Suluada vs. Kekova: Your Essential Antalya Boat Tour Guide

When planning your sun-drenched escape to Antalya, two boat tours invariably rise to the top of every 'must-do' list: the ethereal Suluada, often hailed as the 'Turkish Maldives,' and the historically rich Kekova region, home to a captivating sunken city. Both promise unforgettable Mediterranean moments, yet they cater to distinctly different desires. Let's delve into the nuances of each to help you navigate your choice. ## Suluada: The Turkish Maldives Experience Imagine stepping onto an island where the sand gleams almost phosphorescently white, and the water shifts through a palette of turquoise, aqua, and electric blue, rivalling the most pristine tropical paradises. This is Suluada. Located approximately 90 kilometres southwest of Antalya, this uninhabited island is a natural masterpiece, accessible only by boat, typically departing from the charming village of Adrasan. The journey to Suluada is part of the experience itself, often taking around 1.5 hours each way aboard a comfortable, yet intimate, gulet or yacht. These vessels are generally smaller, fostering a more personal atmosphere among passengers. Once there, the focus is unequivocally on the water. You'll spend your time swimming in the impossibly clear bays, exploring sea caves, and simply basking in the sheer beauty of nature. The island's remote feel and unspoiled landscapes make it a photographer's dream – everyมุม offers a postcard-perfect shot. Lunch is usually served fresh onboard, often featuring local catches. Suluada is best enjoyed by those seeking pure relaxation, stunning natural scenery, and exceptional swimming opportunities. It's less about historical discovery and more about sensory indulgence. The best time to visit is from May to October when the waters are warm and the skies consistently blue. Families with older children who love to swim and explore will find it particularly appealing, but even small groups seeking tranquility will cherish its charm. Expect the [Suluada boat tour](/en/tours/suluada-boat-tour) to be a full day focused on sun, sea, and breathtaking views. ## Kekova: A Journey Through Ancient Lycia Shift your gaze southwest towards the Kaş region, and you'll discover Kekova, a destination where history and nature intertwine seamlessly. This area is famous not only for its tranquil, island-dotted bay but, more importantly, for the partially submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian city, swallowed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. Boat tours to Kekova typically depart from Üçağız or Kaleüçağız, small, picturesque villages that serve as gateways to this historical wonderland. Unlike Suluada's focus on swimming, a Kekova boat tour offers a captivating blend. You'll cruise over the remarkably preserved 'Sunken City' of Simena, where you can peer through the glass bottoms of specially designed vessels to witness submerged staircases, foundations, and remnants of houses. While swimming directly over the sunken city is prohibited to protect the ruins, there are ample opportunities for refreshing dips in other pristine bays. A highlight for many is the stop at Kaleköy (ancient Simena), a car-free village crowned by a Crusader castle, offering panoramic views and a chance to savour homemade ice cream. Kekova is ideal for history buffs, curious families, and anyone who appreciates a narrative woven into their natural exploration. The [Kekova Sunken City tour](/en/tours/kekova-sunken-city-tour) often includes visits to other historical sites like the rock-cut tombs of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, making it an incredibly rich cultural experience. This journey is less about secluded beaches and more about discovery, ancient civilisations, and the unique sensation of floating over centuries of history. Tours here are often part of a larger [Demre Myra Kekova day tour](/en/tours/demre-myra-kekova-day-tour), providing a multifaceted historical adventure. ## Suluada vs. Kekova: A Detailed Comparison To help you make an informed decision, here's a side-by-side breakdown: | Feature | Suluada ('Turkish Maldives') | Kekova (Sunken City) | |:--------------------|:--------------------------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------------------| | **Departure Point** | Adrasan (90 km SW of Antalya) | Üçağız / Kaleüçağız (near Kaş, further SW) | | **Focus** | Pristine swimming, natural beauty, relaxation, photography | Ancient history, sunken city, cultural discovery, snorkelling | | **Boat Type** | Smaller yachts, gulets (up to 30 people) | Glass-bottom boats, gulets (varied sizes) | | **Journey Time** | ~1.5 hours each way from Adrasan | Shorter cruises within Kekova Bay, longer travel to region | | **Swim Stops** | Multiple, extended stops in pristine bays and sea caves | Limited over sunken city (viewing only), designated swim stops in other bays | | **Historical Sites**| None | Sunken City of Simena, Kaleköy Castle | | **Family Friendly** | Excellent for swimmers, those seeking relaxation | Excellent for all ages, educational, active discovery | | **Best Months** | May – October | March – November (cooler months ideal for history) | | **Avg. Group Size** | Smaller, more intimate | Can vary, some larger groups on combined tours | | **Price Range** | ~30-40 EUR (boat tour only, transport extra) | ~35-50 EUR (boat tour only, excludes Myra/Demre entrance if applicable) | | **Unique Feature** | Crystal-clear, aquamarine waters, white sands | Submerged ancient ruins visible from boat, Crusader castle | ## The Decision Matrix: Which Tour is Right for You? * **Choose Suluada if...** Your primary goal is to disconnect, swim in truly breathtaking waters, capture stunning photos, and enjoy an idyllic, natural escape. You prioritize unspoiled nature and relaxation over historical exploration. You don’t mind a longer drive to Adrasan for that perfect swim. * **Choose Kekova if...** You are fascinated by ancient civilisations, enjoy a blend of history and scenic beauty, and want to witness a unique archaeological wonder. You appreciate cultural insights, exploring charming villages, and perhaps combining your boat trip with visits to significant historical sites like Myra and Demre. You prefer an experience that offers both visual wonder and intellectual curiosity. In essence, Suluada offers a slice of pure, unadulterated Mediterranean joy, an Instagrammer's paradise and a swimmer's dream. Kekova, on the other hand, provides a journey through time, a compelling narrative etched into the landscape, perfect for the curious explorer. Both guarantee an unforgettable day. Your choice ultimately hinges on whether your heart yearns for blissful blue waters or the echoes of ancient civilisations. No matter which adventure calls to you, both tours are easily arranged from Antalya, often including comfortable transfers. Whichever you choose, prepare to be utterly captivated by the diverse wonders of Turkey's Mediterranean coast. ## Ready to explore Antalya by sea? Choose your adventure! * **Dive into Suluada's turquoise waters:** Book your [Suluada boat tour](/en/tours/suluada-boat-tour) for an unforgettable day of swimming and sunshine. * **Uncover ancient mysteries:** Explore the [Kekova Sunken City tour](/en/tours/kekova-sunken-city-tour) and drift over history. * **Combine history and natural beauty:** Opt for the comprehensive [Demre Myra Kekova day tour](/en/tours/demre-myra-kekova-day-tour) for a full historical immersion. Your Mediterranean adventure awaits!