Into the Blue: Two Days of Deep Diving with Grey Nurse Sharks off Coffs Harbour

COFFS HARBOUR WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Into the Blue: Two Days of Deep Diving with Grey Nurse Sharks off Coffs Harbour

A two-day PADI Deep Diver course run by Jetty Dive Centre that pairs four 26–40 m boat dives in the Solitary Islands Marine Park with hands-on training and a PADI Deep Diver certification.

Into the Blue: Two Days of Deep Diving with Grey Nurse Sharks off Coffs Harbour.

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

Off the coast of Coffs Harbour, the Solitary Islands Marine Park forms a draught of deep walls, gutters and arches that host Grey Nurse sharks and dramatic drop-offs. Over two days of guided, small-group instruction, the PADI Deep Diver Course with Jetty Dive Centre combines four deep boat dives with focused classroom and in-water skill refinement, culminating in a PADI Deep Diver certification.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

WILDLIFE

Grey Nurse Sharks at Manta Arch

The course includes guided dives where you can encounter Grey Nurse sharks at locations such as Manta Arch—an anchor point for deep-diving encounters within the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

THE DEEP

Walls, Gutters and Big-Bottom Dives

Training dives take you to the depths—Buchannan’s Wall and the deep gutters of Cable Trail—where you practise planning and safety procedures for 26–40 m profiles.

TRAINING

Skills, SMBs and Certification

Across four deep dives and supplementary E-Learning, instructors focus on deep-dive planning, organisation and safety; the course also includes bonus training in SMB deployment and issues a PADI Deep Diver certification on completion.

What the day feels like

What the Two Days Feel Like

The course unfolds as concentrated, instructor-led immersion: classroom or e-learning study paired with four boat dives in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, each dive operating in the 26–40 m range. Small-group instruction keeps sessions focused and personalised as you practice deep-dive procedures, deploy SMBs and log dives that qualify toward your PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Experienced Recreational DiversIdeal for divers who already hold Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and want structured training and four deep dives in a small-group setting.
2
Aspiring Technical CandidatesA focused, skill-based progression for divers considering further deep or technical training; counts toward PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.
3
Teen Divers (15+)Accessible to younger divers from age 15, provided they hold the prerequisite certification and meet standard fitness and medical requirements.
4
Casual VacationersNot recommended for first-time divers or those without Advanced Open Water-level experience—this course requires prior certification and comfort at depth.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Equipment hire is not included; participants should be prepared to provide their own dive gear or account for rental separately.

Gear & Rentals

The course price does not include equipment hire—confirm your gear needs with the operator ahead of time.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the PADI Deep Diver Course?

Two days, approximately 6 hours per day.

How many dives are required for this course?

The course requires four deep dives in the 26–40 m range.

What certification do I receive at the end?

You receive a PADI Deep Diver certification registered in the PADI database with a digital certification card (E-Card).

What are the prerequisites to enroll?

You must hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver certification or an equivalent qualification; participants must be at least 15 years old.

Is equipment hire included?

No—equipment hire is not included in the course price.

Are the dives from a boat or shore?

The course includes four boat dives aboard the operator’s vessels in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Can the schedule change because of weather?

Open-water ocean dives are subject to weather and availability; Jetty Dive Centre will contact participants with any changes.