REVIEW · KEMER
Alanya/Side City: Suluada, Bays Visit With Boat W/Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Yükay Turizm · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Suluada feels like a postcard in motion. This day trip takes you from Alanya/Side to Adrasan by air-conditioned coach, then out to Suluada (the Watery Island) by boat. I like that you’re not just looking from shore—you get real water time, including swims in the island’s bays and in the Love Cave pools.
Two things I’m especially into: the lunch setup and the photo options. You get a proper boat lunch (fresh fish, spaghetti or similar, salad) with Turkish tea, biscuits, and a plate of fruits, all while you can see the bay views around you. And once you’re on the island, there’s a lot of moving between viewpoints, beaches, and natural spots for pictures.
The main consideration is simple: the day is long and drinks aren’t included. You’ll be transferring for hours (with a morning pickup and a return drop-off around 16:00), and if you’re picky about beverages, you’ll want to plan accordingly.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually notice
- Alanya/Side to Adrasan: the early-day rhythm that makes it work
- Boarding in Adrasan: your 45-minute Suluada crossing
- Suluada’s bays and sandy beach time: the swimming part
- Lunch on the boat: fresh fish, tea, fruits, and sea views
- Water springs and photo stops: small detours that add up
- Love Cave: natural pools and a swim-ready moment
- American Beach: where the sea meets the photo angle
- The wrap-up: how the return feels at 16:00
- Price and value: what you get for about $53 per person
- Who should book (and who should skip)
- Should you book the Suluada Bays visit from Alanya/Side?
- FAQ
- Where is pickup offered for this tour?
- How long is the full day, and when do you return?
- How do you get from Adrasan to Suluada?
- What activities are included once you’re on Suluada?
- Is lunch included, and what does it include?
- Are drinks included during the tour?
- Do I need to bring anything?
- What languages is the guide available in?
- Can I cancel and get a refund?
Key highlights you’ll actually notice
- Two 45-minute boat rides out to Suluada and back, plus time on the way to watch the coastline and bays
- Swimming in multiple places, including bay water spots and the natural pools at Love Cave
- Boat lunch with bay views—fresh fish or spaghetti-style meal, salad, tea, biscuits, and fruits
- American Beach for a quick water jump right from the beach area
- Water springs on Suluada plus sandy shore time and photo stops
- Small-group boarding and boats that can’t exceed capacity, so you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder
Alanya/Side to Adrasan: the early-day rhythm that makes it work
Most people think of this as an island trip. But the real setup starts before you even see the water. Early morning pickup is included from a big range of addresses between Alanya (like Kargıcak) and Antalya (like Side and nearby neighborhoods), and the coach ride to Kemer/Adrasan is about 3 hours 15 minutes, with breaks along the way.
I like this structure because it protects your island time. If you try to DIY it later in the day, you’ll often burn hours sorting transport and timing. Here, the transfer is doing the heavy lifting, and you show up to Adrasan ready for the boat.
One practical note: pickup can run about 15 minutes later depending on traffic. That’s not a problem if you build in a little patience, but it matters if you’re the type who already has your day “on rails.”
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Kemer
Boarding in Adrasan: your 45-minute Suluada crossing
When you arrive in Adrasan, the boat is waiting. Then you get a 45-minute cruise toward Suluada. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy the sea views, but structured enough that the trip doesn’t feel random.
This is also where you’ll understand the tone of the day: it’s active. You’re not just sitting in a tour bus with one scenic stop. You’re heading into multiple swimming and attraction moments, so it helps to wear practical clothes for the transfer and be ready to change into beachwear quickly.
If you’re sensitive to boats, keep it in mind that this route includes two crossings (out and back). Still, the crossings are timed, and you’ll have plenty of breaks and on-island time to balance it out.
Suluada’s bays and sandy beach time: the swimming part
Once you reach Suluada, you start with the water. You’ll first enjoy watching the island’s magnificent bays, then you’ll have time to swim in the cool water. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the whole day because the water isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the activity.
After that, there’s clean sandy beach time for sunbathing and relaxing. It’s not the kind of beach time that feels like a punishment. You get enough space to settle, and there’s usually an easy rhythm: swim, dry off, grab a photo, then swim again.
You’ll also spend time exploring around the island viewpoint areas for photos. That matters because Suluada is small enough that you can change angles fast, but big enough that the views still feel varied.
Lunch on the boat: fresh fish, tea, fruits, and sea views
Lunch is one of those things that can make or break a tour day, and this one does it right. Instead of a rushed lunch somewhere on land, you eat on the boat, with bay views around you.
The included meal is described as fresh fish, spaghetti or something similar, and salad. You also get Turkish tea and biscuits, plus fully organic fruits served on a plate. Even if you’re not a huge “food person,” this setup keeps the day moving without turning lunch into a separate mission.
One thing to remember: drinks aren’t included. If you’re the type who relies on water, soda, or juice during hot hours, make sure you’re ready for that cost. The tour includes tea, but it doesn’t promise everything else.
Water springs and photo stops: small detours that add up
Suluada isn’t just beaches. You also visit water springs on the island. This is the kind of stop that feels simple at first, then becomes memorable once you’re there. It adds variety beyond swimming and photo-taking from the shoreline.
You’ll also get multiple chances for unforgettable photos from all over the island. That doesn’t mean it’s all “posed” snapshots. Some are quick moments—standing where you can see the water contours and the bay angle, then moving on before the crowd pattern changes.
If you’re traveling with someone who likes scenery but doesn’t want nonstop activity, this is a good balance. The springs and viewpoints are calm, while the water time is the payoff.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Kemer
Love Cave: natural pools and a swim-ready moment
The Love Cave is one of the most famous stops on Suluada. You’ll visit the cave and have the privilege of swimming in the natural pools inside the cave.
This is the part you should treat like a highlight, not a “check it off” stop. Swimming in cave pools feels different from regular sea swimming. It’s cooler, quieter, and more enclosed than the open bays, and it’s the sort of place you’ll remember long after the day ends.
That said, it’s also a practical moment. Bring a towel and consider changing into dry clothes for the ride home. This tour is designed for water time, so you’ll want to be comfortable with that from the start.
American Beach: where the sea meets the photo angle
Next up is American Beach, another popular spot on Suluada. Here, the main action is jumping into the cool waters from the beach area. It’s straightforward and fun—exactly the kind of moment that turns a “pretty island” into a day you feel.
American Beach is also a photo hotspot. The view from the beach direction can make the water look extra dramatic, and you’ll get chances to frame shots from different angles as you move along the shore.
If your group has mixed energy levels, this stop works well. People who love water can go right in. People who prefer to watch can take photos and still be part of the moment without forcing it.
The wrap-up: how the return feels at 16:00
The tour ends at 16:00, and you’ll be dropped back to your pickup address. On the way back, you’ll have time to decompress after a full day of boat riding, swimming, and stops.
The return coach ride includes necessary breaks during travel time, and the day is built so you’re not exhausted immediately. You’ll probably feel it by the end, though. This tour is active enough that your “evening plans” might turn into “shower and relax.”
Price and value: what you get for about $53 per person
At around $53 per person, this is priced as a full-day experience built around transportation, a boat tour, and key island moments. What makes it feel like decent value is the mix of inclusions:
- Boat tour (including the crossings and island access)
- Lunch on board, with a meal that’s more than a snack
- Turkish tea, biscuits, and organic fruits
- Guide
- Round trip transfer
- Insurance
The big “missing item” is also clear: drinks aren’t included. If you budget for water or other beverages, the cost picture looks much better. If you don’t, you might feel surprised when you start thinking about hydration in the heat.
Bottom line: you’re paying to save time and stress. You’re not organizing transport to Adrasan, timing boat availability, or building your own day plan around Love Cave and American Beach. For a one-day window, that convenience is usually the difference between a smooth trip and a chaotic one.
Who should book (and who should skip)
This tour is a strong fit if you want swimming-focused island time plus the two headline stops (Love Cave and American Beach). It also suits people who like a clear schedule, don’t mind a full day, and want transfers handled for them.
You might think twice if:
- you dislike boat rides (there are two 45-minute crossings)
- you hate long travel days and want a shorter outing
- you expect the tour to include all drinks (it doesn’t)
Should you book the Suluada Bays visit from Alanya/Side?
If your idea of a good day is water, photos, and at least a couple of “wow” moments, I’d say yes. The combination of boat access, a real lunch on board, and the chance to swim at Love Cave and jump in from American Beach makes it feel like you’re getting to the heart of Suluada, not just passing by it.
Just go prepared for a water-and-transfer day: bring beachwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. And if you’re a drink-by-default person, plan for that extra cost so it doesn’t distract you once you’re out on the water.
FAQ
Where is pickup offered for this tour?
Pickup is included from addresses between Alanya Kargıcak and Antalya. You can get picked up from a long list of options, including Side and nearby neighborhoods.
How long is the full day, and when do you return?
The tour runs for about 8.5 hours and ends with a return drop-off around 16:00.
How do you get from Adrasan to Suluada?
After arriving in Adrasan, you board a boat for a cruise of about 45 minutes toward Suluada.
What activities are included once you’re on Suluada?
You’ll have time to watch the bays, swim in the water, enjoy sandy beach time, visit water springs, take photos, visit Love Cave (including natural pool swimming), and visit American Beach for jumping into the sea.
Is lunch included, and what does it include?
Yes. Lunch is included and served on the boat, with fresh fish, spaghetti or similar, and salad. You also get Turkish tea and biscuits.
Are drinks included during the tour?
No. Drinks are not included.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes—bring change of clothes, a towel, and beachwear.
What languages is the guide available in?
The live tour guide is available in English, Russian, Turkish, and German.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you tell me where you’ll be picked up (Alanya or Side area), I can help you think through how early you’ll need to be ready for the day.
