Turtle Rock - Inner Islands

Lola Island, right by Zipolo Habu Resort, is a real gentle introduction to the Vona Vona Lagoon. You’ll find a shallow, sandy slope here, topping out at around 5m, which makes it perfect for those confined water sessions or just getting comfortable again. We often see small blacktip reef sharks gliding past, along with the usual suspects like butterflyfish and triggerfish pottering around. It's a calm, easy dive, ideal for new divers or anyone wanting a relaxed dip.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.447700, 55.234200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Silhouette Marine National Park

Best Time to Dive in Inner Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Inner Islands occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 26.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C
  • February: 29.0°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 29.8°C
  • June: 28.5°C
  • July: 26.8°C
  • August: 26.6°C
  • September: 27.4°C
  • October: 28.3°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 29.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Inner Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Turtle Rock

Marine Life in Inner Islands

Home to 184 recorded species including 156 reef fish, 8 hard corals, 6 sharks & rays, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Turtle Rock

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 range for diving at Turtle Rock?
Turtle Rock is a simple, shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 16 meters. Divers can expect to explore the reef within this range, making it accessible for various certification levels. For more details on this site, visit the Turtle Rock dive site page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Turtle Rock?
Divers at Turtle Rock can expect to explore a vibrant reef environment. The site is known for its namesake rock, which resembles a turtle at low tide, and offers a good chance of encountering actual turtles. Additionally, many snails can be found here, adding to the diverse marine life. You can learn more about marine species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Turtle Rock, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Turtle Rock is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it is described as a simple, shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 16 meters, the intermediate rating suggests it's best suited for divers with some experience. Beginners might find it manageable with proper guidance, but it's not explicitly a beginner-level site.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Turtle Rock for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided information for Turtle Rock does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive resource. Local dive operators in the Inner Islands of Seychelles would also have up-to-date information.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive at Turtle Rock?
Given that Turtle Rock is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, an Open Water Diver certification is typically the minimum requirement. However, divers with some experience or an Advanced Open Water certification might feel more comfortable and get the most out of the dive. Always check with local dive centers for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Turtle Rock dive site?
At Turtle Rock, divers can expect an average visibility of 16 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions for this dive site. It's always advisable to consult with local dive guides for real-time current information before your dive.