Coffs Harbour and Solitary Islands

Base yourself beside the Coffs Harbour jetty and take day boats to the Solitary Islands, an east Australian mixing zone where corals, anemones, kelp, turtles, schooling fish and grey nurse sharks share the reefs. South Solitary Island is the flagship scuba circuit, with Manta Arch, Shark Gutters and Cleaner Station. Closer Split and South West Solitary offer sheltered-route alternatives when conditions suit; North Solitary is a longer, less frequent undertaking. Jetty Dive advertises year-round trips, but every sailing depends on weather, boat numbers and site conditions. Its offshore snorkeling is explicitly for competent swimmers rather than first-timers. Freedive courses are documented, but independent, dedicated freedive sightseeing charters are not. Between water days, mix jetty beaches, Gumbaynggirr cultural experiences, Muttonbird Island, coastal headlands and seasonal humpback watching. The destination is planned from shore accommodation, not a local liveaboard. Current season note: Jetty Dive has marked its 2026 whale-watching season closed; future watch-only departures require a freshly confirmed schedule.