Meet the site
Turtle Bay, at the north-east corner of East Wallabi Island, is the most visited snorkelling spot in the Abrolhos because it is the destination for fly-in day tours from Geraldton that land on the island's airstrip. Marine Life Network calls it brilliant, with conditions ranging from a shallow swim to pristine coral reef: blue staghorn corals, plate and finger corals, buffalo bream, sergeant majors and other reef fish in 2-5 m.
The bay is sheltered from the afternoon southerly, the water is clear and warm thanks to the Leeuwin Current, and the reef starts close to the beach, making it ideal for snorkellers of all ages. East Wallabi Island also has walking trails, tammar wallabies and nesting seabirds, and neighbouring West Wallabi holds the Wiebbe Hayes forts from the Batavia story.
For divers on liveaboard trips, Turtle Bay makes a relaxed shallow dive or a night snorkel. Anchoring must be in sand, clear of the coral.
Fly-in day tours usually allow an hour or two in the water, so arrive with a well-fitting mask and a rash vest or thin wetsuit for sun protection. Liveaboard divers get the bay to themselves in the early morning or evening, when turtles and rays are most often seen over the seagrass fringe. Take all rubbish off the island. Reef shoes help on the beach rubble.
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 (East Wallabi Island) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
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 (East Wallabi Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 (East Wallabi Island) 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
Blue staghorn, plate and finger corals, buffalo bream, sergeant majors, wrasse, parrotfish, turtles, Australian sea lions (occasional)
Location
Sheltered bay at the north-east corner of East Wallabi Island with shallow coral reef (2-5 m) of blue staghorn, plate and finger corals; the snorkel stop for fly-in day tours.
Facilities nearby
Airstrip and walking trails on East Wallabi Island; no shops, water or toilets beyond what tour operators provide; day use only.
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
marinelife.org.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.