Kauaʻi · United States · Reef
Turtle Bluffs
A turtle cleaning station on a hill ringed by ledges
Turtle Bluffs is a small hill ringed by 15 to 20 ledges on three sides, just west of General Store, with a turtle cleaning station at the top. It sits well offshore, with ledges from 14 m (45 ft) to 27 m (90 ft) and the deepest reaching 37 m (120 ft). Currents are usually not a problem, but it can catch the same flow as General Store.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Kauaʻi and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
Turtle Bluffs lies just west of General Store and further offshore than most of the south-shore boat sites. The site is a small hill with 15 to 20 ledges stepping down three of its sides. The ledges run from 14 m (45 ft) to 27 m (90 ft), and the deepest reach 37 m (120 ft).
The turtle cleaning station at the top of the hill gives the site its name, and the ledges are loaded with fish, including schools of blue-striped snappers, with black coral and whitetip reef sharks. Most often the current is not a problem, but being so far offshore the site can catch the same flow that runs over General Store.
Marine life and season
- Sea turtles
- Reef sharks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows Kauaʻi: May to September brings the calmest seas and warmest water, though south-shore visibility tends to run a little better in winter.
Know before you go
- Being far offshore, the site can catch the same current as General Store.
- The deepest ledges reach 37 m (120 ft), so depth and air need watching.
Dive videos
Scuba Diving Kauai's Turtle Bluffs · Scuba Sam on YouTube
Questions divers ask
Are there turtles at Turtle Bluffs?+
Yes. A turtle cleaning station sits at the top of the hill, and whitetip reef sharks also live on the ledges.
Sources
- Dive Sites - Fathom Five Divers (Kauai) — Fathom Five Divers
- Kauai Scuba Dive Sites — Seasport Divers
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