Unlock longer, safer dives with the PADI Enriched Air Diver Course in the pristine waters of Solitary Islands Marine Park. Spend a day gaining nitrox certification while exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Unlock longer, safer dives with the PADI Enriched Air Diver Course in the pristine waters of Solitary Islands Marine Park. Spend a day gaining nitrox certification while exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Book with Jetty Dive Centre
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Jetty Dive Centre · Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
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.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate physical fitness is required due to boat dives and handling equipment; good swimming skills needed.
Any certified diver with an Open Water certification or equivalent can enroll in this course.
It is a one-day course combining theory and two boat dives.
It allows for longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals, improving dive experience and reducing fatigue.
Most operators provide rental gear, but personal equipment like dive computers are recommended.
It’s best to take preventative measures before the dive, like medication or natural remedies, as seasickness can affect your comfort and safety.
Bring your current dive certification card and a medical declaration form if required.
Solitary Islands Marine Park was established in 1998 to protect one of the unique marine environments where tropical and temperate waters mix.
Operators follow strict guidelines to minimize impact on coral reefs and marine habitats, promoting sustainable diving practices.
Jetty Dive Centre is a dive operator based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, offering guided dives, snorkelling trips, whale watching and a broad range of PADI training courses. Operating from local launch points, the centre runs boat dives and snorkel trips to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a protected area known for diverse marine life. The business provides beginner experiences such as Discover Scuba Diving, refresher programs, and PADI entry-level courses, alongside more advanced training including Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, Rescue Diver and specialised programs like Enriched Air Nitrox and Shark Awareness. Many courses include online theory, pool sessions and guided ocean dives, and some certifications offer lifetime access to PADI digital materials. Instruction is delivered by PADI-qualified instructors and structured in small groups to maximise individual attention during pool training and ocean dives. Equipment hire is available for many trips, and boat trips typically include on-board provisions such as snacks and morning tea for snorkel and dive passengers. Trip offerings vary by season and include single and double dives to North and South Solitary Islands, targeted marine identification courses, and whale watching excursions when in season. Jetty Dive Centre emphasises safety practices, dive planning and local marine awareness during every activity to support positive underwater experiences for new and returning divers. The centre also runs specialised short sessions such as fish identification workshops and snorkel-focused trips, with trained guides providing interpretation of marine species and habitat notes during each outing to enhance visitor learning and enjoyment safely.
Book with Jetty Dive Centre