Side-Turkey.

Some places earn their nickname, and Suluada is one of them. This tiny, uninhabited island off the village of Adrasan, in the Kumluca district of Antalya, is widely called the "Maldives of Turkey" - and once you see the water, the comparison stops feeling like marketing. The sea here glows in shades of pale aqua and deep turquoise, fading to white-sand shallows around the coves. A Suluada boat trip is the easiest way to reach it: you cruise out from Adrasan harbour, anchor in the clear bays, and spend the day swimming and snorkelling in some of the brightest water on the whole Turkish Riviera.

What the Suluada boat trip is really like

The day begins at Adrasan, a relaxed bay tucked into the coast on the Kemer/Antalya side of the region. From the harbour, the boat heads out toward Suluada and the surrounding bays, dropping anchor at several swimming and snorkelling stops along the way. Because the island sits in such clear, shallow water, the snorkelling is genuinely rewarding - you can often see straight down to the pale sandy bottom. Lunch is usually served on board between swims, so you settle into a slow, unhurried rhythm: jump in, dry off, eat, repeat. Exact times, the lunch menu and the number of stops are arranged by the boat and confirmed at booking.

Why it's called the "Maldives of Turkey"

The nickname comes down to colour and clarity. Suluada's coves are framed by pale sand and shallow seabeds, which reflect the light and turn the water that postcard turquoise. It looks tropical, but it's pure Mediterranean - and you reach it on a classic Turkish day boat rather than a seaplane.

A protected island - go gently

Suluada has been a protected natural area for decades, which is exactly why it still looks the way it does. There's no resort, no rows of sunbeds, no built-up promenade - facilities on the island are minimal and undeveloped. That's the charm, but it also means you should come prepared: bring water, sun protection, a hat and water shoes, and take all your rubbish back to the boat. Treating the island lightly is part of the deal, and it keeps Suluada beautiful for the next visitors.

Reaching Suluada from Side

Suluada lies on the western, Kemer/Antalya side of the coast, so from Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts it's a longer overland transfer to reach Adrasan harbour before the boat even leaves. That's completely normal for this excursion - it's a destination worth the drive - but it's worth knowing in advance so you can plan an early, relaxed start. We arrange hotel pick-up and handle the logistics; the pick-up time is confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A boat trip out to Suluada and the surrounding bays with swimming and snorkelling stops; exact timing confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Boat cruise to Suluada and the surrounding bays, swimming and snorkelling stops; lunch often served on board (confirmed at booking).
• Excludes: Personal extras, optional drinks and tips unless stated; details confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes - calm, clear coves make it well suited to families; supervise children near the water.
• Best Season: Late spring through early autumn, when the sea is warm and inviting.
• Difficulty: Easy and relaxed; comfort in open water helps for swimming and snorkelling stops.

Related Excursions

• Tours & boat trips from Side
• Excursions around Antalya
• Boat trips & tours from Kemer
• Things to do in Alanya
• Excursions from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Suluada?

Suluada is a small, uninhabited island off the village of Adrasan, in the Kumluca district of Antalya province, on the western Kemer/Antalya side of the coast.

Why is it called the "Maldives of Turkey"?

Because of its strikingly clear turquoise water and pale sandy coves, which give the island a tropical look despite being firmly in the Mediterranean.

Where does the boat depart from?

Boats set off from Adrasan harbour and cruise out to Suluada and the surrounding bays, anchoring at swimming and snorkelling stops.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is often served on board. The exact inclusions and menu are confirmed at booking.

Can I snorkel at Suluada?

Yes - the clear, shallow water makes the coves around Suluada excellent for swimming and snorkelling.

Are there facilities on the island?

Suluada is a protected natural area, so facilities are minimal and undeveloped. Bring water, sun protection and anything else you'll need, and take your rubbish back with you.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes - the calm, clear bays suit families well. As always near open water, keep an eye on children.

How long is the transfer from Side?

Because Suluada is on the western side of the coast, the transfer from Side and nearby resorts is longer. Pick-up times are confirmed at booking so you can plan an early start.

Ready to swim in the "Maldives of Turkey"? Book your Suluada boat trip DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team - message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct cuts out agency and OTA commission, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.