Do I need to be an experienced diver to join?

No, beginners aged 10 and older can participate, with professional guides providing full support.

What is the best time of year to dive here?

Spring through early autumn offers optimal water temperatures and visibility.

Are the dives suitable for children?

Yes, children 10 years and older with basic swimming skills can join this guided dive.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Expect colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea fans, anemones, and occasionally wobbegong sharks.

Is equipment rental available?

Yes, quality scuba gear rentals are available onboard for all participants.

How do I get to the departure point?

The dive departs from 1 Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour, which is accessible by car or local transport.

Double Dive Adventure at North Solitary Island: Explore Coffs Harbour’s Marine Sanctuary | Snorkel | Water Activities

Located just off the coast of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, the North Solitary Island offers scuba divers a rare glimpse into one of Australia’s most vibrant marine sanctuaries. The Double Dive to North Solitary Island is an immersive 7.5-hour guided tour that takes seasoned and novice divers alike beneath crystal-clear waters to explore thriving underwater ecosystems. Nestled within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, this area boasts a remarkable blend of tropical and sub-tropical marine species, making it a standout underwater destination along Australia’s eastern seaboard. The Solitary Islands themselves are a complex of rocky outcrops set within the nutrient-rich East Australian Current, an underwater highway carrying warm waters from the tropics that mix with cooler southern currents. This unusual confluence creates a biodiversity hotspot rarely seen elsewhere. Divers can expect to encounter everything from colorful coral formations to a striking array of fish species including clownfish, wrasses, and even the occasional spotted wobbegong shark. Each dive reveals astonishing layers of life: towering sea fans, delicate anemones, and hidden crevices teeming with crustaceans and nudibranchs. What makes this double-dive trip unique is the guided nature, expertly tailored to both beginners aged 10 and up and more experienced divers. Knowledgeable local dive guides offer detailed briefings, emphasizing safe diving practices while sharing insights into the marine park’s conservation efforts. This ensures an educational experience alongside the adrenaline rush of deep-water exploration. The sanctuary zone status of the Solitary Islands underscores a commitment to protecting these fragile marine habitats, and clients leave with an enhanced appreciation for environmental stewardship. Launching from the picturesque marina in Coffs Harbour, the trip integrates a scenic journey by boat past rugged coastal cliffs and the undulating Pacific swell. Coffs Harbour itself provides an excellent base with ample accommodation, dining, and other outdoor activities, making it an ideal location to extend your adventure. This double dive experience is exceptional not only for its marine biodiversity but also for how it connects visitors directly to one of Australia’s most special underwater environments. Whether you’re chasing vibrant coral gardens or peering into the depths for elusive marine creatures, this tour offers an unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s living tapestry.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

7–8 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with prolonged periods of swimming and diving.

Wildlife

Clownfish
Spotted wobbegong shark

History

The Solitary Islands Marine Park was established in 1998 to protect one of the most biodiverse marine areas of New South Wales.

Conservation

Strict sanctuary zoning helps preserve fragile coral ecosystems and marine species diversity, with operators encouraging responsible 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.

Base locationCoffs Harbour, New South Wales

Tours offered16+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace