Suluada Island Boat Trip incl. Lunch and Transfer f/Kemer

If you’re eyeing a day out on the water in Turkey, the Suluada Island boat trip might catch your eye. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to combine scenic cruising, swimming, and a taste of local nature. We haven’t experienced it firsthand but have gathered enough info to give you a clear picture of what to expect, what’s worth your attention, and what might be less impressive.

What we like about this tour is how it handles most logistics for you — hotel pickup, transfers, and lunch are all included, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy a full day. Plus, the opportunity to spot sea turtles and dolphins adds a nice touch of wildlife magic. On the flip side, some reviews mention overcrowding and inconsistent service, so it’s worth considering if you’re after a more exclusive or intimate experience. This trip suits travelers who want a straightforward, budget-friendly way to explore Mediterranean bays and enjoy plenty of swimming and sunbathing.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Stress-Free Experience: Hotel pick-up and drop-off make it easy to relax from the moment you leave your hotel.
• Multiple Stops with Variety: From Love Island to pirate caves, you’ll get a mix of swimming, sunbathing, and scenic views.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles and dolphins, which are sometimes spotted.
• Value for Money: At around $41.50, it offers decent access to several attractive spots, including lunch and guide service.
• Crowded Spots: Be aware that popular sites can get quite busy, and space for sunbathing might be limited.
• Mixed Reviews on Service: While many rave about the guides and scenery, others have experienced issues like incorrect hotel pickups or delays.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Starting with the good, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, and lunch on the boat. These are big pluses if you want a day organized for you without scrambling for arrangements. Drinks, however, are not included, so plan to bring your own water or purchase drinks on the boat or at stops.

The price, roughly $41.50, seems reasonable for a full day out, especially considering the transfers, guide, and lunch. That said, the quality of the meal may vary — reviews mention good food but also note gluten-free options are lacking, and the wine served might not be the best.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Let’s walk through the typical day to help you visualize your experience. The tour generally begins with hotel pickups between 07:30 and 08:00, followed by a roughly two-hour drive to Adrasan harbor. This part is straightforward and saves you the worry of organizing transport yourself.

Once at the harbor, the boat departs for Suluada Island, which is the primary highlight. Here, you’ll get around two hours to swim, sunbathe, and explore the Love Cave. The waters tend to be clear, and the environment unspoiled, perfect for relaxing swims. As one traveler said, “the bay is awesome,” and the waters are ideal for a refreshing dip.

Next, the boat heads to Akseki Bay, also known as Love Island, where the small cave adds a mythic touch. The waters are cold but inviting, and the setting’s natural beauty is a big draw. This stop is often praised for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled feel, though some mention it gets crowded — one review noted, “the beaches of white pebbles, not sand,” which might be a surprise if you’re expecting sandy shores.

After some leisure time, the group enjoys a lunch break on the boat, usually lasting about two hours. The food is generally appreciated as tasty, with some reviews highlighting “good flavors” and “nice hot beef dish,” but also some mention that the meal could be better, and the wine quality varies.

The trip continues with a visit to the Cave of Love, following the coastline and Lycia Way. Here, you might spot sea turtles, which are known to frequent these waters, adding an exciting wildlife element. Expect around an hour to explore, swim, or just enjoy the scenery from the boat.

The next stop is Korsan Koyu (Pirate Cave), where you can jump into the clean bays for more swimming and sunbathing. This part is often considered a highlight for those craving a peaceful swim with scenery straight out of a postcard.

Finally, the boat heads back towards Karaoz Hurmalı and then the harbor, where the transfer bus will take you back to Kemer. The entire day is roughly 10 hours, including travel, which makes it quite a full and activity-packed experience.

What Do Travelers Say?

Reviews give a balanced picture. Many appreciate the value for money, mentioning the well-organized transport, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery. One reviewer said, “great value, nice boat, and a good guide,” emphasizing the overall positive experience. The lunch also gets good remarks, with some calling it “delicious” and “filling.”

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some travelers mention overcrowded spots — one noted, “impossible to find room to sunbathe,” which can detract from the relaxing vibe. There are also reports of poor customer service, like wrong hotel pickups and delays in refunds, which could impact your experience if customer service is a priority.

Wildlife and Scenery

Most travelers loved the scenery and crystal-clear waters. The chance to see sea turtles is a big bonus for wildlife fans, though sightings are not guaranteed. The coastline along the Lycian Way offers stunning views, and the caves provide that extra sense of adventure.

The Crowds and Commercial Feel

A recurring theme in reviews is the over-commercialization and crowd levels. Some felt the sites are overly busy, especially during peak season, which takes away some of the tranquil charm. Still, the natural beauty remains impressive, and if you’re okay with some bustling scenes, you’ll likely enjoy the day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates organized tours with all logistics taken care of and loves swimming and sightseeing without the fuss, this trip offers good value. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with crowds and busy spots, and families or groups looking for a fun day out could find it enjoyable.

Keep in mind, if you’re seeking secluded beaches or a luxury experience, this might not meet your expectations. The large group size (up to 80 people) and the likelihood of crowds mean it’s more of a social, lively outing than a peaceful retreat.

The Suluada Island boat trip offers a cost-effective, well-organized way to explore some of Turkey’s beautiful coastal sites. The combination of swimming, scenic views, and wildlife spotting makes it a fun filler if you want a full day on the water. While some reviews mention overcrowding and inconsistent service, many travelers find the experience worthwhile for the price.

If you’re after a relaxed, guided day with lunch included and don’t mind sharing space with fellow travelers, this tour could be a good choice. Just keep expectations in check regarding crowds and service hiccups. It’s a solid option for those looking to tick off multiple stops in one day, especially if you’re on a budget.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, making the day stress-free from the moment you step out of your hotel.

What’s the duration of the trip?
It lasts around 10 hours, with the itinerary including travel time, stops, and meals.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the package, so bring water or plan to purchase beverages during the day.

Can I see wildlife like turtles or dolphins?
There’s a good chance to see sea turtles during the boat trip, but sightings aren’t guaranteed. Dolphins sometimes make an appearance too.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is part of the experience, with most reviews mentioning tasty and filling food, although options for dietary restrictions may be limited.

How crowded are the stops?
Popular sites like Suluada and Love Island can get quite busy, especially in peak season. If tranquility is your priority, be prepared for some hustle.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, kids who enjoy swimming and boat trips should find it enjoyable. Keep in mind the long day and potential crowds.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, a hat, and perhaps a towel. Since drinks aren’t included, carry bottled water. Also, a waterproof camera or phone case can help capture the scenery.

If you’re after a lively, scenic day on the water with plenty of swimming and the convenience of organized logistics, the Suluada Island boat trip from Kemer might just fit the bill. Just be ready for some crowds and a busy day — but with stunning views and a good value, it remains a solid choice for many travelers.