Turtle Reef

Turtle Reef is a mini-wall located at the Northwest tip of Grand Cayman; you swim out across a plateau of about 30′, then it suddenly drops to 70′. After the drop, there is a long shelf to a larger wall, but it’s too far to swim with one tank (at least if you expect to come back). But there is enough to see along the mini-wall.

To the South, there is a cave that is home to a school of tarpon. Tarpon are 3 feet long with bright silver scales and to see 50+ in one area is breathtaking. All day long this school travels back and forth between their cave and coral overhang a few meters away. Still further South the Turtle Farm dumps its organic garbage, including turtle parts and egg shells.

The North is more wild and you’re more likely to encounter a larger creature, such as a turtle or stingray. Turtles are especially active in this area, often seen eating a sponge or coral. When approached they’re not easily frightened, but they will keep their distance. If they’ve had enough, they’ll bolt…and sea turtles are fast when they want to be.