Turtle Point Reef sits just offshore from the idyllic village of Trou aux Biches on the north coast of Mauritius, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding reef dives on the island. Depths range from a gentle 8 metres on the reef top to around 18 metres at the sandy base, creating a versatile underwater landscape that suits beginner divers and snorkellers alike. The reef is characterised by a series of coral formations, sandy channels and rocky outcrops that provide shelter and feeding grounds for an impressive cast of marine residents — none more celebrated than the site's beloved turtles.
What sets Turtle Point apart from other reefs in Mauritius is the remarkable consistency of its turtle encounters. Divers regularly spot between 5 and 10 individual green and hawksbill turtles on a single dive, and many of these animals have been documented living on this reef for more than five years. They have grown accustomed to respectful divers and move with a calm, unhurried grace that makes underwater photography a true joy.
The undisputed stars of Turtle Point Reef are its resident turtles. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are often seen resting on the sandy bottom or grazing on seagrass patches, while hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) pick their way through the coral in search of sponges and invertebrates. Encountering both species on the same dive is common here — a rare treat anywhere in the world.
Beyond the turtles, the reef supports a diverse community of tropical fish and invertebrates:
The coral coverage at Turtle Point is healthy, featuring hard corals such as staghorn and brain coral alongside soft corals and sea fans that sway gently with any slight water movement. The biodiversity here rivals much deeper sites on the island, making it exceptional value for a shallow reef dive.
Turtle Point Reef is genuinely one of the most user-friendly dive sites in Mauritius. There is virtually no current at this site, which means divers can hover effortlessly over the reef, follow turtles at leisure and take their time composing photographs. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 metres, and often exceeds this on calm days, revealing the full expanse of the reef in brilliant clarity.
The shallow maximum depth of 18 metres gives divers generous bottom time — typically 50 to 60 minutes on a single tank — allowing ample time to explore the full extent of the reef and observe turtle behaviour without feeling rushed. Surface conditions near Trou aux Biches are generally calm, protected from the south-east trade winds by the island's northern orientation, and boat rides from the beach are short.
Turtle Point Reef can be dived year-round, and there is genuinely no bad month to visit. The north coast of Mauritius benefits from the island's sheltered orientation during the south-east trade wind season (May to November), when seas are typically at their flattest and visibility is superb. The warmer summer months from December to April bring slightly higher water temperatures of 27–29°C, making wetsuits optional for those who run warm. The resident turtles show no seasonal preference — they are present every month of the year.