Meet the site
Turtle Bay is a sheltered bay on the northern end of Agincourt Reef No. 2, and it earns its name: a large loggerhead turtle is regularly seen here in the summer months, according to both Silverseries and Poseidon, alongside green and hawksbill turtles that feed on the reef. The bay is backed by a reef wall decorated with hard and soft corals that drops from about 5 m to sand at around 22 m. The sheltered aspect means calm water inside the bay, while pelagic fish are often seen out towards the reef front where the bay opens to the current. Along the wall look for sea cucumbers on the sand, giant clams wedged into the coral, whitetip reef sharks resting on the bottom, and sweetlips sheltering under overhangs. Goatfish, chromis and fusiliers fill the water column and parrotfish graze along the reef top. Turtles are the main attraction. They rest under ledges, graze on sponges and algae along the wall, or surface to breathe beside the boat. Approach slowly from the side, never from above, and keep your distance – they are far more relaxed if you let them come to you. The layout is straightforward: an out-and-back along the wall from the mooring, with the deeper section on the way out and the shallower wall and reef top on the return. That makes it suitable for new open water divers, and the shallow reef edge gives snorkellers a good chance of seeing turtles too. Visibility is generally around 20 m and occasionally 30 m. Because it is protected from the prevailing south-easterly, Turtle Bay is one of the moorings skippers turn to when the trade winds are blowing. Divers after a calm, relaxed dive with a high chance of turtles and a nicely decorated wall will enjoy it. Note that there is also a separate site called Turtle Bay on the Sister reefs near Tongue Reef, visited by Wavelength.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Turtle Bay (Agincourt Reef 2) is recorded as Reef in Port Douglas. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Turtle Bay (Agincourt Reef 2) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Turtle Bay (Agincourt Reef 2) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles, whitetip reef sharks, sweetlips, giant clams, sea cucumbers, parrotfish, goatfish, chromis, fusiliers
Location
A sheltered bay at the northern end of Agincourt Reef No. 2 with a hard- and soft-coral reef wall.
Facilities nearby
Departs Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas – car parking, toilets, cafes and restaurants at the marina; dive shops in town for gear hire and air
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
silverseries.com.auposeidon-cruises.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.