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.
Adventure brief
Solitary Islands Snorkel: Two-site, Small-Boat Exploration Off Coffs Harbour with Jetty Dive
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.
At the gateway to one of Australia’s richest underwater ecosystems, Jetty Dive Centre offers a unique snorkeling adventure just off Coffs Harbour’s coast. Located at 398 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia, this trip takes you to the renowned Solitary Islands Marine Park, a cluster of offshore islets famous for their biodiversity and clear temperate waters. Spanning up to 120 minutes of immersion around two distinct snorkeling sites, Jetty Dive’s excursion promises direct encounters with vibrant marine life amid pristine reefs.
The Solitary Islands sit at the intersection of tropical and temperate marine environments, making them a stand-out destination for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here, you encounter more than 200 species of fish and unique coral formations sculpted over millennia, alongside playful marine mammals and the occasional turtle. This area’s geological makeup contrasts volcanic rock outcrops with patches of soft coral gardens, creating diverse habitats packed with colour and life.
Jetty Dive Centre’s approach caters to confident swimmers of all ages, emphasizing safety and comfort by providing all necessary equipment including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits (3mm to 7mm thickness). The trip combines adventure with convenience: while you take to the water, the boat remains a comfortable base where morning tea is served, including vegetarian soups and fresh beverages. Though the trips aren’t guided in-water, an experienced coxswain stays on board to ensure a secure, smooth journey.
As a hub in the local outdoor recreation scene, Jetty Dive Centre stands out for its dedication to sustainable marine tourism and respectful interaction with this delicate ecosystem. For visitors looking to connect deeply with the underwater world of New South Wales’s coastline, this snorkeling trip balances thrill and accessibility like no other.
Whether you’re upgrading your coastal adventure itinerary or planning a family-friendly aquatic experience, Jetty Dive Centre at Coffs Harbour remains a top choice for revealing the Solitary Islands’ underwater wonders.
Route Schematic
Itinerary at a glance
The outing moves from embarkation to two snorkel sites with a surface interval on board between swims.
Boarding and departure
Board the operator’s boat at the start of the six‑hour trip and head out from Coffs Harbour toward the Solitary Islands.
Snorkel — Site One
The boat moors at the first snorkel location and snorkellers may enter the water; timing at this site contributes to the total 60–120 minutes of in‑water time.
Surface interval and morning tea
During the surface interval the crew provides morning tea and a brief rest period while preparing for the second snorkel.
Snorkel — Site Two
The boat moves to a second mooring for an additional snorkel; you can re‑enter the water while the vessel is secured at this site.
Return to harbour
After the second site the vessel returns to Coffs Harbour to complete the approximately six‑hour outing.
Participants must be confident swimmers and experienced snorkellers; the snorkelling area can be unsettled. The trip is not a guided snorkel unless a guide is requested and available; a coxswain is on board at all times.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:45.805Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.