Suluada Island fascinates visitors with its striking white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters that change from turquoise to deep blue. Many call it the “Turkish Maldives.” This untouched paradise sits 100 kilometers from Antalya and remains one of Turkey’s hidden gems.
The island’s pristine condition makes it truly special. You won’t find hotels, restaurants, or facilities here, but this absence helps preserve its natural beauty. Visitors can head over to freshwater springs with healing properties during the warm season from May to October, when temperatures reach 25°C to 35°C. The surrounding waters offer chances to spot dolphins and monk seals, while dramatic cliffs and hidden caves await exploration.
This piece covers everything you need to know about this remarkable destination. We’ll help you plan your 45-minute boat trip from Adrasan and show you the best spots for snorkeling and photography.
What Makes Suluada Island Special
Suluada gets its name from the Turkish words meaning “watery island” due to its freshwater sources. This untouched paradise lies at the westernmost point of the Gulf of Antalya, about 7 kilometers from Cape Gelidonya.
The natural freshwater springs
Natural freshwater springs bubble up from the seabed, making this island truly special. Local people believe these springs have healing powers and recommend them to anyone looking to treat kidney stones. On top of that, these underwater springs make the surrounding waters crystal clear by making the rocks appear whiter.
White pebble beaches
White pebbles mixed with tiny black stones create Suluada’s unique beaches. The distinctive colors come from calcium carbonate in the rocks and tiny organisms called foraminifera. Two main swimming spots welcome visitors – a larger beach on the west side with more waves and a peaceful northern beach perfect for relaxing swims.
Crystal clear waters
The sea around Suluada creates a stunning view as colors shift from turquoise near the shore to deep blue in deeper waters. The water’s clarity lets you see straight to the bottom. These pristine waters are home to amazing marine life including:
- Dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals
- Various species of groupers
- Many water birds nesting on the cliffs
- Beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling
Protected status helps the island’s ecosystem thrive naturally. Volcanic origins combined with natural elements create scenery that matches any tropical paradise. The island remains untouched with no hotels, restaurants, or shops to disturb its natural beauty. Rich underwater areas with natural reefs make this spot perfect for exploring marine life.
Steep cliffs provide homes for many bird species. Native pine and olive trees fill the air with classic Mediterranean scents. This mix of unique geology, diverse marine life, and unspoiled nature makes Suluada worthy of its title as Turkey’s hidden paradise.
Best Ways to Visit Suluada Island
You need to plan your trip to Suluada Island carefully since boats are the only way to reach this hidden gem. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit.
Boat trips from Antalya
Your experience starts with a comfortable transfer from Antalya to Adrasan port that takes around 80-90 minutes. Tour operators pick up guests early in the morning, usually at 7:00 AM, in air-conditioned vehicles. Tours typically stop for a one-hour breakfast before reaching Adrasan.
The boat ride from Adrasan port to Suluada takes about 45 minutes. A typical tour has these stops:
- American Cove where you swim for an hour
- Suluada Island with an hour to explore
- Back of Suluada to experience healing spring waters
- Love Cave and Lantern Cove
For the booking you can check our Suluada Boat Trip tour package.
Tours from Adrasan
Adrasan stands as the main gateway to Suluada and offers various tour options. Standard boat tours last about 7 hours, and you can explore the island several ways:
Regular group tours come with lunch – you can choose between fish or schnitzel with pasta and salads. These tours also serve refreshments, tea, and seasonal fruits throughout the day.
Families and larger groups can rent private fishing boats directly from Adrasan’s local fishermen. This option lets you control your schedule and stopping points.
Luxury seekers can opt for private yacht rentals from Adrasan-based companies. These tours give you a tailored experience with flexible itineraries.
Tour boats make strategic stops at key spots. Suluada comes first, followed by visits to Akseki Bay (also known as Love Bay) and its Love Cave. The island gets crowded during peak season, so you might enjoy a more peaceful visit during off-peak times.
Note that you should pack swimwear, sunscreen, and towels. Boats have simple facilities like WCs, changing cabins, and showers.
Planning Your Trip to Turkish Maldives
Your trip to Suluada Island will be amazing with the right planning. Here are my tested tips to help you get the best out of your visit to this Mediterranean gem.
Best months to visit
You’ll find the best weather in Suluada from May to October, with temperatures between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Late spring or early autumn are great times to avoid crowds. Beach activities are at their peak from early June to late July and mid-August to late September. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy late April to mid-June or mid-September to late October.
What to pack
A smart packing strategy will give a comfortable trip. Here’s your essential list:
- Beach Essentials: Swimwear, towels, and water shoes (vital for rocky beaches)
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunhat, and breathable clothing
- Water Activities: Personal snorkeling gear if you want to explore marine life
- Photography Gear: Camera to capture pristine views
- Comfort Items: Change of clothes and swim cover-up
Booking tips
Getting your visit right needs some planning. Boat tours run for 8-10 hours, starting in the morning and ending in late afternoon. You don’t have to book ahead, but I suggest securing your spot early, especially when traveling from Antalya.
Each boat tour has:
- Fresh fish lunch with salad and pasta
- Complimentary drinks and snacks
- Multiple swimming stops around the island
- Access to indoor eating areas and sunbathing decks
Families can relax knowing these tours work well for all ages. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, and life jackets and pool noodles are easy to find. Let the crew know if you’re not confident in water – they’ll keep you safe throughout the trip.
Weekday visits help you dodge the crowds, while private tours give you a more exclusive experience. The boats leave right on time, so getting there 5-10 minutes early will start your adventure smoothly.
Private Yacht Rental option is also avaliable in Suluada Maldives Island. Via this link you can check yacht rental in Suluada options.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
Head over to the pristine waters of Suluada Island with confidence. These essential guidelines will give you an unforgettable experience.
Swimming spots guide
The crystal-clear waters around Suluada let you see up to 25 meters deep. The northern beach welcomes first-time visitors with its calm waters that are perfect for relaxed swimming. Experienced swimmers can explore the western side where gentle waves create a more dynamic environment.
Marine life thrives in the island’s underwater world. You might spot dolphins or monk seals in their natural habitat. Countless colorful fish species make their home in the natural reef areas, making snorkeling a must-try activity. Your own snorkeling equipment will help you experience these underwater wonders fully.
The mineral springs offer therapeutic benefits to swimmers. Locals spend hours collecting this special water from these unique spots. Life jackets and pool noodles are available on boats to help less confident swimmers.
Photography locations
Suluada’s dramatic landscape creates perfect photo opportunities without any filters. You’ll find the most captivating shots at these prime locations:
- Cave of Love: This mysterious formation creates stunning silhouettes against the turquoise waters
- Orange Cliffs: These striking formations contrast beautifully with the white shores
- Thermal Springs: Capture the unique phenomenon of freshwater meeting seawater
- Rugged Coastline: The dramatic cliffs and hidden caves offer remarkable vantage points
Boats typically dock at popular spots at the same time. You can find quieter areas just around the corner for more peaceful photo opportunities. The sea changes from brilliant turquoise to deep blue throughout the day, creating ever-changing scenes your camera will love.
Keep your camera protected from water splashes but easily accessible. A dolphin might surface or the light might hit the cliffs perfectly at any moment. The island’s untouched beauty offers endless opportunities to capture its natural splendor in memorable photographs.
Conclusion
Suluada Island is proof of untouched natural beauty that rivals any tropical paradise. My visit to this hidden gem revealed crystal-clear waters, healing springs, and pristine white beaches worth every effort to reach.
The journey needs careful planning but rewards visitors with access to one of Turkey’s last untouched paradises. This island’s raw charm remains preserved without commercial development, and visitors can experience its natural wonders in their purest form.
Suluada’s versatility makes it special. Photography enthusiasts can capture dramatic cliffs. Swimmers can enjoy therapeutic spring waters. People seeking peace away from crowded tourist spots will find an unforgettable experience here.
The best time to visit is between May and October for ideal swimming and exploration conditions. Dolphins play in turquoise waters and swimming in crystal-clear seas makes the challenging trip worthwhile.
