Solitary Islands Snorkel: Two-site, Small-Boat Exploration Off Coffs Harbour with Jetty Dive

COFFS HARBOUR SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE

Solitary Islands Snorkel: Two-site, Small-Boat Exploration Off Coffs Harbour with Jetty Dive

A six-hour snorkelling outing to two Solitary Islands sites with Jetty Dive — equipment hire and morning tea included — this guide explains the flow, requirements, and what to expect.

Solitary Islands Snorkel: Two-site, Small-Boat Exploration Off Coffs Harbour with Jetty Dive.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Coffs Harbour
Operator
Jetty Dive Centre
Category
Snorkel
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Coffs Harbour you board Jetty Dive’s vessel for a six‑hour trip out to the Solitary Islands, stopping at two different snorkel sites so participants can spend between 60 and 120 minutes in the water exploring vibrant marine life. All snorkel equipment is provided and there’s morning tea on board during the surface interval; the outing runs alongside the operator’s scuba dives and is led by a coxswain rather than a snorkeling guide unless one is specially requested.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Two distinct Solitary Islands snorkel sites

The trip visits two separate sites around the Solitary Islands where snorkellers can enter the water while the boat is moored; total in‑water time across the two stops runs roughly 60–120 minutes depending on conditions and scheduling.

THE GEAR

All equipment supplied, wetsuit options included

Jetty Dive provides mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits in 3 mm, 5 mm and 7 mm thicknesses as part of the trip inclusions, so you can board ready to get into the water without extra kit.

ON BOARD

Morning tea and a surface interval

During the diver’s surface interval the crew serves morning tea — hot water for cup‑a‑soup, tea and coffee, and small biscuit serves with vegetarian soup options available — giving snorkellers a warm, dry break between swims.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You spend a morning and early afternoon aboard Jetty Dive’s boat, hopping between two moorings off the Solitary Islands. The outing is practical and boat‑based: there’s a coxswain at all times, participants enter the water when the boat is settled, and time in the water accumulates to roughly an hour to two hours across the two snorkels. The trip runs with the operator’s scuba activities and is structured rather than guided — if you need a personal guide you should request one when booking, though guides are not always available.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

1
Confident SnorkellersThis trip is designed for people with snorkelling experience who are comfortable in open water and can manage variable sea conditions; confident swimmers are required.
2
Families with Capable KidsKids of all ages may join provided they are confident snorkellers and supervised at all times by an accompanying adult.
3
Novice SwimmersNot a good fit — participants must be competent swimmers and experienced snorkellers; the operator notes the snorkelling areas are not always calm.
4
Those Who Want a Guided SwimThis outing is not guided by default; if you require a guide you must request one when booking but guides are not always available, so confirm with the dive shop ahead of time.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Total trip time is approximately 6 hours; in‑water time across the two snorkel sites is typically between 60 and 120 minutes depending on conditions and the day’s schedule.

What to Bring

All snorkel equipment is included (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit — 3 mm, 5 mm or 7 mm). Bring sun protection, a towel, and any personal medication; morning tea is provided on board during the surface interval.

Cancellations & Refunds

There are no refunds for trips cancelled within 48 hours unless the operator can find a replacement booking for your slot; changes are subject to weather and availability, and the operator will contact you with any schedule changes.

Guides & On‑board Safety

A coxswain is on the boat at all times but the snorkeling component is not guided unless you request and confirm a guide when booking; guides are not always available.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The full outing is approximately 6 hours, with in‑water time across the two snorkel sites totaling between 60 and 120 minutes.

Is equipment provided?

Yes — mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits (available in 3 mm, 5 mm and 7 mm) are included in the trip price.

Are children allowed?

Children of all ages can participate as long as they are confident snorkellers; children must be supervised at all times by an adult.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeller?

Yes — participants must be confident swimmers with snorkelling experience because the snorkelling areas are not always calm.

Is the snorkel trip guided?

The trip is not guided by default; there is a coxswain on board at all times. If you require a guide, discuss it with the dive shop when booking, but guides are not always available.

What’s provided on board between snorkels?

Morning tea is provided during the surface interval — hot water for cup‑a‑soup, tea and coffee, small biscuit servings, and vegetarian soup options are available.

What is the cancellation policy?

There are no refunds for trips cancelled within 48 hours unless the operator can find a replacement for your booking.