turtles on this tour?
Yes! Suluada and the surrounding bays are a strictly protected natural habitat for the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles. While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, your chances of spotting them here are significantly higher than in most other coastal areas. Please remember not to touch marine life or leave any trash.
Is the Suluada Island tour suitable for toddlers and young children?
Yes, the shallow, calm bays are generally safe for children. However, parents must supervise them closely at all times. Infants (0-3 years) join for free but do not get a dedicated bus seat (they must sit on a parent's lap). The 5-hour total travel time can be tiring for very young toddlers, so please plan accordingly.
How cold is the water at the swim stops?
Because the area is fed by mountain springs and is a reservoir, the water is refreshingly cold (around 18-20°C), even in the peak of summer. It is incredibly invigorating, but we recommend taking a quick dip and then warming up in the Mediterranean sun on the boat deck.
What is the best strategy to get a good spot on the boat?
The upper deck offers the best views and sunbathing spots, but it fills up very quickly. Our local pro tip: Head upstairs immediately after boarding at Adrasan Port to claim your spot before the crowds arrive.
What should I know about the "Love Cave" swim stop?
The Love Cave is a famous local spot, but because it is a cave, it lacks direct sunlight, making the water inside significantly colder than the open sea. It is a fun, quick dip for the brave, but not recommended for young children or those who get cold easily.
What happens if the weather is bad and the boat cannot sail?
Safety is our absolute priority. If sea conditions are unsafe (high winds or storms), the boat trip will be canceled. In this rare event, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to another date without any hassle.
From
€55
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