Suluada

What makes it special

Suluada means watery island, after the freshwater spring that once made it a landmark for sailors. A lighthouse near the island still stands at what locals call Lighthouse Bay.

What you come to look at is the water. Around the shore it turns a blue that tour sellers compare to the Maldives, and the colour really is that strong. The comparison stops there: the beach is pebbles and rock, with no white sand.

The island is long and narrow, and its steep cliffs give it a rugged outline as the boat comes in. Nobody lives on it, and there are no services of any kind.

Suluada lies at the western end of the Gulf of Antalya, inside Beydağları Sahil National Park, the same park as Olympos and the burning rocks of Yanartaş at Çıralı.

Visiting

Adrasan's boats run out along the coast towards the island, and on the way the captain may nose the bow into a crack in the cliff where the cave roof opens to the sky.

At the island beach, boats tie off to ropes along the shore, so you swim in and out between anchor lines. Some boats allow up to two hours to swim and explore before lunch is served on board.

Keep an eye on boats reversing off the beach, and move when the crew calls you out of the way. Then comes about another hour at the beach to swim or rest. Toilets are on the boat only, with none at the beach stops.

Guided or on your own

Hotel-arranged excursions can include the transfer, lunch and the return, so check what yours covers. Staying in Çıralı or Adrasan lets you join a boat at Adrasan and skip the long drive. Times ashore vary from boat to boat, so ask the crew how long each stop lasts before you swim off.

Tips

Pack water shoes for the pebbles and rock shelves, and more sunscreen than you think you need. Bring water and your own snacks too, in case the food on board does not suit you.

Carry some cash, because drinks are not included with lunch. If you get seasick, sit low in the boat rather than on the top deck.