Suluada Boat Trip From Kemer (2026): The “Maldives of Turkey” Guide

If you’ve seen photos of an island near Antalya with powder-white sand and water so turquoise it looks edited — that’s Suluada, and yes, it really looks like that. Nicknamed the “Maldives of Turkey,” this tiny uninhabited island south of Kemer is the region’s most photogenic boat trip, and it’s surprisingly affordable. Here’s an honest local guide: what the day involves, where the boats leave from, what it costs in 2026, and how to pick the right tour.

Suluada is a small, uninhabited island off the bay of Adrasan, within the Beydağları National Park south of Kemer. There are no buildings on it — just brilliant white sand, shallow turquoise water and a few small beaches and coves. Because it’s protected, it stays wild and beautiful, which is exactly why the boats come. The “Maldives of Turkey” tag is marketing, but the colour of that water genuinely earns it.

A typical trip collects you from your hotel and drives to the departure harbour, where you board a boat (often a wooden gulet) for the cruise out to the island. Along the way you’ll pass dramatic cliffs and sea caves — with a bit of luck you might spot dolphins or turtles. At Suluada the boat anchors for swimming and sunbathing on the island’s beaches, with further stops usually at Paradise Bay and the Love Cave (Akseki Bay) for more swimming. Lunch is served on board, and you’re back at your hotel by late afternoon — a full day of around 8–9 hours including transfers.

Suluada boat trip	At a glance
Total trip length	~8–9 hours (with transfers)
Price from	around $16 per person
Departs	Kemer Marina or Adrasan harbour
Usually includes	Lunch, swim stops, hotel transfer
Best for	Beautiful water, swimming, photos

There are two main starting points, and it’s worth knowing the difference. Boats from Kemer Marina give you a longer, scenic cruise down the coast before reaching the island. Boats from Adrasan start from a bay much closer to Suluada, so you get a shorter sea crossing and more time at the island itself — handy if you’re prone to seasickness or just want maximum beach time. Both usually include hotel pickup from the Kemer area; check which harbour your tour departs from when you book.

For most people the standard Kemer Suluada boat trip with hotel transfer is the easy choice — great value, lunch included, and all the highlight stops. If you’d prefer the shorter crossing and more island time, pick the Adrasan departure instead.

Check Price & Availability — from $16 →

See the Adrasan Departure (with Lunch) →

Honest answer: the water and sand genuinely are stunning, and on a calm morning Suluada is breathtaking. But it’s not a private, silent paradise — in peak summer plenty of boats anchor here, and some are lively party boats with music. If you want the postcard version, go early in the season or on a smaller, quieter boat, and manage your expectations on a busy August afternoon. It’s beautiful; just not deserted.

Swimming is the whole point — the water is clear, warm and shallow in places, perfect for floating around. There are no shops or facilities on the island, so bring everything you need: swimwear, a towel, plenty of sunscreen (there’s little shade), water shoes if your feet are sensitive, and some cash for extras on the boat. A waterproof phone pouch is great for the photos.

Suluada boat trips run from roughly May to October. June and September are the sweet spot — warm sea, great light and fewer boats than the July–August peak. Whatever month you pick, choose a morning departure for the calmest water and the best chance of having the bays to yourself for a while.

Is the Suluada boat trip worth it?
Yes — it’s one of the most beautiful and best-value boat trips on the coast. Pick a quieter boat if you want a relaxed day rather than a party.

How long is the Suluada boat trip from Kemer?
About 8–9 hours including hotel transfers, with several hours at the island and bays.

How much does it cost?
Trips start from around $16 per person, usually including lunch and transfers; prices rise in peak summer.

Can you stay on Suluada?
No — it’s an uninhabited, protected island with no buildings, so it’s a day trip only.

Is it good for families?
Yes, with the right boat — choose a calmer, family-style cruise rather than a party boat for younger kids.