Suluada vs Pirate Boat Trip

The pirate boat is built around atmosphere. A themed ship with sails and a crow's nest, music on deck, an animation team keeping things moving, foam and games for the children, a swim stop or two along the coast. It usually stays near the resort strip, which keeps the logistics easy.

It suits big groups, teenagers, families who want noise and laughter rather than quiet, and anyone whose holiday is already full and who wants fun without an early alarm. It is a show that happens to float, and it is honest about that.

Departure times, prices and routes vary by operator, and we will not quote figures for trips we do not run — ask locally for those.

One exception worth knowing: the themed ship is a day our own Side brand operates, so if that is what your group wants you can book a pirate boat trip with us rather than with a stranger at the harbour gate.

Suluada is a destination day. Every cruise sails from Adrasan harbour, along pine-clad cliffs, out to a small rocky island with a white sandy bay and twin beaches. Boats anchor near the island; where conditions allow, tender boats shuttle guests into the bay. The route also takes in the sheltered cove of Domuz Bay and the Love Cave.

The schedule is built around swimming breaks at Suluada and the surrounding bays, with guidance on board and lunch cooked as you sail — grilled fish or chicken with pasta or rice, daily Turkish mezes, seasonal salad, then fruit and Turkish tea. Drinks from the bar are paid separately. What we sell is the island and the water, not on-board entertainment. There is no shop on the island, so bring what you need.

It is a long day, and we say so: about 10 hours from the Side region, around 12 from Antalya, Kemer and Beldibi. People book it because the destination is worth the hours.

Three things actually separate them: distance, volume and water. A pirate trip stays close to home and keeps the energy high. Suluada travels west, well beyond the resort shoreline, to reach the island itself — and then lets the sea do the talking.

• You want fun, music and an easy afternoon: the pirate boat. It is the right tool for that job.
• You want the best swimming of your holiday: Suluada. This is the day you will show people afterwards.
• You have teenagers who want a party: pirate boat. Teenagers who want to snorkel: Suluada.
• You are travelling with small children: read our family tour page first. The Side departure lists a minimum age of 6, and it is a long day on the water.
• You want both: perfectly sensible. Give Suluada a full day and keep the pirate trip for an afternoon.

First time on a full-day boat? Our first boat trip tips cover the practical part — and if your hotel sits outside our standard pickup bands, message us and we will confirm your pickup individually.