Antalya: Suluada Island Boat Trip & Lunch with Hotel Pickup

Summary

Sail from antalya to suluada island for white sand swims and a local lunch

You’ll swim in Suluada Island’s turquoise waters, eat fresh-cooked lunch onboard as you drift along Antalya’s coast, and laugh with locals as you explore cold caves and soft white sands. Hotel pickup makes things simple so all you have to do is show up ready for sun and saltwater memories.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the boat in Antalya when the captain grinned and handed us glasses of strong Turkish tea — “çay,” he said, like we should already know. I tried to say thank you in Turkish (it’s “teşekkürler,” but I’m sure I mangled it). The sea was already that wild blue you see on postcards, but somehow it felt quieter than I expected, just the hum of the engine and gulls overhead. There were families with little kids, a couple from Izmir who shared their sunscreen with us, and an older woman who kept pointing out shapes in the clouds.

The ride to Suluada Island wasn’t long — maybe an hour? — but it felt like we’d left everything behind. When we got close, the water changed color so suddenly I almost dropped my phone trying to take a photo. Our guide, Cem, said locals call it the “Maldives of Turkey.” It did look kind of unreal: white sand that squeaked underfoot, water so clear you could count pebbles at your toes. We swam until our fingers wrinkled. There was this salty breeze mixed with something floral — maybe wild herbs on the island? Lunch came after: grilled chicken or fish (I went for fish), pasta, salad. Simple but honestly perfect after swimming. The bread was still warm; I ate too much.

Later we stopped at Akseki Bay — there’s this cave called the Love Cave. Cem told us some story about lost lovers’ tears filling it up (he winked; not sure if he believed it himself). The water inside was freezing cold compared to outside — I yelped when I jumped in and everyone laughed. Sunlight bounced off the cave walls in weird patterns. On the way back to Antalya, people dozed or just stared out at sea. Someone played music low on their phone; nobody minded.

I still think about floating in that water, sun on my face and nothing else really mattering for a bit. Not every day trip from Antalya feels this easy or friendly. If you go, bring extra dry clothes — my shorts never dried out before we got back to town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with island visits and lunch

• Hotel pickup in the morning
• Transfer to the port
• Boat departs, enjoy sea views
• Visit and swim at Suluada Island
• Lunch served on the boat
• Stop at Akseki Bay and Love Cave
• Return boat trip to port
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Suluada Island boat trip from Antalya take?

The tour lasts most of the day, including transfers from your hotel in Antalya.

Is lunch included on the Suluada boat tour?

Yes, lunch is served onboard with options like fish or chicken plus pasta and salad.

Are hotel transfers provided for this day trip?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included from anywhere in Antalya.

Can children join the Suluada boat tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can sit on laps or use strollers.

What should I bring for swimming at Suluada Island?

Bring swimwear, towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, and maybe a camera for photos.

Is there snorkeling equipment provided?

The description mentions swimming but does not specify if snorkeling gear is included—bring your own if needed.

How cold is the water at Love Cave near Akseki Bay?

The water inside Love Cave is noticeably colder than outside—refreshing but chilly!

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Antalya, a full-day boat trip with stops at Suluada Island and Akseki Bay’s Love Cave, plus a freshly prepared lunch onboard featuring fish or chicken with pasta and salad before heading back home in the afternoon.