Scuba Diving at South Solitary Island
Look for the two-dive boat trip from Coffs Harbour to South Solitary Island. Confirm the certification requirements with the operator.
Things to do · Destination Guide
Where tropical reefs, temperate life and grey nurse sharks meet off the Coffs Coast
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
From the Coffs Harbour marina, Jetty Dive runs weather-dependent double-dive charters to South Solitary and other Solitary Islands sites. Deep gutters and arches shelter grey nurse sharks, while reef walls, coral gardens, turtles, nudibranchs and schooling fish offer varied dives. Reefs are not uniformly beginner-friendly: ask for the specific site, current, depth and a suitable dive leader. North Solitary is a longer boat day; Pimpernel is an advanced, special-arrangement expedition with significant depth and current hazards.
Cleaner Station, South Solitary Island
Large boulders and resident cleaner fish attract other species.
Grey Nurse / Shark Gutters, South Solitary Island
Underwater channels with diverse fish and seasonal shark sightings; do not block sharks in gutters.
Boulder Wall and Buchanan's Wall, South Solitary Island
Reef wall and boulder corridors add reef-fish and macro possibilities; dive profile depends on conditions.
Turtle Cove and coral gardens, Split Solitary Island
Reef plateaus, sponges, turtles and reef fish on a closer island sometimes used as a route alternative.
Anemone Bay and Fish Soup, North Solitary Island
Notable anemonefish aggregation and schooling fish; long boat trip and potential current.
Manta Arch, South Solitary Island
Iconic rock arch with grey nurse shark habitat, anemones and deeper gutters.
Pimpernel Rock, special-arrangement northern option
High-exposure, deep current-affected site with a large cave-like passage.
Operator Checklist
Book ahead, particularly in school-holiday periods; daily advertising is not guaranteed departure. The posted rates are per person and exclude some tank/gear rental. Certified divers must show credentials, carry a dive computer and surface marker buoy, and declare dive/medical suitability. Ask whether the charter provides a guided group and how recent experience is assessed. Inquire separately about nitrox, deep sites, rebreathers and special trips. Provide a weather buffer and do not schedule air travel immediately after diving; follow conservative no-fly guidance from your dive organization.
Conditions Fallback
Avoid
Look for the two-dive boat trip from Coffs Harbour to South Solitary Island. Confirm the certification requirements with the operator.