Side-Turkey.

If there's one excursion that earns its nickname, it's Suluada — the small, uninhabited island off Adrasan that locals call the "Maldives of Turkey." The water really is that shade of pale turquoise, and the coves really are that quiet. But Suluada is also a protected natural area, which means the day runs a little differently from a typical resort beach trip: you come for the sea and the scenery, not for sun-loungers and snack bars. A bit of planning goes a long way. Here's how locals pack and pace the day so you spend it swimming instead of wishing you'd brought sunscreen.

How a Suluada day actually unfolds

The boat leaves from Adrasan harbour, on the Kemer side of the coast, and cruises out toward the island and the bays around it. Rather than a single beach, the day is built around anchoring at swimming and snorkelling stops in the clear water, with the island itself as the centrepiece. Lunch is often served on board between stops. Because Adrasan sits west of Side, the road transfer from the Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts is on the longer side — a good reason to settle in, relax on deck, and treat the drive as part of the trip rather than a chore.

One thing to understand before you go: Suluada is a protected nature site, so facilities on the island are minimal and undeveloped. There are no shops or kiosks waiting for you. Whatever you want for the day, you bring with you — which is exactly why the packing list below matters.

What to bring: the local packing list

Sun protection comes first

The light bounces hard off pale sand and bright water, so reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are non-negotiable. Reapply after every swim. A light cover-up or rash top saves your shoulders on the shadeless stretches of deck.

For getting in the water

This trip is all about the swimming, so pack a swimsuit (wear it under your clothes to skip the changing shuffle) and a quick-dry towel. Your own mask and snorkel are worth their weight — the visibility here is the whole point. Water shoes help on rocky entries and make scrambling around the coves comfortable.

The practical extras

Bring a refillable water bottle and any snacks you can't do without, a dry bag or zip pouch for your phone and valuables, and a little cash for anything bought on board (confirmed at booking). A waterproof phone case means you can actually photograph that water. If you tend toward seasickness, take your remedy before you board, not after.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A boat cruise from Adrasan out to Suluada and the surrounding bays, with swimming 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 bays, swimming/snorkelling stops, on-board lunch (confirmed at booking).
• Excludes: Personal extras, optional drinks, tips; details confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — a relaxed swimming-and-cruising day suitable for families; keep an eye on little ones near the water.
• Best Season: Warm swimming months from late spring through early autumn.
• Difficulty: Easy — mostly relaxing on deck and swimming; no hiking required.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Suluada boat trip leave from?

Boats depart from Adrasan harbour, on the Kemer/Antalya side of the coast, west of Side. Hotel pick-up is arranged and the exact meeting time is confirmed at booking.

Is there anything to buy on the island?

No. Suluada is a protected natural site with minimal, undeveloped facilities. Bring your own water, snacks and sun protection, as you won't find shops or kiosks there.

Can I snorkel at Suluada?

Yes — the clear water is ideal for it. The boat anchors for swimming and snorkelling stops, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them.

How long is the transfer from Side?

Adrasan lies west of Side, so the road transfer is on the longer side compared with closer resorts. Exact pick-up time and timing are confirmed at booking.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes, it's a relaxed cruising-and-swimming day that families enjoy. Just supervise children closely around the water and at swim stops.

What should I wear?

Wear your swimsuit under light clothing, and bring a hat, sunglasses, water shoes and a cover-up. There's little shade on open deck, so sun protection is the priority.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is often served on board between swimming stops. What's included is confirmed at booking.

Why book directly with you?

Booking DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team cuts out agency and OTA commission, so you deal with a local operator and get our best-price guarantee — no middleman markup.

Ready to spend a day in the clearest water on the coast? Book your Suluada boat trip DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we skip the agency and OTA commission and back it with our best-price guarantee — message us with your dates and we'll sort out the rest.