Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef - Great Barrier Reef

Exmouth's Navy Pier is one of those places you hear about, a bit of an anomaly in the Ningaloo area. You’re diving under a working pier, which already gives it a distinct feel. The maximum depth is a shallow 12 metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking there's nothing there. Visibility averages around 8 metres, sometimes a bit less, but that’s part of its charm; things emerge from the green. We’ve seen everything from schools of trevally swirling around the pylons to nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom, and often white-tip reef sharks cruising through. It's an easy dive, current is usually negligible, making it a good option for newer divers or anyone looking for a relaxed, critter-focused outing. Just remember to sort out your entry with a licensed operator, as it’s on a military base.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.278300, 145.588600
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Great Barrier Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Great Barrier Reef occur in February, averaging 29.5°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 25.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.4°C
  • February: 29.5°C
  • March: 29.2°C
  • April: 28.4°C
  • May: 26.9°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 25.1°C
  • August: 25.0°C
  • September: 25.4°C
  • October: 26.6°C
  • November: 27.7°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Barrier Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef

Marine Life in Great Barrier Reef

Home to 163 recorded species including 88 reef fish, 61 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 1 starfish, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°C, currents 17 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth for diving at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef?
Diving at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef offers a maximum depth of 13 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow and accessible dive, perfect for exploring the vibrant reef structure and white sandy bottom.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef?
Divers at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef can expect to encounter beautiful hard and soft corals, along with a wide range of brightly coloured fish. The site is also home to fascinating creatures like crustaceans, nudibranch, moray eels, octopus, and cuttlefish. It's particularly renowned for night dives, where you can often spot turtles snuggled into the reef shelves. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not typically recommended for absolute beginners, certified divers with some experience will find it a rewarding and manageable dive.
When is the best time of year to dive Turtle Bommie at Saxon Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Great Barrier Reef, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef?
The specific diving certifications required for Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, a standard Open Water Diver certification is generally a prerequisite for such dives. Divers should always check with their chosen dive operator for any specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef?
Divers at Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef can expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the exquisite reef wall. While specific details on water temperature and currents are not provided, the excellent visibility contributes to a pleasant diving experience.