This dive site, known as 'Turtle Bay', is the closest reef available, located at the beginning of an inside atoll in the Maldives. It offers exceptionally easy navigation, making it a stress-free dive experience. While no specific history or story is provided, its name clearly indicates its most celebrated residents, hinting at a long-standing presence of turtles in this vibrant ecosystem.
The reef itself extends from a shallow 5 meters down to 40 meters, featuring numerous overhangs that provide shelter and interesting topography. As its name suggests, Turtle Bay is a haven for many turtles. Divers can also expect to encounter impressive lionfish, shimmering schools of glassfish, and the occasional whitetip reef shark, alongside a diverse array of other reef fish and healthy coral formations.
The best time to visit Turtle Bay, like much of the Maldives, is generally during the dry season from November to April, when weather is calm and visibility is excellent. Its shallow average depth of 8 meters and a maximum of 16 meters make it ideal for both scuba divers and freedivers, particularly beginners. Snorkelers will also find it highly rewarding due to the abundant and easily viewable marine life, especially the turtles, close to the surface. It's a fantastic spot for wide-angle photography focusing on turtles and reef sharks, as well as macro shots of lionfish and glassfish in the overhangs.
