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Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef

Turtle Bommie, a standout on Saxon Reef, feels like a private aquarium. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer volume of fusiliers, so thick they almost obscure the bommie itself. We love how this relatively shallow pinnacle, topping out around 13 metres, packs such a punch. The mix of hard and soft corals is impressive – you'll fin past substantial staghorn and table corals, then drift over areas of vibrant soft corals swaying gently in the mild current. Our favourite time to dive here is late afternoon, just as the light starts to soften. The white sand surrounding the bommie really pops then, making the colours of the corals and the flashes of black blotched grunts even more vivid. You'll often spot Pharaoh cuttlefish patrolling the edges of the bommie, their colours rippling. While the name suggests turtles, and yes, we’ve seen them tucked into ledges during night dives, it's the sheer density of reef fish and the healthy coral structure that really makes Turtle Bommie special. This site is perfect for photographers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed dive with plenty to see without needing to go deep. It's an easy dive, suitable for all experience levels, and a fantastic spot for a second or third dive of the day.