Day Trip Boat Tour from Kemer to Sulu Island: Route, Tips, and Real Experiences
If you're on vacation in Kemer and want to see the turquoise color in its "purest form," make sure to dedicate a day to Sulu Island. While it is colloquially referred to as "Turkey's Maldives," what truly makes Sulu Island special is not its resemblance to the Maldives but its preserved untamed Mediterranean nature.
In this article, I’ll share the details of the Sulu Island Tour experience with practical tips and observations from the field, particularly for those staying along the Kemer – Adrasan – Çiralı/Olympos – Kumluca – Kaş route.
Where is Sulu Island Exactly and Why is it So Popular?
Sulu Island is located within the administrative borders of Kumluca, just off the Adrasan bay. It is a small, pristine island with white pebbly beaches approximately 7-8 km away from the coast. It gets its name “Sulu” (meaning "wet" or "watered") from the fresh water springs that emerge from the island. While swimming, you'll notice sudden changes in water temperature in certain areas because of this.
Locals have known about this place for years, but thanks to the photos shared on social media, Sulu Island has gained significant attention in recent years. The moment you approach the island by boat, the sea's color dramatically transitions from deep blue to creamy turquoise, and that alone explains its popularity.
How to Get to Sulu Island from Kemer?
There are no direct boats to Sulu Island from Kemer; tours typically depart from Adrasan beach. So, if you’re staying in Kemer, Çamyuva, Tekirova, Çıralı, Olympos, or Kumluca, you need to reach Adrasan at the designated morning time.
If you have your own vehicle, the journey from Kemer center to Adrasan takes about 1 – 1.5 hours. Keep in mind that the coastal road is winding but scenic; particularly the Tekirova – Olympos – Adrasan route, with its pine forests and sea views, is a delightful ride. If you don't have a vehicle, be sure to ask about transfer options departing from Kemer when purchasing your tour; many agencies offer paid/free transfers from certain points.
What to Expect on the Day of the Sulu Island Tour?
Departure from Adrasan
When you arrive at the Adrasan beach in the morning, lined-up boats are waiting for you. You find your registered boat for the Sulu Island Tour and meet the guide. If you haven't had breakfast on the way, you can find snacks at small cafes on the beach; however, most boats provide tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day.
Boats generally depart around 09:30 – 10:00. After exiting Adrasan bay, it takes approximately 45-60 minutes to reach Sulu Island. During this journey, you have the foothills of the Taurus Mountains to your left and the seemingly endless Mediterranean to your right.
The First Encounter: The Water Color Change
As you approach Sulu Island, most passengers react with the same response: “Is this color for real?” As you get closer to the shore, the sea's color transforms into a remarkable brightness. The clarity allowing you to see the bottom, the pebbles that appear white, and the turquoise tones leave you no choice but to keep your camera in hand.
The boat usually circles around the island before anchoring and providing a swimming break. Some boats plan for 2-3 separate swimming stops at different points around the island. Some coves are shallower and calmer, while others plunge into deep, beautiful waters.
Meal Break and Relaxation
Around lunchtime, meals are served on the boat. The menu typically includes grilled fish or chicken, rice, pasta, salad, and seasonal fruits, classic options that cater to everyone’s taste. With the view of Sulu Island and the crystal-clear water, even a simple dish can feel much more enjoyable.
After the meal, swimming breaks are provided again; those who wish can sunbathe on the boat, read a book, or take photos. There are also suitable spots around Sulu Island for snorkeling; although the variety of fish may not be on par with the Maldives, the clear water allows you to see the underwater life distinctly.
Must-Have Items for Your Trip
At first glance, the Sulu Island tour might seem like just a "boat trip," but with the right preparation, you'll be much more comfortable and avoid saying “I wish I had” later:
– Water shoes: The island's beaches are made of white pebbles rather than sand. Since the pebbles can get quite hot in the sun, water shoes offer considerable comfort.
– High SPF sunscreen: Due to the exposed nature of the boat and the island, finding shade is tough. Don’t leave without sunscreen.
– Hat and sunglasses: Essential not only for protection from heat but also from the reflected light off the water.
– Spare swimsuit/bikini and towel: Having dry clothes is very beneficial since you’ll likely be swimming multiple times throughout the day.
– Waterproof phone case or a simple beach bag: To protect your phone on the boat and in the sea.
– Cash: If you want to buy extra drinks, ice cream, etc., cards may not always be accepted on the boat.
Who is Suitable for the Kemer – Adrasan – Kaş Route?
The Sulu Island tour is ideal for anyone who enjoys swimming, loves boat trips, and wants to spend a day focused on the sea. Particularly:
– Those staying in Kemer and Tekirova who are looking for an “Instagram-worthy” experience that is different from a classic beach day, while also genuinely enjoying nature,
– Those staying along the Çıralı – Olympos – Adrasan route who are already having a quieter and more natural holiday and want to partake in a compatible sea tour,
– Those vacationing in the Kaş area who are looking for distinct and relatively short day trip options.
For families with small children, the boat's rocking and the sun factor require a bit more caution; if your child isn’t afraid of the sea and the boat, and you adjust sun protection well, you can have an enjoyable day as a family.
Reservation Timing and Campaigns
Especially between June – September, Sulu Island tours fill up quickly; thus, it’s important to make your reservation without leaving it until the last minute. Sometimes, there are discounted periods during the season or campaigns like “see it before you pay.” Checking the campaign pages while planning could provide budgetary advantages.
Realistic Expectations: Not the Maldives, but a Very Beautiful Mediterranean Island
It’s important to set your expectations correctly when evaluating Sulu Island. Yes, the water is extraordinarily clear, and the white pebbles on the shore enhance the color like photos, but after all, this is a pristine island with a rocky structure in a Mediterranean climate.
If you go with the right mindset, your day is likely to become one of the most unforgettable moments of your vacation along the Kemer – Adrasan – Kumluca route, and as you return to the bay around sunset, you’ll surely feel, “We truly made the most of the sea today.”
In short, set aside just one day; after swimming in the turquoise waters of Sulu Island, you’ll begin to see the Mediterranean in an entirely new light.
