Double Dive to South Solitary Island Coffs Harbour

South Solitary Island is the star here: a protected marine park where tropical and subtropical fish meet, and where you might see grey nurse sharks, leopard sharks, turtles, rays, dolphins, nudibranchs, or huge schools of fish. Conditions change, but the East Australian Current often brings warmer, clearer water than you might expect this far south. The wildlife is the main draw.

I like the practical shape of this trip: two underwater sessions, a proper one-hour surface break, and hot drinks with snacks on the boat. I also like the crew’s strong reputation for calm supervision, with staff such as Bryce, Lindsay, Heidi, Julz, and Nathan receiving particular praise for care and leadership. The main consideration is that equipment hire beyond tanks and weights is not included, and current, visibility, weather, and group size can affect the day.

Key points to know before booking

• South Solitary Island is a sanctuary-zone setting: Expect protected marine habitat with tropical and subtropical species.
• Two guided scuba sessions are included: A Divemaster leads small groups matched to experience levels.
• Tanks and weights are covered: You must arrange your BCD, regulators, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit separately.
• The boat ride takes about 30 minutes each way: The total outing lasts roughly six hours from the Coffs Harbour marina.
• Sharks are a real possibility: Sightings have included grey nurse, wobbegong, sandbar, and leopard sharks, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• You must be certified and medically fit: Bring proof of certification, and expect the activity to require moderate physical fitness.

South Solitary Island, where warm currents meet protected water

The Solitary Islands Marine Park gives this outing its character. South Solitary Island lies off Coffs Harbour, and the East Australian Current can bring water that is both warmer and cleaner than you may expect. That mix helps explain the unusual range of life: tropical fish, subtropical species, sharks, turtles, rays, nudibranchs, and large schools can all be part of the picture.

The site is in a sanctuary zone, which matters to you as a visitor. Protected water tends to offer a better chance of seeing a healthy marine community rather than a bare, overused seabed. It does not guarantee perfect visibility or a particular animal, but it gives the trip a strong natural setting.

Conditions remain the great variable. One outing may bring excellent visibility and several shark species. Another can have poorer visibility and a stronger current, while still producing sightings of sharks, turtles, dolphins, rays, starfish, and plenty of fish. You should book this as a wildlife experience, not as a fixed animal checklist.

A 7:30 a.m. start at Jetty Dive Centre

Your morning begins at Jetty Dive Centre, 398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour. The start time is 7:30 a.m., so plan to arrive with enough time to check in, show your certification, and deal with any equipment arrangements before the boat leaves.

The centre is near public transportation, which is useful if you are staying in Coffs Harbour without a car. The activity returns to the same meeting point after the second underwater session.

The early start is practical rather than glamorous. It gives the crew a full day window for the offshore run and leaves time for two sessions at South Solitary Island. Bring your certification proof with you. This is not an introductory lesson, and the operator requires evidence that you are a certified scuba diver.

You also need to be physically and medically fit for the activity. The stated requirement is a moderate fitness level, but the day still involves a boat trip, handling equipment, entering and leaving the water, and managing two underwater sessions. If you have not been in the water for some time, be honest with the crew about your recent experience.

The 30-minute run offshore

The trip to South Solitary Island takes about 30 minutes by boat. That is long enough to feel properly offshore, but short enough that most of the day is spent at the site rather than in transit.

Jetty Dive Centre uses purpose-built dive boats described as modern, well maintained, and well equipped. The boat is important here because conditions can change quickly offshore. A solid, well-organized vessel makes the equipment setup and movement between the two sessions easier.

Once you reach South Solitary Island, the crew chooses the site with the best conditions for the day. This is a smart approach. It means you are not locked into one exact spot when current, swell, or visibility suggests another location would be safer or more rewarding.

It also means you should not expect a rigid promise about the exact underwater route. The best site depends on the sea that morning, not on a brochure description.

First underwater session, with a Divemaster beside you

The two sessions are guided by a Divemaster, with small groups arranged according to experience. The maximum group size for the overall activity is 25 people, so the boat can carry a fairly large number of scuba guests even though groups in the water are described as small.

That distinction is worth understanding. You may share the boat with many other people, while being assigned to a smaller group underwater. On one particularly busy outing, 21 divers were aboard, and group members crossed paths several times. If you want a quiet, highly private experience, ask the operator about expected numbers before booking.

The guiding style appears to be one of the strongest parts of the trip. Bryce received special praise for giving extra attention to a less experienced participant, while Lindsay was described as patient and calm with someone on only a second scuba outing. Heidi was also singled out for reassurance and competence. These details matter because a calm guide can make a major difference when the current picks up or the underwater setting feels unfamiliar.

The first session may bring the most active water. One account described a stronger current at the start, followed by a calmer second session. Current is not automatically a problem, but it can make the first descent more demanding and may affect how closely your group needs to stay together.

Underwater sightings have included grey nurse sharks, wobbegong sharks, sandbar sharks, leopard sharks, turtles, rays, dolphins, starfish, nudibranchs, and large schools of fish. Batfish have also been seen in sizeable groups. The range is what makes this marine park appealing. You might spend one moment looking at small nudibranchs and the next watching a much larger animal move through the water.

The one-hour surface break

After the first session, you return to the boat for a one-hour surface interval. This is not dead time. It gives your body the required break between sessions and gives you a chance to warm up, eat, drink, and reset your equipment.

Hot water is available for tea, coffee, and cup-a-soups, including vegetarian options. Snacks are included as well. That is a modest detail, but it adds real value on a six-hour morning at sea. A warm drink and something to eat can make the second session much more comfortable, especially if the weather is cool.

Use this hour sensibly. Eat enough to feel steady, drink something, and listen to the crew’s instructions for the next session. You can also use the interval to discuss the first site and conditions with your Divemaster. If the current was strong, this is the time to ask what to expect next.

The interval also affects your perception of the price. At $182.90 per person, you are not paying for a short splash in the water. You are paying for a boat trip offshore, two guided sessions, tanks and weights, crew support, and a proper surface break. The price is less attractive if you already own none of the required equipment, because the major pieces must be arranged separately.

The second session and the return to Coffs Harbour

The second underwater session follows the surface break. As conditions can vary around the island, it may feel different from the first. A calmer second session has made the outing more enjoyable for some people, while other days may bring less visibility or a stronger current.

The guided format remains helpful here. You are not left to plan both sessions on your own, and the crew can choose the site and manage the group according to conditions and ability. The activity is suitable for certified scuba divers at different experience levels, but you should still have a realistic idea of your comfort in open water.

After the second session, the boat heads back to shore and the activity ends at Jetty Dive Centre. The full outing lasts about six hours. Since the return time is approximate, avoid booking a tightly timed afternoon commitment immediately afterward.

Marine life, from sharks to nudibranchs

The shark sightings are the most memorable feature for many people. Grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, sandbar sharks, and leopard sharks have all been seen on different outings. Their presence gives South Solitary Island a stronger appeal than a standard reef trip, particularly if large marine animals are high on your list.

Turtles and marble rays add another reason to come. Large schools of fish, including batfish, create a sense of movement even when the bigger animals stay away. Small creatures such as nudibranchs reward you for slowing down and paying attention.

Dolphins have also been seen, though you should treat them as a bonus rather than an expected part of the trip. The same goes for every other animal. Marine life follows its own schedule, and visibility can affect what you notice even when the animals are present.

One useful point is that poor conditions do not always mean a wildlife-free day. An outing with low visibility still produced sharks, turtles, dolphins, fish, starfish, and rays. That does not make poor visibility ideal, but it shows why a protected offshore site can remain worthwhile when the water is not perfect.

Equipment, certification, and what you must arrange

The price includes tanks and weights. It does not include the rest of the scuba equipment.

You need to arrange any required BCD, regulators, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit with the operator separately. Clarify this before you arrive, especially if you are visiting Coffs Harbour and do not have your own kit. The supplied details also list snorkeling equipment as not included, though snorkeling is not the focus of this activity.

This arrangement is good value for divers who already own most of their kit or have confirmed rental costs in advance. It can become a more expensive morning for anyone who needs a full equipment package.

You must provide proof of scuba certification. The operator also requires you to be physically and medically fit. If your certification is old or you have not been underwater for several years, tell the crew during booking. An outing once had an instructor assigned to a family whose divers had been out of the water for three years, showing that the crew may adjust supervision when needed. Do not assume this replaces a formal refresher course, though.

Group size, safety, and the real tradeoff

The activity allows up to 25 people. That is not a tiny private charter, and the boat may feel busy on a full departure. The advantage is that you are joining an established operation with enough crew to organize different groups by experience.

The guides and boat crew are frequently praised for professional conduct, safety awareness, and care. Captain Steve has been mentioned in connection with the So Wild boat, and Julz and Nathan have led groups at South Solitary Island. Staff experience can help, but you still have responsibility for staying with your group, following instructions, and communicating clearly.

A large boat group can also create some underwater traffic. If several groups use the same area, you may cross paths with other divers. That is a practical tradeoff for a popular marine park and a boat capable of carrying a larger number of people.

The best approach is to tell the crew your experience level without exaggeration. If you are still gaining confidence, ask to be placed with a group that suits your pace. If you are an experienced diver, understand that the trip is guided and organized for a range of abilities rather than built entirely around advanced independent exploration.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would choose this outing if I wanted access to South Solitary Island without arranging a private boat, and if sharks, turtles, rays, and varied fish mattered more to me than a guaranteed calm sea.

It suits:

• Certified scuba divers who want two sessions in one morning
• Divers comfortable with changing visibility and current
• Visitors who value guided groups and crew supervision
• People willing to arrange their own major equipment or pay separately for hire
• Wildlife-focused divers who enjoy both large animals and small marine life

I would think twice if you are not certified, have not been medically cleared, or expect a beginner lesson. I would also plan carefully if you dislike early starts, boat travel, busy departures, or uncertain conditions.

The trip is especially appealing if you have been away from scuba for a while but still hold valid certification and can discuss your comfort level honestly. The crew’s attention to less experienced participants is encouraging, though the activity remains a certified-diver outing.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

The trip is often booked about 26 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible if your Coffs Harbour dates are fixed. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that period are not accepted for a refund. The trip needs suitable weather, and if poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The mobile ticket is convenient, but keep your certification proof ready in case the centre needs to check it at the start.

Should you book the South Solitary Island trip?

Book it if you are a certified scuba diver looking for a serious half-day offshore outing with a real chance of seeing sharks and a wide range of marine life. The combination of two guided sessions, tanks and weights, hot drinks, snacks, and a protected marine park makes $182.90 reasonable, particularly if you already own or have arranged the rest of your kit.

Skip it if you need an introductory lesson, want a private small boat, or cannot tolerate the possibility of current and poor visibility. South Solitary Island can deliver exceptional wildlife encounters, but the ocean sets the schedule.

For the right diver, this is one of the more distinctive ways to experience the Coffs Harbour coast. Bring your certification, confirm your equipment, leave room in your schedule, and treat every shark, turtle, or dolphin as a welcome surprise rather than a promise.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

No. You must be a certified scuba diver and provide proof of certification. The activity also requires you to be physically and medically fit.

What does the $182.90 price include?

The price includes two scuba sessions, tanks, weights, guided supervision, the boat trip, hot drinks, cup-a-soups, and snacks.

What scuba equipment is not included?

BCD, regulators, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit are not included. You must arrange these items separately with the operator.

How long does the activity last?

The outing lasts about six hours. It starts at 7:30 a.m. at Jetty Dive Centre and ends back at the same meeting point.

How far is South Solitary Island from Coffs Harbour?

The boat trip takes about 30 minutes each way.

What happens if weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. A full refund is also available if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the activity is canceled.