COFFS HARBOUR SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Two Guided Dives into the Riches of North Solitary Island
A 7.5-hour guided scuba outing from Coffs Harbour for certified divers (ages 10+), this guide explains what to expect, what’s included, and practical notes for a double-dive at North Solitary Island.
Two Guided Dives into the Riches of North Solitary Island.
Adventure brief
Two Guided Dives into the Riches of North Solitary Island
Head out from Coffs Harbour aboard a dive boat for two guided scuba dives at North Solitary Island, a sanctuary zone in the Solitary Islands Marine Park where cleaner, warmer water driven by the East Australian Current supports a vibrant mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life.
Located just off the coast of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, the North Solitary Island offers scuba divers a rare glimpse into one of Australia’s most vibrant marine sanctuaries. The Double Dive to North Solitary Island is an immersive 7.5-hour guided tour that takes seasoned and novice divers alike beneath crystal-clear waters to explore thriving underwater ecosystems. Nestled within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, this area boasts a remarkable blend of tropical and sub-tropical marine species, making it a standout underwater destination along Australia’s eastern seaboard.
The Solitary Islands themselves are a complex of rocky outcrops set within the nutrient-rich East Australian Current, an underwater highway carrying warm waters from the tropics that mix with cooler southern currents. This unusual confluence creates a biodiversity hotspot rarely seen elsewhere. Divers can expect to encounter everything from colorful coral formations to a striking array of fish species including clownfish, wrasses, and even the occasional spotted wobbegong shark. Each dive reveals astonishing layers of life: towering sea fans, delicate anemones, and hidden crevices teeming with crustaceans and nudibranchs.
What makes this double-dive trip unique is the guided nature, expertly tailored to both beginners aged 10 and up and more experienced divers. Knowledgeable local dive guides offer detailed briefings, emphasizing safe diving practices while sharing insights into the marine park’s conservation efforts. This ensures an educational experience alongside the adrenaline rush of deep-water exploration. The sanctuary zone status of the Solitary Islands underscores a commitment to protecting these fragile marine habitats, and clients leave with an enhanced appreciation for environmental stewardship.
Launching from the picturesque marina in Coffs Harbour, the trip integrates a scenic journey by boat past rugged coastal cliffs and the undulating Pacific swell. Coffs Harbour itself provides an excellent base with ample accommodation, dining, and other outdoor activities, making it an ideal location to extend your adventure.
This double dive experience is exceptional not only for its marine biodiversity but also for how it connects visitors directly to one of Australia’s most special underwater environments. Whether you’re chasing vibrant coral gardens or peering into the depths for elusive marine creatures, this tour offers an unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s living tapestry.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Typical flow of the trip, noting the key stops and activities aboard the dive boat.
Boarding and briefing
Board at Coffs Harbour and complete diver checks and a pre-dive briefing before departing aboard the dive boat.
Dive 1 at North Solitary Island
A guided scuba dive at a site around North Solitary Island within the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Surface interval
Aboard the boat you’ll have a surface interval with snacks and hot drinks; vegetarian soup options are available.
Dive 2 at North Solitary Island
A second guided dive exploring additional features of the sanctuary zone before returning to port.
This trip is scheduled on a demand basis and is highly dependent on sea conditions; it will not run for fewer than eight customers and is subject to weather and availability.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A thriving mix of tropical and sub-tropical species
North Solitary Island sits inside the Solitary Islands Marine Park and is known for water that is often clearer and warmer thanks to the East Australian Current, supporting a notable variety of fish from both tropical and sub-tropical zones.
Sanctuary-zone diving with protected habitats
The site is within a sanctuary zone of the marine park, where protection measures contribute to abundant marine life and an immersive underwater environment for guided dives.
Two guided dives from a dedicated dive boat
This trip offers two guided scuba dives from one of the operator’s dive boats, with the option for a private divemaster for specific circumstances (additional charge may apply).
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
On a scheduled day—subject to sea conditions and operator availability—you’ll spend about 7.5 hours away from shore, making two guided dives at North Solitary Island from a Jetty Dive Centre boat; expect guided briefs, two submerged sessions led by a divemaster, and a surface interval aboard with light snacks and hot drinks.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 7.5-hour outing; departures are scheduled on demand and the trip is dependent on sea conditions and operator availability.
Bring your dive certification card or equivalent proof. If you do not own a tank you must select tank hire; the second dive tank hire is provided free of charge when required.
Snacks are provided aboard, including hot water for cup-a-soup, tea and coffee, biscuits, and vegetarian soup options.
No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours unless the operator can find a replacement for your booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a scuba certification to join?
Yes — you must provide proof of certification (PADI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent).
How long is the trip?
The trip duration is 7.5 hours.
What’s included with the dives?
Two guided dives from a dive boat; the second dive tank hire is free if you require it; snacks and hot drinks are provided aboard.
Will the trip run on any day?
No — North Solitary trips are scheduled on a demand basis and are very dependent on good sea conditions; this is not a daily trip.
Is there a minimum number of customers for the trip to operate?
Yes — the operator will not run this trip for fewer than eight customers and will contact you with any changes.
Can I request a private divemaster?
Private divemasters or tailored dives may be available but can incur an additional charge; contact Jetty Dive to discuss availability.
What is the age minimum?
The trip is listed for ages 10 and up.
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: 2026-08-28T03:30:12.470Z
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.