An uninhabited island near Alanya with crystalline turquoise waters and pristine beaches accessible only by boat tour. Often called the 'Maldives of Antalya', Suluada offers some of the clearest swimming waters in the eastern Mediterranean.
Suluada—meaning 'water island' in Turkish—is an uninhabited island approximately 8 kilometres offshore near Adrasan in the Antalya province, accessible exclusively by boat and renowned for some of the clearest and most brilliantly turquoise water in the eastern Mediterranean. The island has been compared to Maldivian conditions by Turkish travel writers, and the extraordinary water transparency—often visible to depths of 15 metres or more—is its defining characteristic.
The beaches on Suluada are small coves of white stone and coarse pebble rather than sand, hugging the rocky island perimeter. The water colour ranges from pale crystal green in the shallows through turquoise to deep sapphire at the outer edges. Minimal currents and the absence of river input keep the water exceptionally clear throughout summer. Snorkelling and swimming conditions are outstanding, with rich underwater visual interest: sea fans, posidonia meadows, and diverse reef fish are visible near the rocky edges of the island.
The island has no permanent facilities: no hotels, no restaurants, no shops. Boat day-trips from Adrasan harbour (approximately 20 minutes each way) and from other nearby harbours provide access with basic amenities—shade canopies on the boats, packed lunches, and snorkelling equipment typically included in the tour price. Tours spend several hours at the island, allowing swimming and snorkelling before returning to the mainland. Tour prices from Adrasan typically range from 400–700 TL per person depending on the operator and inclusions.
Suluada sits within the Olympos-Beydağları Coastal National Park and access may be subject to seasonal regulation. Visitor numbers are limited by the boat-only access logistics, which helps preserve the island's pristine character compared to road-accessible beaches on the mainland. The nearest practical departure point is Adrasan, which is itself a quieter alternative to Kemer or Alanya as a base. The crossing should not be attempted in poor weather, and tours are cancelled on rough days.
Amenities
- boat trips only
- basic facilities on tours
Good to know
- Best for
- snorkellers, swimmers, photographers, couples, divers
Highlights
- Crystal-clear turquoise water with visibility exceeding 15 metres in calm conditions
- Boat-only access preserving an uncrowded, pristine island environment
- Outstanding snorkelling over sea fans and posidonia meadows around the rocky island edges
- Often called the 'Maldives of Antalya' for its extraordinary water colour and clarity
- Located within the Olympos-Beydağları Coastal National Park
Tips for visiting
- Book boat tours from Adrasan the evening before; spots fill early in July and August
- Bring snorkelling equipment if available—it is often included in tour packages but quality varies
- The crossing can be choppy in windy conditions; check weather forecasts and confirm with the operator on the morning of the trip
- Bring sufficient food and water as there are no facilities on the island
- Morning departures (8am–9am) give the best water clarity and light for swimming and photography before the midday haze
When to visit
June through September for the best swimming and snorkelling conditions. July and August offer the calmest crossing weather but the most demand for tours—book ahead. May and October are possible on calm days but crossings are less predictable.
Accessibility
Suluada is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with significant mobility limitations. Access requires boarding and disembarking a small boat, and the island's coves have rocky uneven terrain with no adapted pathways or facilities.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Suluada?
Suluada is accessible only by boat. Day-trip tours depart from Adrasan harbour (approximately 20 minutes each way) and from other nearby harbours in summer. Tours typically include snorkelling time at the island and a packed lunch; prices range from 400–700 TL per person.
What kind of beach does Suluada have?
Suluada has small rocky coves with white stone and coarse pebble rather than sand beaches. The main attraction is the extraordinary water clarity and colour rather than a conventional sandy beach experience.
Can visitors stay overnight on Suluada?
No. The island is uninhabited and has no facilities for overnight stays. All visits are day trips by boat, and access is regulated by the Olympos-Beydağları Coastal National Park.
Is snorkelling good at Suluada?
Snorkelling at Suluada is among the best available on the Turkish coast, owing to exceptional water clarity and diverse marine life around the rocky island edges. Posidonia meadows and a variety of reef fish are visible in the shallows.