Turtle Rocks
(North and Middle Turtle)

Depth Range: 15–35ft.
Dive Type: Reef/SCUBA & Snorkel
Location: South of South Bimini.

Turtle Rocks is actually two separate snorkel sites, North Turtle Rocks and Middle Turtle Rocks. It is amazing how two sites so close together could be so different in their makeup.

North Turtle Rocks is the shallowest of the 2 locations and is a great snorkeling site. There is a 6 foot vertical face of coral right where the rocks meet the water. Then, there is a gentle slope of rock face and coral to a depth of 30 – 35 ft. The best snorkeling is between the rock face and about 15 ft. On the very northern tip of the rock is a shallow sea garden in about 3–7 ft of water. This area is extremely colorful and features many sea fans, gorgonians, and the smallest of the tropical fish species. The deeper area where Scuba divers focus their attention can also be interesting for snorkelers. The area features the wreckage of an un–named pleasure boat leaving behind 2 large engine blocks that now acts as home for a couple of spotted morays. Also, North Turtle Rocks is known for the occasional Spotted Eagle Ray. And don't be surprised to see a small Caribbean Reef or Blacktip Shark swim by either.

The main feature at Middle Turtle Rock is a single piece of spherical star coral that has grown on a rock ledge at a depth of 30 ft. The coral sphere is about 18 ft high and 18 ft wide. Some say it is one of the largest single pieces of living star coral in this hemisphere. Right next to it is another piece of star coral that is about half of its size, still an impressive site. This site is equally great for both Snorkelers as well as Scuba Divers. After checking out the star coral heads, snorkelers can make the short swim over to where the rocks meet the water and explore the 3 – 15 ft area. There's plenty of fish, soft corals, and crustaceans for all.

Turtle Rocks is part of a string of rocks and small cays that stretch between South Bimini and Cat Cay. They also form the line of demarcation between the Atlantic Ocean (to the west) and the Great Bahama Bank (to the east). On your next trip to Bimini, if either of the Turtle Rock sites are on the trip schedule, be sure you do not miss that boat!