Double Dive to South Solitary Island Coffs Harbour

South Solitary Island delivers the kind of underwater variety that makes this six-hour trip special. The East Australian Current brings warmer, cleaner water, while the sanctuary zone protects crowded shoals of fish, turtles, rays, nudibranchs, and several shark species. You may see grey nurse, leopard, sandbar, or wobbegong sharks, though marine life and visibility depend on the day.

I like the two separate underwater sessions, which give you a second chance if the first one feels current-heavy or visibility is poor. I also like the practical care on board: small groups matched to experience, a one-hour break with tea, coffee, cup-a-soups, and snacks, plus tanks and weights included.

The main catch is cost and equipment. At $182.90, you still need to arrange your BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit, and you must show proof of certification. Conditions can also change quickly, so this is best for a certified diver who accepts that the sea sets the schedule.

Key points before you book

• Two sessions at South Solitary Island: The boat spends the day at one island, with the exact site chosen after checking conditions.
• A 30-minute boat ride each way: You get a proper offshore outing without losing the whole day to transport.
• Sharks and turtles are possible highlights: Grey nurse, leopard, sandbar, and wobbegong sharks have all been seen, along with turtles, rays, dolphins, and large fish schools.
• Tanks and weights are included: You must arrange most of your remaining scuba equipment separately.
• Guided small groups: A Divemaster leads each group, with groups organized around experience and conditions.
• Certified scuba divers only: Bring proof of certification and be prepared to confirm that you are medically and physically fit.

Why South Solitary Island is worth the boat trip

South Solitary Island sits within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a protected area where fish life has room to gather. The East Australian Current helps keep the water warmer and cleaner than you might expect from the coast of New South Wales, and it also carries tropical species southward.

That mix is the real attraction. You are not limited to one type of marine life. A single outing might include brightly colored tropical fish, subtropical species, large schools, rays, turtles, and small creatures such as nudibranchs.

Sharks are another reason this trip gets attention. Sightings can include wobbegong, sandbar, leopard, and grey nurse sharks. Nothing in the trip promises a particular animal, so you should book for the protected island habitat and broad variety, not for a guaranteed shark encounter.

The sanctuary setting matters, too. It gives the area a better chance of supporting large schools and regular marine activity. You will still need luck with weather, current, and visibility, but the location gives the crew a strong starting point.

Your 7:30 am start at Jetty Dive Centre

Your morning begins at Jetty Dive Centre, 398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour. The activity ends at the same place, and the site is near public transportation.

The early start makes sense. The crew needs time to prepare the boat, equipment, and groups before heading offshore. You should arrive ready for a full morning and early afternoon on the water, with the complete experience lasting about six hours.

This is not a casual beach outing. You need to be a certified scuba diver, show proof of certification, and be physically and medically fit for scuba activity. The operator lists a moderate fitness level as necessary, which is a useful warning for anyone who has not been in the water for some time.

If your certification is old or you have not used your skills for several years, be honest with the crew. One family was assigned an instructor after a long break from scuba activity and because certification proof was not available. That suggests the staff may take extra care when they have concerns, but you should not treat the trip as a refresher course.

The 30-minute run to the island

Once aboard, the trip to South Solitary Island takes about 30 minutes. That is long enough to feel properly offshore, but short enough that the boat journey does not overwhelm the actual underwater time.

The operator uses large, well-equipped boats, and boat quality is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The crew includes a boat captain and Divemasters who manage the groups and conditions. Captain Steve and guides such as Julz, Nathan, Lindsay, Heidi, and Bryce have been singled out for professional, calm, and reassuring care on different outings.

You should still remember that offshore travel can be exposed to weather and swell. The activity requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. That is a sensible policy for an open-water trip, even if it means keeping your plans flexible.

Choosing the day’s first site

On arrival, the crew chooses the site with the best conditions around South Solitary Island. This is more useful than promising one fixed underwater route. Current, visibility, and sea state can vary, so the best site on one morning may not be the best site on another.

A site selected for conditions can make a major difference to your comfort and safety. One outing had a stronger current on the first descent, while the second was calmer and easier. Another had poor visibility but still produced sharks, turtles, dolphins, rays, starfish, and plenty of fish.

That is the right way to think about this trip. You may get clear water and a busy scene, or you may need to work harder in reduced visibility. The protected location improves your chances of seeing marine life, but it cannot control the ocean.

What the two underwater sessions are like

You complete two scuba sessions from the boat, both guided by a Divemaster. Groups are kept small and organized around experience, although the total boat capacity can reach 25 people.

The group system is a practical advantage for less confident certified divers. Bryce has been praised for keeping a close eye on a newer diver, and Lindsay has been described as calm and patient with someone on only a second scuba outing. Heidi has also been noted for reassuring support and strong practical skill.

At the same time, you should ask about group size and experience matching before departure if you have concerns. A previous trip carried 21 divers, and the groups crossed paths underwater a few times. That does not automatically spoil the experience, but it means this is a boat-based group trip, not a private guide and private route.

The underwater variety can be impressive. You might find:

• Grey nurse, leopard, sandbar, and wobbegong sharks
• Turtles and dolphins
• Marble rays and other rays
• Batfish and large schools of smaller fish
• Starfish and nudibranchs
• Tropical and subtropical species together

The small creatures deserve attention. It is easy to focus only on sharks and turtles, but nudibranchs and other small marine animals reward slower observation. If you enjoy looking closely rather than simply covering distance, tell your guide. The crew can organize groups by experience, and that may help set the right pace.

The one-hour surface break

After the first session, the boat pauses for about an hour. This is a useful reset, not dead time. You can warm up, eat, drink, and let your breathing and energy settle before the second descent.

Hot water is available for tea, coffee, and cup-a-soups, including vegetarian options. Snacks are included. Bring any personal food or drink you need, but the supplied break gives you something practical while you wait.

The surface interval also gives you time to think about the first site and ask questions. If the current was strong or the visibility limited, the second site or second session may feel quite different. One reported outing had a more enjoyable second session after a challenging first one.

You should not expect a restaurant meal or luxury boat service. This is simple, useful food that helps you stay comfortable on a long morning at sea.

The second session and return to Coffs Harbour

After the surface break, you return to the water for the second guided session. The crew again works with the conditions and the needs of the groups. This second chance is one of the best reasons to choose a two-session trip instead of a single offshore outing.

If the first session feels rushed because of current, nerves, or unfamiliar surroundings, you now have a better sense of the area. If the first session is calm and full of marine life, the second gives you another chance to look for smaller animals or different species.

Once the second session ends, the boat returns to shore. The tour finishes back at Jetty Dive Centre, with the total outing taking around six hours.

What the $182.90 price really covers

At $182.90 per person, the price is reasonable for a full offshore morning with two guided sessions, boat transport to South Solitary Island, tanks, weights, surface-break drinks, and snacks.

The important detail is what the price does not cover. You need to organize your BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit separately with the operator. Snorkeling equipment is also not included, though snorkeling is not the main purpose of this activity.

That equipment issue can change the real cost. If you already own or have arranged a complete scuba kit, the advertised price gives you solid value. If you need to hire nearly everything beyond tanks and weights, ask for the current equipment cost before booking.

The value is strongest for an active certified diver who wants two sessions at a protected offshore site. It is less attractive if you are looking for a low-cost introduction, a first-ever scuba experience, or an outing where all equipment is automatically supplied.

The trip is usually booked about 26 days ahead, so planning early is sensible, especially if your visit to Coffs Harbour is built around a particular date. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This experience suits certified divers who are comfortable with a boat trip, changing conditions, and a moderate level of physical effort. It is especially appealing if you like variety and want a reasonable chance of seeing larger animals alongside small reef life.

It can also work well for a newer certified diver who wants guidance. Lindsay’s calm approach with a second-time diver and Bryce’s close attention to a less confident participant show why a guided group can be helpful.

You should think twice if you have not scuba dived for years, are uncertain about your medical fitness, or dislike open-water conditions. The staff may provide extra support, but the trip is still built for certified divers, not for training or a first lesson.

You should also be comfortable with the possibility of a mixed group. The total number can reach 25, and group sizes underwater may vary with experience and conditions. If you want a private pace and uninterrupted route, this is probably not the right format.

Practical booking advice

Bring proof of your scuba certification. This is mandatory, and having it ready avoids delays at check-in.

Arrange any needed equipment before the morning of the trip. Tanks and weights are included, but the BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit are not. Ask the centre exactly what you need and what the extra hire cost will be.

Allow the full six hours. The early meeting time, 30-minute trip to the island, two sessions, one-hour surface break, and return journey all form part of the day.

Plan around the weather. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The trip is rated 4.9 from 31 reviews, with 97 percent recommending it. Those numbers fit the experience described here: strong boat operations, attentive crew, and excellent wildlife potential, balanced by the usual uncertainty of open water.

Should you book the South Solitary Island trip?

Book it if you are a certified diver who wants two guided sessions, good marine-life potential, and a protected offshore site near Coffs Harbour. The combination of sharks, turtles, rays, schooling fish, and small creatures gives the day more depth than a trip aimed at one headline animal.

I would be especially keen to book if I already had my own equipment or had confirmed affordable hire with Jetty Dive Centre. The included tanks and weights help, but the extra gear costs should be part of your budget.

Skip it if you need a beginner lesson, cannot handle a changing sea state, or want a fully private experience. For the right certified diver, though, the two-session format, thoughtful crew support, and South Solitary Island setting make this one of Coffs Harbour’s strongest underwater outings.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

No. It is for certified scuba divers only, and you must provide proof of certification.

Where does the activity begin and end?

It begins and ends at Jetty Dive Centre, 398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450.

What time does the trip start?

The stated start time is 7:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately six hours.

How long is the boat trip to South Solitary Island?

The boat journey to the island takes about 30 minutes.

How many scuba sessions are included?

The trip includes two scuba sessions from one of the operator’s boats.

Are tanks and weights included?

Yes. Tanks and weights are included in the price.

Is the rest of the scuba equipment included?

No. You must arrange equipment such as a BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit separately. Snorkeling equipment is also not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.