Why everyone calls it the Turkish Maldives
Suluada has become the poster child of this coastline: a strip of white sand and pale shallows against open blue sea, framed by bare rock. The 'Turkish Maldives' tag is pure nickname — coined by visitors, not cartographers — but one look at the water explains why it stuck.
Because the island lies off Adrasan, well away from the resort strip, it stays wild: there is no shop, no beach club, nothing but the beach and the sea. The boat anchors just off the island, and small tender boats shuttle guests across to the bay.
How the day works from Side
Be honest with yourself before booking: this is the longest boat day we sell from the Side area, around eleven hours in total. The morning starts with an early air-conditioned hotel pickup, the road leg carries you across the coast to where the boat waits, and only then does the cruise begin — the Side Suluada Island Boat Tour turns the trip into a proper expedition.
On the water the day is generous: long swimming and snorkelling stops in crystal-clear bays, the legendary Love Cave and Adrasan's secluded coves, and a freshly cooked lunch on board — grilled fish or chicken with rice or pasta, Turkish mezes, a seasonal salad, fruit and tea. An optional breakfast at the Adrasan stop is paid locally.
From the Side belt the day costs €43 per adult and €30 per child. One practical note from the crew: the listed minimum age is six, and younger children travel free with close supervision on deck.
Leaving from Antalya city instead
Staying in Antalya, Kemer or Beldibi? The Suluada boat trip from Antalya runs the same island day from the city side, with hotel pickup across central Antalya, Kemer and Beldibi. The route anchors in sheltered coves — including calm Domuz Bay and the island's twin beaches — and snorkelling masks and pool floats are included in the ticket. Non-swimmers are welcome on this boat, and life jackets are available on request.
Lunch comes freshly grilled on deck, and marine insurance and harbour fees are covered. This departure costs €68 per adult and €48 per child, and infants travel free on both boats. Flat, non-slip shoes make moving around the deck safer on the long day.
Who the long day suits — and who it doesn't
Book Suluada if beaches are the reason you travel: the swimming stops are long, the water over the white sandy seabed is dazzlingly clear, and the scenery repays every kilometre of the drive. Keen snorkellers and photographers rarely regret it.
Skip it if you are travelling with a toddler who naps at noon, or if eleven hours simply sounds like work. The coast is full of shorter, gentler options: our round-up of the best boat tours in Side collects relaxed bay cruises that start much closer to your hotel.
What to pack for Suluada
Everything you need has to ride with you, because there is no shop on the island. Pack swimwear, towels and a hat, plus sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen — the white sand and turquoise water reflect the sun with real force.
Booking works like every tour we run: free reservation, pay in euros on the day of the trip, free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and WhatsApp support in English, German, Russian and Polish if your plans change. If a question comes up before you book — pickup areas, the menu, which departure is closer — message us and a real person answers.