Diving at South Solitary Island, Coffs Harbour: Two guided dives

Two dives in one of Australia's richest marine sanctuaries, where tropical and subtropical fish meet in cleaner, warmer water.

A double-dive activity at South Solitary Island in Coffs Harbour's Solitary Islands Marine Park for certified scuba divers, with a divemaster guiding small groups matched to experience level. The boat trip takes 30 minutes each way. Between dives, you surface for an hour of tea, coffee, snacks and rest. Tanks and weights are included. Other equipment can be hired depending on your option at checkout.

The experience

The boat leaves Coffs Harbour and runs 30 minutes out to South Solitary Island, where the East Australian Current keeps the water cleaner and warmer than most Australian dive sites. Once you arrive, the divemaster picks the dive site with the best conditions that day and drops the group in. Dives are guided in small groups matched to your certification level, so you're not herded through with strangers at a different pace.

After the first dive, you surface for a full hour. The boat serves hot tea, coffee, cup-a-soups (vegetarian options available) and snacks while you rest and decompress. Then you gear up and drop in for the second dive. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is a sanctuary zone, so the marine life density is high: a mix of tropical and subtropical species that don't often appear together in one place.

Tanks and weights are included in the price. Depending on which option you choose at checkout, you can hire a full equipment set (BCD, regulators, mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit) or bring your own. You must carry proof of current scuba certification. This is for certified divers only. The whole outing runs about six hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Tanks and weights.
• hot tea, coffee and cup-a-soups with vegetarian options.
• snacks during the one-hour surface interval between dives.
• a divemaster guide for both dives in a small group matched to your experience level.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tanks and weights onlyGuide in English · 07:30Includes tank and weight rental

Full equipment rental includedGuide in English · 07:30Upgrade to full equipment rental: covers tanks and weights (standard with any option), a BCD, regulators (with a computer), a mask, a snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Jetty Dive Centre

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a certified diver who wants to spend a full day in the water at a marine sanctuary where tropical and subtropical species overlap. The 30-minute boat ride and the one-hour surface interval between dives mean you're not rushing. You get two substantial dives in one outing without the pressure of back-to-back descents.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the marine life like at South Solitary Island?

South Solitary Island sits in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a sanctuary zone where the East Australian Current brings warmer water and higher visibility than most Australian dive sites. The mix includes tropical fish species alongside subtropical varieties, so you see a wider range than you would at a single-climate reef.

Do I need to bring my own diving gear?

Tanks and weights are included. You can choose to hire a full equipment set (BCD, regulators, mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit) or bring your own. The option is yours at checkout. You must provide proof of current scuba certification.

How far is the boat ride to South Solitary Island?

The boat trip is 30 minutes each way from Coffs Harbour. You'll make the same run back to shore after the second dive, so plan for travel time in both directions.

Can I do this dive if I'm learning or recently certified?

Yes, as long as you hold a current scuba certification. Dives are guided in small groups matched to your experience level, so the divemaster pairs you with divers at a similar skill level and adjusts the dive plan accordingly.