Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Kemer, the Suluada Island Boat Tour might catch your eye. It promises a mix of stunning scenery, relaxing swimming spots, and a good slice of local mythology, all for around $20 per person. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, I’ve gathered insights from several reviews and detailed descriptions to give you a clear picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience is its value for money—a full day of exploring unspoiled bays with lunch and hotel transfers included is pretty appealing. On top of that, the beautiful views of turquoise waters and white sands at Suluada are a huge selling point. But, a noteworthy consideration is the overcrowding and rocky beaches that some travelers found less than ideal.

This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, budget-friendly day at sea, and are okay with a busy boat environment. If you’re looking for a scenic, laid-back escape with some fun swimming, this could be just right — especially if you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates good value and lovely scenery.

Key Points

• Affordable price point with lunch and hotel transfer included.
• Focus on scenic stops like Suluada Island and Akseki Bay.
• Good for travelers seeking a full-day, relaxed boat trip.
• Potential crowds and rocky beaches might not suit everyone.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple.
• Limited drinks included, so bring your own if you prefer beverages.

What You Get with This Tour

This is a day-long boat trip designed to show you some of the most picturesque spots around Kemer, all while keeping things straightforward and budget-friendly. The tour lasts roughly 8 to 9 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without rushing.

Starting with hotel pickup, a comfortable vehicle whisks you away from your accommodation in Kemer to the port of Adrasan. This part of the experience takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. We appreciate the convenience here because it means you don’t need to worry about taxis or navigating public transport—just relax and get ready for the day ahead.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Kemer

Your day kicks off with the hotel pickup, which is quite seamless thanks to the arrangement of hotel transfers. The journey from Kemer to Adrasan’s port sets the tone for the trip—smooth and stress-free so you can start your adventure on a good note.

Stop 2: Suluada Island

The first major stop is at Suluada, often called the “Maldives of Turkey” for its beautiful turquoise waters and powdery white sands. Although the island itself is small, it packs a punch visually. Travelers rave about the clarity of the water and the chance to swim and take photos of a truly stunning spot.

One reviewer noted, “Beautiful day, lovers cave was amazing on the boat, and there was a guy taking pictures you could buy at reasonable prices.” This highlights the relaxed vibe and the opportunity for some memorable snapshots. Expect approximately 4 hours here—ample time to swim, relax, and soak up the scenery.

However, keep in mind some reviews mention the beaches are pebbly and rough to walk on, so bringing sea shoes might be a good idea if you plan to walk around. The waters are perfect for swimming, but if you’re hoping to snorkel, you might find the rocky beaches less accommodating.

Stop 3: Kumluca

After Suluada, the boat returns for a lunch break. The included meal features fish or chicken, pasta, and salad—a hearty, satisfying option that fuels you for the rest of the day. Several reviews have praised the food as delicious, with one saying, “The food was so delicious,” which is a nice surprise, considering the price point.

Stop 4: Akseki Bay and Love Cave

Next, the boat heads to Akseki Bay, famous for its Love Cave—a local myth-filled spot where tears of a girl supposedly filled the cave, making it a poignant and photogenic location. Here, you have about an hour to explore and swim. The waters inside the cave are chilly but refreshing, ideal for cooling off after a warm day in the sun.

Some travelers, however, mention the limited swimming opportunities due to overcrowding and rocky beaches. One reviewer said, “There is no sand, only stones, and it’s really hard to walk on,” and that the jellyfish in the water deterred some from swimming altogether. So, it’s worth managing expectations if you’re hoping for long, relaxing swims.

Stop 5: Return to Kemer

Finally, after enjoying Akseki Bay, the boat begins its journey back to the port, with a scenic sail along the coast. A car is waiting to transfer you back to your hotel, completing the seamless experience. The return trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you moments to unwind and reflect on the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The all-included package offers English-speaking crew, hotel transfers both ways, and a filling lunch—which is quite a good deal considering the price. Just note that drinks are not included, so if you prefer soda, beer, or other beverages, you’ll want to bring those along or purchase them on the boat for an extra cost.

The Group Size and Booking

This tour typically hosts up to 80 travelers, which can mean a lively, bustling environment. Many guests appreciate the social aspect, but if you prefer smaller groups, this might feel a bit crowded at times. The tour is usually booked about 14 days in advance, so planning ahead is recommended.

What Travelers Are Saying: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Many reviews highlight the stunning views, delicious food, and the overall value. Sarah, for example, described her day as “Beautiful,” praising the Lover’s Cave and the reasonable price for photos. Others appreciated the smooth organization of hotel pickup and drop-off, making the whole experience hassle-free.

On the flip side, some travelers expressed disappointment about overcrowded beaches and rocky terrain, making swimming less pleasurable. One reviewer pointed out that the beaches are pebble-strewn and rough, which might require sea shoes. Another shared a less favorable experience with the boat being overcrowded and issues with overcapacity at Suluada—a reminder to always check recent reviews or contact the provider if you’re concerned about crowding.

Pricing and Value

At $20 per person, this tour offers good value when you consider the full-day itinerary, lunch, and hotel transfers. While the beaches might not be pristine sand, the price reflects the convenience and the variety of stops. That said, if your priority is secluded beaches or snorkeling with abundant marine life, this might not fully meet your expectations.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love scenic boat rides, easy-going exploration, and are okay with some crowds and rocky beaches, this trip could be a great fit. It’s especially suitable for travelers looking for an affordable, full-day experience with minimal hassle—thanks to the hotel pickup and included lunch.

However, if peaceful, uncrowded beaches or extensive snorkeling are your priorities, you might find this tour a little crowded or limited in water activities. The rocky beaches and jellyfish reports suggest packing a pair of sea shoes and bringing any necessary personal safety measures.

Final Thoughts

The Kemer Suluada Boat Tour offers a solid way to see some of Turkey’s most beautiful coastal spots without breaking the bank. It’s a convenient and scenic choice for travelers wanting to enjoy the turquoise waters and white sands of Suluada, combined with stops at charming bays like Akseki. The included lunch and hotel transfer make it a practical pick, especially if you’re staying in Kemer.

While it’s not perfect—some overcrowding and rocky beaches can be drawbacks—the overall experience tends to be positive, with many travelers saying it’s a day worth spending. If you’re flexible and looking for a budget-friendly, scenic adventure, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels all over Kemer, making logistics very simple.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs about 8 to 9 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

What is the main highlight? Suluada Island with its turquoise waters and white sands is the star attraction, often called the Maldives of Turkey.

Are drinks included? No, drinks are not included. You might want to bring some water or purchase beverages on the boat.

Is there enough time to swim? There’s time to swim and snorkel at each stop, but some reviews mention overcrowding and rocky beaches, which can limit water activities.

What’s the food like? The included meal features fish or chicken, pasta, and salad, and reviews say it’s quite tasty and satisfying.

Can I book this last minute? Most bookings are made about two weeks in advance, so if you’re planning last-minute, check availability early.

Is this suitable for families or children? While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s relaxed pace and scenic stops could work well for families comfortable with boat trips and rocky beaches.

If you’re after a relaxed day at sea, good value, and scenic views, the Kemer Suluada Boat Tour might just be your perfect getaway. Just pack some sea shoes, bring your camera, and enjoy a day of exploring Turkey’s beautiful coastlines.