COFFS HARBOUR WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Nitrox Beneath the Solitary Islands: A One‑Day PADI Enriched Air Course in Coffs Harbour
A one‑day PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) course combining e‑learning, a short in‑store practical and two boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park to extend your bottom time and earn certification.
Nitrox Beneath the Solitary Islands: A One‑Day PADI Enriched Air Course in Coffs Harbour.
Adventure brief
Nitrox Beneath the Solitary Islands: A One‑Day PADI Enriched Air Course in Coffs Harbour
Set out from Coffs Harbour for a single, concentrated day of classroom clarity and ocean time: the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Course teaches you to plan and dive with enriched gas blends, then puts that theory into practice with two boat dives on the Solitary Islands, all without a beach entry scramble.
Located on the eastern coast of Australia, Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands Marine Park offers some of the most vibrant and accessible dive sites in New South Wales. The PADI Enriched Air Diver Course here provides an unparalleled opportunity for certified divers to enhance their underwater experience by training to use enriched air nitrox, allowing for longer bottom times and safer dives. This one-day program is designed to deepen your understanding of gas mixtures while taking advantage of the unique marine biodiversity that thrives around the Solitary Islands—an archipelago known for its clear waters, diverse coral species, and abundant marine fauna.
The course begins with a comprehensive theory session that covers the principles of enriched air, dive planning, and dive table usage or dive computers adapted for nitrox. This is immediately followed by practical application aboard a dive boat where participants complete two dives at prime locations within the marine park. These boat dives showcase underwater landscapes ranging from colorful coral gardens to dramatic rocky reefs teeming with fish, sea turtles, and occasionally migrating humpback whales.
What sets this dive course apart is its location. Solitary Islands Marine Park acts as a sanctuary preserving a mix of tropical and temperate species, making it a standout destination for underwater biodiversity. The park was established to protect these delicate ecosystems and offers divers a rare chance to explore areas less traveled by commercial operators, giving guests a sense of discovery and connection to the environment.
This course is also a gateway to extended and safer diving experiences that nitrox certification enables. It provides divers with the knowledge and skills to manage oxygen exposure and plan dives that maximize enjoyment and reduce fatigue. The small group sizes and expert instructors ensure personalized attention, making it ideal for intermediate divers looking to advance their skills further in a friendly, professional setting.
If you’re staying in Coffs Harbour, this course is easily accessible and pairs perfectly with other outdoor activities in the area, from hiking rainforest trails to whale watching. For divers eager to push their limits safely while immersing themselves in one of Australia’s richest marine habitats, the PADI Enriched Air Diver Course at Solitary Islands Marine Park offers an exceptional day-long adventure.
Route Schematic
Course itinerary schematic
A compact sequence of theory, a practical in store, and two marine park boat dives.
E‑Learning & theory review
Complete or review the PADI e‑learning material and consolidate theory before the practical session.
In‑store practical session
A small practical skills session in the shop (approximately one hour) where instructors teach gas analysis and nitrox procedures.
Two boat dives at the Solitary Islands
Two boat dives within the Solitary Islands Marine Park aboard the operator’s boats to apply nitrox planning and earn certification.
Participants must hold an Open Water Diver certificate or equivalent; dives are subject to weather and availability and the operator may alter plans accordingly.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gain more bottom time with Nitrox
The course certifies you to dive on enriched air (Nitrox), allowing extended bottom time compared with air while teaching the limits and safety considerations of higher oxygen concentrations.
Two boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park
Training culminates in a double‑dive day aboard the operator’s boats at the Solitary Islands Marine Park—no hauling gear across sand and more time in the water exploring reef life.
Concise theory and a hands‑on gas analysis session
The format pairs PADI e‑learning with a short practical session in store (approximately one hour) where an instructor teaches gas analysis and nitrox procedures before you head out for the dives.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
From focused study to salty immersion, the day moves from e‑learning and a compact in‑store practical straight to boat launches for two guided dives; by day’s end you leave with your PADI Enriched Air certification and the experience of diving Nitrox in protected marine park waters.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a one‑day course combining theory, an in‑store practical session and a double‑dive day.
If you have your own equipment bring it; otherwise Nitrox tanks, weights and a nitrox‑compatible set of regulators and a Nitrox‑compatible computer are provided as needed.
PADI e‑learning is available in your personal PADI library and the course issues a PADI Enriched Air Nitrox certification registered in the PADI database with a digital e‑card.
Dives operate subject to weather and availability; the operator will contact you with any changes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the PADI Enriched Air course take?
The course is run over one day, which is the diving day when theory, the practical session and two dives are completed.
What are the age and certification requirements?
Participants need to be at least 12 years old (ages 10–12 may contact the operator) and must hold an Open Water Diver certificate or equivalent.
How many dives are included?
The course includes two boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
What equipment is provided?
Nitrox tanks, weights and a nitrox‑compatible set of regulators including a nitrox‑compatible computer are provided if you do not have your own.
Will I receive a certification card?
Yes—the course issues a PADI Enriched Air Nitrox certification that is registered in the PADI database and a digital certification card (E‑Card).
What if weather prevents the dives?
Dives are subject to weather and availability; Jetty Dive will contact you with any changes to scheduling or dive plans.
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: 2026-09-01T23:23:01.686Z
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.