From Side/Alanya: Suluada Island Boat Trip with Lunch

Exploring the Suluada Island Boat Trip from Side and Alanya: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a day out on Turkey’s stunning southern coast, a boat trip to Suluada Island might just be your ticket to a mix of sun, sea, and a bit of adventure. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect. It’s a popular choice for travelers craving a relaxing escape with scenic views, good food, and a chance to unwind on pristine beaches.

What really catches the eye about this trip are the picturesque cruise along Turkey’s colorful coastline and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Turkish-Mediterranean lunch while soaking up panoramic sea views. Plus, the flexibility of transfer options—from Side, Alanya, or even a meeting point at Adrasan Beach—means you can tailor your day to what suits you best.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the trip duration can range from 6 to 15 hours, so it’s a full day, and the experience depends heavily on weather conditions and the boat’s schedule. It’s not necessarily ideal if you’re after a highly structured tour with guided sightseeing, but if you’re looking for a laid-back day on the water with some quality time on the beach, this could work well.

This experience suits travelers who love a mix of scenic cruising, beach lounging, and good food—especially those who enjoy a touch of adventure but don’t need a highly guided or family-oriented activity. It’s a straightforward trip that offers memorable views and a relaxing vibe.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Voyage: The cruise offers breathtaking views of Turkey’s rugged coastline and clear waters, perfect for photography lovers.
• Tasty Lunch Included: The onboard lunch features Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, providing a great way to enjoy local flavors in a relaxed setting.
• Flexible Transfers: Options include hotel pickups from Side or Alanya, or a meeting point at Adrasan Beach—making it convenient regardless of your preferred start.
• Free Time on Suluada: You’ll have hours to swim, hike, or just chill on the island’s beautiful beaches.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations or rescheduling are possible if conditions aren’t safe.
• Group Size and Comfort: Expect a full boat, sometimes with limited space and no air conditioning on the bus, which might be uncomfortable in peak heat.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect: The Journey and the Experience

This boat trip is all about combining sea travel with leisure. From the moment you’re picked up (if you choose the transfer option), the journey begins with a scenic drive through Turkey’s stunning landscape. The transfer time can be around 3 hours, so it’s a bit of a ride, but many find the mountain views on the way to be worth it.

Once you arrive at Adrasan Harbor, you’ll be welcomed aboard a comfortable boat ready to set sail. The vessel is equipped with safety gear, toilets, and changing facilities—so it’s reasonably well-equipped for a day on the water. The cruise itself, which lasts about 5 hours, is a highlight. You’ll glide past rugged cliffs, green hills, and sparkling waters, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The captain and crew are generally approachable, and though the English may be basic, they’ll do their best to make everyone comfortable.

During the cruise, the highlight for many is the lunch served on board. Expect a spread of fresh salads, chicken or fish options, and Mediterranean sides. Sitting on the deck, you’ll enjoy your meal while taking in the sweeping views. It’s a relaxing way to refuel after some swim and exploration time.

Speaking of free time, once you arrive at Suluada, you’ll have several hours to enjoy the island. The beaches are said to be powdery white sand with crystal-clear waters—a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or snapping social media-worthy shots. Some reviews mention hiking to ruins or exploring the island’s natural beauty, which adds a bit of adventure for those inclined.

As the day winds down, the boat heads back to Adrasan, and you’ll start the return journey. The ride back offers a peaceful end to your day, with many travelers describing a calming, almost meditative experience on the water. The trip ends with drop-offs at your hotel or designated locations, depending on your booking.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start / Pick-up: The tour begins either with a hotel pickup from Side or Alanya, or at the designated meeting point at Adrasan Beach. The exact time varies depending on your option, but be ready 5 minutes early.

Travel to the Coast: The coach journey takes around 3 hours, offering scenic mountain views and a chance to relax before the boat adventure. Some travelers have noted the bus can be crowded and hot, as there’s no air conditioning on some buses.

Boat Cruise to Suluada: About 5 hours on the water, exploring the coastline and enjoying the onboard lunch. The captain and crew are generally friendly, but note that the English spoken may be limited, and some reviews mention the captain’s English skills are poor.

Time on Suluada: Several hours to enjoy the beach, swim, hike, or relax. This is the core part of the trip—and what many highlight as their favorite.

Return Cruise & Journey Back: The boat heads back to Adrasan, followed by a coach ride back to your starting point, ending around late afternoon or evening.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included:
– Round-trip transfers (if you choose the transfer option)
– Boat trip to Suluada Island
– Onboard lunch with Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine
– Safety equipment
– Travel insurance

Not Included:
– Snorkeling equipment rental (if you want to snorkel)
– Drinks and additional food outside the provided lunch

It’s worth noting that the tour is quite affordable at $18 per person, especially considering the length of the trip, the meal, and the scenic experience—all of which are significant value.

The Experience from Reviews

One reviewer pointed out that the views are stunning, calling the trip “amazingly beautiful,” and expressed a wish to do it again. That said, there are some practical considerations—like the bus ride, which can be very hot and cramped, especially if full with no A/C. The lack of a guide on the boat means you’ll need to rely on the crew’s limited English, but the captain’s speech can be understood with a bit of patience.

The food gets high marks, with many saying it’s a highlight of the trip, offering fresh, well-prepared Turkish dishes. The freedom to swim or hike on Suluada is a big plus, allowing you to tailor your experience to your mood.

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Who This Tour Suits Best

If you’re a traveler who loves scenic boat rides and beach days without the fuss of a guided tour, this trip offers a straightforward, relaxed approach. It’s ideal if you enjoy natural beauty, local food, and some light adventure in a group setting. Keep in mind it’s not catered for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, and the weather-dependent nature means you might need some flexibility.

FAQs

Is pickup included? Yes, if you select the transfer option, pickup from Side or Alanya is included, with meeting points at your hotel or specified locations.

What should I bring? Pack essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and perhaps a towel. Don’t forget your camera or phone for photos.

How long is the boat trip? The cruise lasts about 5 hours, with additional time for transfers and waiting.

Can I snorkel? Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, but you can rent it if available, or bring your own.

Is lunch vegetarian-friendly? The menu typically features Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including salads and chicken or fish. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

Is it suitable for children? Children under 3 participate for free, but keep in mind the boat and journey might be less comfortable for very young kids or those sensitive to motion sickness.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this boat trip to Suluada from Side or Alanya delivers a refreshing mix of natural beauty, tasty food, and relaxed adventure. It’s a good pick for travelers wanting to escape the crowds, enjoy scenic views, and spend time on a pristine beach. Just be prepared for a full day and the possibility of weather-related changes. If you’re after an easy-going, picture-perfect day on Turkey’s coast, this tour checks many boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here: