Antalya Kemer Suluada Boat Trip Review: Worth it?

So, you’re thinking of taking a boat trip to Suluada from Antalya or Kemer? That small “Turkish Maldives” is almost legendary for its startling turquoise waters and that sparkling white sand, too it’s easy to see the appeal. But is it *really* worth the hype? I’m here to tell you about what my experience was like, what to look forward to, and those few things to be aware of before booking that ticket.

What Makes Suluada So Special?

The thing about Suluada is that its landscape is remarkably unique, and what you see online actually rings true. It might look almost digitally enhanced, but it genuinely doesn’t need much of a filter. Suluada is known, after all, for its unreal, pristine beaches, mineral-rich waters, and just those incredible rock formations. Those mineral waters aren’t only pretty but also considered to have some skin-boosting qualities, which might be why you will catch so many people covering themselves in the white sand. Legend has it that that same sand possesses restorative qualities, too it’s kind of a natural spa treatment!

The island itself is quite small, and there really aren’t any permanent settlements. This really keeps it pristine, in a way. Excursions typically involve sailing around those different bays, stopping off for swimming breaks, and, naturally, that all-important lunch on board. Is that remoteness makes Suluada especially magical and the overall allure quite easy to see.

Booking Your Suluada Boat Trip

There really are a ton of tours to pick from, specifically leaving from Antalya and Kemer. In a way, what one to go with mostly hinges on preference, plus budget, but that research definitely pays off. So, start with looking into what the tour actually covers, reading what those other travelers said, and paying close attention to all the included features. A good package typically would include transportation to and from those hotels, a lunch, snorkeling equipment, and, very often, drinks (water, soft drinks – sometimes those even include some local alcoholic drinks).

Price points can swing, more or less, from budget-friendly options, maybe in the neighborhood of €30-€40, up to something a bit fancier, running closer to €70 or more. Usually those extra euros buy that smaller group setting, possibly a fancier lunch, and generally more personalized attention. So, booking during peak season, I found reserving in advance, anyway, gets a hold of the dates desired plus sometimes those discounts.

What to Expect on the Boat Trip

A typical boat trip sort of starts with that hotel pickup, followed by what may be a ride to the harbor, in Kemer, often, or possibly Antalya’s harbor. From there, that boat sets off toward Suluada. How long that boat trip is varies, anyway, normally somewhere between one and two hours, giving the chance to soak up that coastal view.

Upon reaching Suluada, the boat starts circling several scenic spots, which allows for those swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Those waters really are crystal clear, also they invite taking a plunge. Lunch happens aboard, and usually the meal includes some grilled fish or chicken, salads, and a few mezes, giving those flavors of Turkey. Snorkeling gear gets handed out, typically. You’ll want to confirm if there is something like that available upon booking so you know what needs packing or not.

Be aware that those boats, based on tour choice, maybe big and packed or of that smaller variety. Smaller boats generally feel less crowded, yet may be more costly. Is that music and the atmosphere will probably get livelier as the day wears on, adding in the end to that fun, festive vibe. Once finished on Suluada, boats often might include stops by additional local bays or those beaches for that quick dip. In the afternoon the boat travels back, then transportation awaits to return guests back to that starting hotel.

Snorkeling in Suluada: What You Might See

Snorkeling near Suluada isn’t quite like checking out what that Great Barrier Reef can offer, that said it presents enough marine life that holds that curiosity. That water visibility reaches pretty good depths. While swimming near those rocks and that shoreline, anticipate encountering a fair few types of colorful fish, and that sometimes includes some sea turtles, even, depending on luck.

The thing to keep in mind when packing that sunscreen is picking that reef-safe brand to shield the skin plus protecting that underwater eco setup. Is that a decent underwater camera really can step up documenting encounters under the water, yet only if having skills plus a camera designed to be underwater. If one’s not a practiced snorkeler, renting or getting a hold of that flotation device may allow extra support plus comfort in water.

The Lunch Situation: What’s on the Menu?

Regarding onboard lunch, expect food offerings representing Turkey’s popular, relaxed lunch cuisine. Typically served is that grilled chicken or fish, and they both get accompanied by Turkish mezes (appetizers), plus salads. Usually, too, that is that bread. For those observing a diet limitation, letting tour operators know in good time would enable preparations that will address requirements for particular dishes available, so, also this requires communicating well in advance before that booked date happens. It can vary so much tour to tour, what a lunch tastes like. Is that a simple open buffet lets participants test numerous flavors as others get plated that serve portion control more.

Is Suluada Crowded? What About the Best Time to Go?

Yup, during peak season (June to August), Suluada is pretty crowded. In a way that natural appeal ends up bringing the crowds, plus makes space fairly competitive. If seeking a visit less congested, thinking about scheduling in May, or what about September, might allow experiencing its splendor along with fewer people to rub elbows with. Going on some weekday possibly draws thinner attendance figures as contrasted against that busier weekend tour crowd scenario.

Tips for a Fantastic Suluada Boat Trip

• Pack Smart: Sunscreen, hats, swimwear, towels and what about some water shoes, all need going in a tote.
• Stay Hydrated: Is that sun brings temperatures quite hot which makes fluid consumption constantly highly important. Carry more water if boats don’t keep bottles around readily.
• Protect Your Valuables: Having a dry bag is one simple solution which really protects phone/cameras or extra delicate electronics kept closely when touring in wet settings like the deck on board a moving tour boat.
• Arrive Early: So, get set out a little before appointed meet times! In fact you could prevent feeling quite pushed which is one less anxiety trigger easily mitigated before the day begins.
• Respect the Environment: Guarantee that every wrap/trash, gets filed as you’d hope those after, could so those fragile spots continue to enjoy eco-tourism longer rather than deteriorate.

Taking proper guidance guarantees memories stay excellent. After all a great visit, depends substantially, along planning thoroughly when packing and staying in good form through being properly shielded from heat during tour activities whether close the water or just relaxing on the boat itself.

What About Potential Downsides?

It is vital to get ready for some potential annoyances. So, one is crowds, which truly becomes oppressive in peak visiting months. Next is maybe loud background music on some boats, plus it might disrupt just a peaceful moment desired, if sensitive just know certain lines run quite boisterous party cruise atmospheres from other chilled sail experiences, it really helps clarify preferred pace through tour operator previews beforehand. Further certain vendors push merchandise on ferries or stops causing intrusions which, you might also want to ready yourself to deal assertively if they make your cruise awkward or even annoying.

Overall: Is the Suluada Boat Trip Worth It?

Basically, after experiencing such boat sightseeing trips towards Suluada it gets very tempting to strongly endorse taking these trips. Yup, absolutely magnificent views with pristine shore areas definitely creates lasting travel day imagery in that mind’s eye. Still a couple items could sour days, though, including dense tourism during the vacation rush so scheduling round seasons outside premier times makes big wisdom if keen on experiencing that locale when least people crowd popular overlooks, secondly assure your boating company features atmosphere well matching personal flavor through actively soliciting reviews instead jumping through first choice view on web platforms for securing spot!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)