Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset

Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset is one of those experiences that promises a blend of scenic beauty, leisurely sailing, and memorable moments. While it offers stunning views and a chance to swim in pristine waters, some travelers find the value for money and food quality less impressive. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or a picturesque sunset, this tour could be a good fit—just keep expectations in check.

What we really like about this cruise is the opportunity to swim at Suluada, often called the “Turkish Maldives” for its white sands and turquoise waters. The convenience of hotel transfers from Antalya, Belek, and Kemer makes it easy to hop on without hassle. The dinner served onboard provides a laid-back dining experience with fresh fish, chicken, or pasta, all while enjoying the stunning coastal vistas. And lastly, witnessing the sunset from the water offers some truly beautiful photo moments. The main drawback? Some reviews mention the shorter duration than advertised and questionable value for money, especially considering extras like additional charges and food quality.

This tour suits travelers who prioritize scenic views, swimming, and a relaxed atmosphere over luxury or extensive sightseeing. If you’re after a straightforward day out on the water with decent food and a sunset, it could be just what you need. However, if you’re more focused on gourmet dining, longer excursions, or exclusive experiences, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Stunning Photo Opportunities: Perfect for capturing sunsets and coastlines.
• Swimming at Suluada Island: Clear waters and beautiful sands make for a memorable swim stop.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off from key locations in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer.
• Basic Dining Experience: Includes a simple yet tasty onboard dinner, with some reviews noting it’s quite basic.
• Shorter Tour Duration: Usually around 5 hours, but some reviews mention it felt even shorter.
• Potential Extra Charges: Extra fee for transfers if not booked directly, and beverage restrictions onboard.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins: Transfers and Boarding

Starting with hotel pickup is definitely a plus for those not wanting to deal with logistics. The transfers are in air-conditioned vehicles, making the journey comfortable, especially in warm weather. Once at the departure point, you’ll find a spacious, double-deck boat equipped with modern amenities and a friendly, professional crew. This setup generally promises a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Cruising Itinerary: What to Expect

The cruise sets out across the Turkish Mediterranean coast, with the main highlight being the stop at Suluada Island. Known for its white sands and clear waters, Suluada is often called the “Turkish Maldives” by locals and travelers alike. Here, you can take a refreshing dip, explore the sands, or just lounge and soak up the sun.

Travelers have noted that the boat visits the same island twice, which can feel repetitive, especially if you’re hoping for a diverse itinerary. The first swim stop is usually at Suluada’s main beach area, giving ample opportunity for swimming and photos. The second visit seems to be to a different beach, but some reviews suggest this change isn’t enough to make the trip feel varied. The sea conditions can influence the stops—if the waters are rough, certain parts of the schedule might be altered or skipped for safety.

Dining on Board

The dinner onboard is generally described as a basic but satisfying meal. The menu often includes fish, chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and fruit, offering a decent range of options. But some reviews mention the dinner being quite simple or not enough for everyone, especially if you’re a big eater. One commenter noted that the “fancy” dinner was quite basic, so if gourmet food is your priority, this might not meet your expectations.

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Sunset and Sightseeing

One of the most talked-about aspects is the sunset experience. As the boat moves back towards the harbor, the sky often puts on a beautiful display of colors. You’ll love the photo opportunities, especially if you’re into capturing those perfect golden-hour shots. However, a couple of reviews say that the sunset was somewhat disappointing, partly because you’re already heading back when the sky is at its most vibrant. Plus, the timing of the sunset might vary depending on the season and weather, so it’s worth checking in advance.

Visit to Love Cave

Another charming stop is the Love Cave in Akseki Bay, known for its romantic legend—that the cave’s water is cold because it holds the tears of a girl separated from her lover. Explorers enjoy a quick stop here for photos and to take in the legend’s atmosphere. While not a long visit, it’s a photogenic spot and a fun addition to the trip.

Return and Reflection

After a relaxing day at sea, the cruise concludes in Adrasan, with transfers back to your hotel. Some reviews mention that the tour duration felt shorter than advertised, with one only lasting about 4 hours instead of the promised 5.5. The overall experience can feel rushed if you’re expecting a longer, more leisurely trip.

Practical Details and What to Know Before Booking

Transportation and Duration

The hotel pickup is available from Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, with timings subject to your location. The transfer is included, but if you book without it, expect an additional fee—some reviewers paid around 50 per person extra. The tour itself typically lasts between 5.5 to 9 hours, depending on the availability and sea conditions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cruise includes a 5-hour boat trip, dinner onboard, and transfers. The dinner features fish, chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and fruit, but drinks are not included—you’ll need to purchase beverages on the boat. Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, but you can bring your own if you want to snorkel during swim stops.

Considerations for Travelers

Sea conditions can influence the schedule, and some stops might be omitted for safety reasons. This means you might not get to enjoy all planned activities, especially if the sea becomes rough. Also, some reviews mention that beyond the inclusive dinner, drinks are restricted, and bringing outside beverages isn’t allowed on the boat.

What Do the Reviews Tell Us?

Two of the reviews provide helpful insights. A guest named Maria shared her disappointment about the shortened duration and repetitive visits—despite paying for the full experience, she felt her money wasn’t well spent. She also mentioned a $50 extra charge for the transfer if not booked directly, which adds up.

Another traveler appreciated the cruise itself but was disappointed in the food quality and lack of an English-speaking guide as advertised. The cramped vehicle and basic dinner seem to be common complaints, but the scenic cruise and sunset views remain the main highlights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who value scenic coastal views and swimming in beautiful waters. If your goal is to enjoy a relaxing day at sea, capture sunset photos, and have a simple, no-fuss meal, this experience offers that. It’s also convenient for those staying in Antalya, Belek, or Kemer, thanks to included transfers.

However, those looking for a luxurious or gourmet experience or a longer, more varied itinerary might find this cruise somewhat lacking. The short duration and basic amenities mean it’s more of a “quick getaway” than a full-day adventure.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, although additional charges may apply if not booked directly through the provider.

What’s the typical duration of the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 5.5 to 9 hours, but some reviews suggest the actual experience might be shorter, around 4 hours.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, outside drinks aren’t allowed onboard, and drinks are available for purchase during the trip.

Is snorkeling part of the tour?
Snorkeling isn’t officially included, but you are free to bring your own equipment and snorkel during swim stops if sea conditions permit.

Are the stops at Suluada and Love Cave accessible?
Yes, both stops are generally accessible for swimming and exploring, though the exact itinerary can vary depending on weather and safety considerations.

What about the food?
The onboard dinner includes fish, chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and fruit. Several reviews mention it’s quite basic, so don’t expect gourmet fare, but it’s enough for a casual meal.

This cruise offers a straightforward, scenic escape on the water with a few authentic touches like the legend of Love Cave and the chance to swim at Suluada. While it might not satisfy those seeking luxury or long adventures, it delivers a relaxing, picture-worthy day suited to travelers eager to enjoy Turkey’s coastal beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: