COFFS HARBOUR WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Three Days to 30 m: Advanced Diving off Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands
A three‑day PADI Advanced Open Water course with six boat dives at Solitary Islands Marine Park — this guide lays out what’s included, who can go, and what to expect.
Three Days to 30 m: Advanced Diving off Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands.
Adventure brief
Three Days to 30 m: Advanced Diving off Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands
Jetty Dive Centre runs a focused three‑day PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course out of Coffs Harbour that takes certified divers aboard world‑class boats into the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Across six boat dives you’ll extend your depth limit to 30 m, practise the five required adventure dives (with a complimentary sixth), and finish with a PADI Advanced Openwater certification registered in the PADI database and a digital e‑card.
Coffs Harbour, located on Australia’s scenic New South Wales coast, is a gateway to some of the most pristine marine environments in the Southern Hemisphere. Jetty Dive Centre, situated at 398 Harbour Dr, invites divers ready to elevate their skills with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. Over three immersive days, this course combines expert instruction with six boat dives in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a marine reserve famous for its remarkable biodiversity and striking underwater landscapes.
The Solitary Islands, just offshore from Coffs Harbour, are renowned for their clear waters and rich variety of marine life, including vibrant coral formations, playful fish species, and even visits from migrating humpback whales in season. This course teaches certified divers how to extend their range to depths of up to 30 meters and sharpen key techniques such as underwater navigation, deep diving, and enriched air nitrox use. The six boat dives eliminate the hassle of shore entry, allowing participants to dive comfortably and efficiently from world-class vessels.
Jetty Dive Centre stands out in the region by offering comprehensive equipment hire, lifetime digital certification, and flexible scheduling to accommodate individual needs. Their experienced instructors provide strong local knowledge, ensuring safety and enriching the diving experience with insights about the surrounding marine ecosystem.
This course is ideal for divers looking to develop independence and confidence beneath the waves while experiencing some of Australia's most remarkable underwater terrain. Whether you're chasing thrills or deepening your mastery, Jetty Dive Centre in Coffs Harbour connects you to the extraordinary Solitary Islands Marine Park with unmatched professionalism and passion.
Route Schematic
Course itinerary
A straightforward, three‑day progression of briefing, guided boat dives in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, and final assessment and certification.
Day 1 — Course start and initial dives
Begin the course with orientation and the first set of boat dives aboard Jetty Dive Centre vessels in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Day 2 — Skill dives continue
Continue the required adventure dives and skill development in the protected waters of the Solitary Islands; bookings default to three consecutive days but can be altered by request.
Day 3 — Completion and certification
Finish the remaining dives, consolidate skills, and receive your PADI Advanced Openwater certification registered in the PADI database and a digital e‑card.
Participants must hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent; schedules and dives are subject to weather and availability and Jetty Dive Centre will contact you with any changes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Certified to 30 m
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course raises your depth limit to 30 m and requires five adventure dives — Jetty Dive Centre includes a bonus sixth dive to round out the experience.
Six boat dives at Solitary Islands
All dives take place from boats in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, removing the need to lug heavy gear from shore and letting you focus on skills and marine life in Coffs Harbour’s protected waters.
E‑learning, gear hire and a lifetime e‑card
Your booking includes access to PADI e‑learning in a personal library you can keep for life, full equipment hire for the course, and a registered digital certification card on completion.
What the day feels like
How the course unfolds
Over three consecutive days (by default) you’ll board Jetty Dive Centre’s vessels for six guided boat dives through the Solitary Islands Marine Park, progress through the five required adventure dives that teach critical advanced skills, and emerge with a PADI Advanced Open Water certification and digital e‑card. The course is designed to deepen your comfort and decision‑making underwater — the point where you start to ‘think like a diver’ — with all equipment hire and e‑learning provided as part of the package.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Six boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park; PADI Advanced Openwater Certification registered in the PADI database and a digital e‑card; all equipment hire; and lifelong access to PADI e‑learning in your personal library.
All equipment hire is included with the course booking.
The course is arranged over three days by default; if you need to reschedule the 2nd and 3rd day after booking, contact Jetty Dive Centre to move those bookings to other days. Subject to weather and availability.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course take?
The course is run over three days by default.
How many dives are required?
The course requires five adventure dives; Jetty Dive Centre includes a sixth boat dive for you free, giving six boat dives in total.
Do I receive certification at the end?
Yes — you receive a PADI Advanced Openwater Certification registered in the PADI database and a digital certification card (e‑card).
What is included in the course price?
Included are six boat dives at the Solitary Islands Marine Park aboard Jetty Dive Centre boats, all equipment hire, and access to PADI e‑learning in your personal library.
Who can take this course?
The course is for certified divers — Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is required; participants aged 12 and older are accepted (ages 10–12 should contact the operator).
Can I change the schedule if needed?
By default bookings are for three consecutive days; if you would like to reschedule the 2nd and 3rd day after booking, contact Jetty Dive Centre and they will move your bookings to other days, subject to availability.
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: 2026-09-05T19:26:30.331Z
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.