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Suluada is an uninhabited island in the Kumluca district of Antalya, about 7 km off the coast of Adrasan. Its white sand and turquoise water have earned it the nickname "the Maldives of Turkey". The island can only be reached by boat: tours usually leave Adrasan harbour around 10:00, reach the island in about 45 minutes and return between 17:00 and 18:00.
There are no hotels, restaurants or shops on the island; thanks to its protected nature, it is one of the cleanest corners of the Mediterranean. This guide covers how to get to Suluada, how the Adrasan boat tour works, what affects tour prices and what to keep in mind on the island.
Where Is Suluada?
Suluada lies off the stretch of coast between Olympos and Adrasan and Cape Gelidonya in the Western Mediterranean. The name comes from the cold freshwater spring that seeps between the rocks; a fresh spring in the middle of the salty sea is one of the island's most interesting features.
| From | Approximate distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adrasan harbour | 7 km (by sea) | About 45 minutes by boat |
| Kemer | 45 km | About 45 minutes by car |
| Antalya city centre | 90–95 km | About 1.5 hours by car |
How to Get to Suluada
The only way to get to Suluada is on a boat tour. First you need to get to Adrasan, then board a boat there.
Getting from Antalya to Adrasan
- By car: Drive from Antalya towards Kemer and Kumluca, then take the Olympos turn-off down to Adrasan. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
- By public transport: In summer, minibuses run from Antalya bus station to Adrasan. There are also dolmus connections from Kemer.
- On a tour with transfer: Some tours offer pick-up from hotels in Antalya or Kemer; in that case the tour day starts earlier.
From Adrasan to Suluada
There are many tour boats along Adrasan beach and in the harbour. Group tours depart in the morning; book your place at least a day in advance, and several days ahead in July and August. If you are a large group or want to set your own route, you can also hire a private boat.
What Is the Suluada Boat Tour Like?
Programmes vary from boat to boat, but a typical day includes these stops:
- Maldives Beach: A shallow, turquoise cove with white sand on the front side of the island. The longest swim stop of the tour is usually here.
- The back bay: Rockier and deeper; better for snorkelling. If you are lucky, you may see Caretta caretta turtles.
- Love Cave: A natural tunnel formed by the rocks that boats can approach.
- Lighthouse Bay and the freshwater spring: The area with the spring that gives the island its name.
- Around Gelidonya Lighthouse: Some boats pass this historic lighthouse on the way back.
On group tours, lunch is usually included in the price; grilled fish or chicken, salad and meze are common menus.
What Affects Suluada Tour Prices?
In the 2026 season, group tours from Adrasan cost roughly 1,000–1,500 TL per person, according to information published by operators. The main factors that set the price are:
- Season: May and October are the cheapest, July–August the most expensive.
- Type of tour: Group tours are priced per person, private boats per boat.
- Included services: Lunch, drinks and hotel transfers change the price.
- Size and comfort of the boat: There is a big difference between large group boats and small private boats.
2027 prices are set at the start of the season; confirm the current price and included services before booking.
Group Tour or Private Boat?
There are two ways to visit Suluada. Which suits you depends on the size of your group and what you want from the day.
| Feature | Group tour | Private boat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Per person | Per boat |
| Departure time | Fixed, usually 10:00 | Set to suit you |
| Route and stops | Set in advance | Flexible, changes on request |
| Crowds | Dozens of people may be on board | Only your own group |
| Best for | Couples, small groups, budget travellers | Families, celebrations, large groups |
On a private boat you can reach the island before the other boats and catch Maldives Beach during its quiet hours. For a group of 8–10, a private boat can come close to a group tour in cost per person.
What to Know Before You Go
- There are no facilities on the island: No hotel, restaurant, kiosk or shop. Bring water, sunscreen and anything else you need, or get it on the boat.
- Leave no rubbish: There are no bins on the island. Take everything you bring back to the boat.
- Camping and overnight stays are not allowed: You cannot stay overnight or camp on the island.
- Water shoes are useful: They protect your feet in the back bay and rocky areas.
- Watch the wind: In rough weather, tours may be cancelled or rerouted.
When to Go
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May | Quiet and affordable; the sea is still cool |
| June | Warm water, reasonable crowds; one of the best times |
| July – August | Hottest and busiest; booking early is essential |
| September | The sea is at its warmest and crowds thin out; one of the best times |
| October | Depends on the weather; the last tours of the season |
Other Bays to Explore in the Region
The Antalya coast is not just about Suluada. Further west, the Kas–Kekova stretch is waiting to be explored by boat. To see the sunken city of Kekova, start with our ancient sunken city travel guide and the Kekova travel guide; for a private boat in the area, browse our Kas boat rental options. Kaputas Beach in Kas also belongs on your list of turquoise coves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Suluada tours depart from?
Suluada tours depart from Adrasan in the Kumluca district of Antalya. From Adrasan, the island is about 45 minutes away by boat.
Is there an entrance fee for Suluada?
There is no separate entrance fee for the island; you only pay for the boat tour.
Can you stay on Suluada?
No. There is no accommodation on the island, and camping and staying overnight are not allowed.
Why is Suluada called the Maldives of Turkey?
It is compared to the Maldives because of its shallow, white-sand coves and the turquoise colour reflected by the sandy seabed.
How long does the Suluada tour take?
Tours usually start around 10:00 and return to Adrasan between 17:00 and 18:00.
Explore Mediterranean Bays by Boat
Suluada is one of the most impressive day trips on the Mediterranean. If you would like to spend a few days in the Western Mediterranean on your own route, we can put together a programme on our private boats departing from Kas and Kekova; just send us your dates and the number of guests.
