COFFS HARBOUR WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Two Days to the Deep: A Measured Refresher at the Solitary Islands
A two-day Scuba Diving Refresher Course that rebuilds skills in a pool before a guided double dive in the Solitary Islands Marine Park — useful for any certified diver returning to open water.
Two Days to the Deep: A Measured Refresher at the Solitary Islands.
Adventure brief
Two Days to the Deep: A Measured Refresher at the Solitary Islands
Revitalize your diving skills along the coast of Coffs Harbour with a focused, two-day Scuba Diving Refresher Course run by Jetty Dive Centre at the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The program pairs a controlled pool session—where you rehearse mask clearing, regulator retrieval and kit checks—with a guided double dive offshore to reorient you to life beneath the surface.
Coffs Harbour, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is home to the vibrant Solitary Islands Marine Park—a unique underwater sanctuary where temperate and tropical waters merge. Jetty Dive Centre, situated at 398 Harbour Dr, offers a two-day Scuba Diving Refresher Course designed for certified divers looking to regain confidence and sharpen essential skills before returning to open water. This is not your average refresher; it’s a hands-on immersion into one of the region’s most diverse marine environments.
The course begins in a controlled pool setting where participants revisit core techniques such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. This practical refresher reduces anxiety and preps divers for the real adventure ahead: a guided double dive in the protected waters of the Solitary Islands. These islands are renowned for their mix of coral reefs, sponges, and vibrant fish species uncommon elsewhere along the Australian coast. Expect encounters with schools of snapper, eastern blue gropers, and perhaps even the occasional grey nurse shark.
Jetty Dive Centre’s all-inclusive offering means you get full gear hire and small onboard comforts like hot beverages and snacks, creating a precise balance of convenience and excitement. Unlike larger dive operations, Jetty Dive focuses on tailored guidance, ensuring diver safety and personalized attention. Weather conditions can influence dive schedules, but the team keeps you informed every step of the way.
Coffs Harbour itself is a standout destination where marine adventure meets easy access to town comforts, making Jetty Dive Centre essential for divers ready to reconnect and rediscover underwater life in Australia’s east coast waters. Whether you’ve been out of the water for a while or want a confidence boost, this Refresher Course provides the perfect blend of skill renewal and breathtaking marine exploration.
Route Schematic
Course Route Schematic
Key stops and moments along the two-day refresher.
Pool Skills Session
Practice core skills such as mask clearing and regulator retrieval in a controlled pool setting to rebuild comfort in the water.
Equipment Setup & Checks
Hands‑on work setting up and checking dive equipment under instructor supervision so you leave the harbour confident in your rig.
Boat-Based Guided Double Dive — Solitary Islands
A guided double dive to sites within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, accompanied by Jetty Dive Centre staff.
Onboard Breaks & Debrief
Light snacks and hot drinks are provided on the boat between dives and instructors run a brief debrief after the dives.
Ocean dives are subject to weather and availability; Jetty Dive Centre will contact you with any changes, and private Divemaster requests may incur additional charges.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pool Skills and Equipment Rehearsal
The course begins in a pool where instructors guide you through essential refresher skills: mask clearing, regulator retrieval, and setting up and checking your dive equipment to restore confidence before heading to open water.
Guided Double Dive at the Solitary Islands
After the pool session you join a guided double dive to sites within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, led by Jetty Dive Centre staff unless special circumstances require a private Divemaster.
Full Kit and Boat-Day Comforts
The course includes full equipment hire and snacks on board — hot water for cup‑a‑soup, tea, coffee and small biscuit serves, with vegetarian soups available — so the logistics are focused on diving, not packing.
What the day feels like
What the Course Feels Like
Over two consecutive days you work methodically: a controlled pool session to reset fundamentals and equipment procedures, followed by a day on the boat for a guided double dive into the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The progression is deliberate — practice ashore and in the pool, then transition to guided ocean dives with on-board support and light refreshments.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who it requires.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course runs over two days, with a pool session followed by a boat day for the guided double dive.
Snacks are provided on the boat, including hot water for soups, tea and coffee, small biscuits and vegetarian soup options.
Full equipment hire is included with the course.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the refresher course?
The Scuba Diving Refresher Course takes place over two days.
What age can participate?
Participants must be at least 10 years old.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
No — full equipment hire is included with the course.
What happens if the ocean dives are cancelled?
Ocean dives are subject to weather and availability; Jetty Dive will contact you with any changes.
Are private Divemasters available?
Private Divemaster or tailored dives may be available but can incur an additional charge; contact Jetty Dive to discuss availability.
Can I reschedule the second day?
By default the booking is for two consecutive days; if you wish to reschedule the second (dive) day, contact Jetty Dive after booking to arrange a change.
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: 2026-09-10T12:13:49.741Z
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.