Turtle Rocks
(North, Middle and South Turtle)

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

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

North Turtle Rocks is the shallowest of the 3 sites and is the best snorkeling option of the 3 locations. 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. SCUBA Divers generally stay in the area between 15 and 35 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. For divers, the deeper 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 SCUBA Divers as well as Snorkelers. Divers can follow the rock ledge at 30 ft moving slowly from coral head to coral head. Snorkelers, after checking out the star coral heads 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.

South Turtle Rocks is really a SCUBA Divers and Freedivers site. Most of the coral formations are between 25 and 35 ft. and are growing on 2 sides of what appears to be a "sand roadway" running north and south parallel with the surface rocks. South Turtle is another location where it would not be uncommon to see a small Caribbean Reef Shark cruising the reef, or a Nurse Shark or 2 hiding under a rock ledge. All–in–all it's a great place to burn a tank of air.

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 any of the Turtle Rock sites are on the dive itinerary, be sure you do not miss that boat!