Double Dive to South Solitary Island Coffs Harbour

If you’re a certified diver heading to Coffs Harbour, a double-dive adventure at South Solitary Island with Jetty Dive Centre promises a memorable day of exploring diverse marine ecosystems. With an average rating of 5.0 from 31 reviews, this tour is celebrated for its professional guides, exceptional underwater visibility, and the chance to see sharks, turtles, and an array of tropical fish.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of small-group guided dives, the warm, clear waters thanks to the East Australian Current, and the value-packed price of around $183 per person. The trip is fairly accessible, running about 6 hours, making it a manageable yet fulfilling day out. Ease of access, well-maintained equipment, and an emphasis on safety also contribute to its high recommendation.

One thing to consider is that this tour is strictly for certified divers, so if you’re still working on your certification, this won’t be the experience for you. It’s best suited for divers who are comfortable in open water and want to explore one of Australia’s most vibrant marine parks.

Whether you’re a local looking to reconnect with the underwater world or a visitor eager to tick off a bucket-list activity, this dive trip offers an authentic, well-organized way to experience the marine biodiversity of the Solitary Islands.

Good To Know

• Certified Diver Focus: Only suitable for those with valid scuba certification.
• Small Group Guided Dives: Personal attention from experienced Divemasters enhances safety and enjoyment.
• Prime Location: South Solitary Island within the marine park offers outstanding visibility and diverse marine life.
• Inclusive Equipment: Tanks and weights are included, but you’ll need to organize your own wetsuit, mask, fins, and other gear.
• Refreshing Breaks: A comfortable surface interval with hot drinks and snacks helps you recharge for the second dive.
• Expert Guides & Safe Operations: The reviews highlight knowledgeable staff who prioritize safety and making the experience special.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins at Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Dive Centre

Your adventure kicks off at the Jetty Dive Centre, conveniently located at 398 Harbour Drive. The tour typically departs at 7:30 am, giving you a head start on exploring the underwater world before the day heats up. The boat ride to South Solitary Island lasts about 30 minutes, during which you can enjoy the ocean views and anticipate the aquatic wonderland awaiting below.

This is a well-organized operation, with a maximum of 25 divers aboard. The vessel is described as “amazing” and “well maintained,” offering a stable platform for your two guided dives. The crew is praised repeatedly for their professionalism and friendliness, making even nervous divers feel comfortable.

The Dives: What You’ll See and Experience

Once at South Solitary Island, your Divemaster will choose the best site based on conditions, ensuring you get the clearest water and most active marine life. Expect small groups that allow personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciated.

Marine Life is the star here: some reports mention seeing sharks—including grey nurse and leopard sharks—along with turtles, rays, and an abundance of tropical fish. Visibility is often described as “really excellent,” with some divers recalling large shoals of fish and encounters with sharks that made the experience unforgettable.

One reviewer noted, “We saw sharks, turtles, dolphins, and lots of fish,” emphasizing the variety. Several mention that the guides, like Julz, Nathan, and Lindsay, are “knowledgeable,” patient, and clear in their instructions, which adds a lot to the enjoyment and safety.

The Surface Interval and Refreshments

After the first dive, the boat provides a welcoming break. You can enjoy hot drinks like tea, coffee, and cup-a-soups (vegetarian options available), along with snacks. This hour-long surface interval is appreciated for recharging your energy and sharing stories with fellow divers before heading back underwater.

The Second Dive & Return

The second dive often offers calmer conditions, helping divers who might have found the first a bit challenging. Many reviewers say that their second experience was more relaxed and equally rewarding, with plenty of vibrant fish, turtles, and occasionally larger creatures like rays.

After the second dive, the boat heads back to Coffs Harbour. The entire trip wraps up, typically around early afternoon, leaving you with fantastic memories and stunning photos of underwater scenes.

The Value of This Tour

At $182.90 per person, this experience offers good value, especially considering the inclusiveness of tanks and weights, the expertise of guides, and the chance to see rare marine species. Keep in mind you’ll need to organize your own wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkelling gear, which can be an additional cost but allows flexibility based on personal preferences.

Reviewers frequently highlight the professionalism of the crew, the quality of the boat, and the variety of marine life as the main reasons for recommending this tour highly. Some mentioned how their experiences exceeded expectations, citing sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish as highlights.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour departs early in the morning, plan to arrive a bit earlier to settle in. The journey involves a 30-minute boat ride, which is quite manageable for most and offers opportunities for spotting seabirds and perhaps dolphins. The group size is limited, ensuring each diver receives adequate attention, which many find reassuring.

You should be physically fit and comfortable in open water, as the tour requires proof of certification. If you’ve been out of diving for a while, especially more than three years as some reviews mention, a refresher or guidance from staff will likely be provided.

The Experience for Different Travelers

For seasoned divers eager to explore Australia’s underwater biodiversity, this trip hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for those who want the security of guided groups and a well-organized operation. It’s also fantastic for underwater photography enthusiasts, given the clear waters and abundance of marine life.

However, if you’re new to scuba or not certified, this tour isn’t suitable. Also, if you prefer longer or more remote diving adventures, you might find this trip on the shorter side.

Final Thoughts

This double-dive trip to South Solitary Island offers a comprehensive taste of Coffs Harbour’s underwater riches. The combination of professional guides, top-notch boat facilities, and the chance to see sharks, turtles, and vibrant fish makes it a standout experience for certified divers.

The small-group setting ensures personal attention, while the included snacks and drinks make the day comfortable and fun. The price, considering the quality of the experience, is quite reasonable—especially for divers seeking quality over quantity.

This tour is perfect for those who want a safe, well-organized, and visually spectacular diving experience in one of Australia’s most beautiful marine parks. If marine life exploration is your thing, and you meet the certification requirements, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQs

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this tour?
Yes. The tour is exclusively for certified divers, and you must provide proof of your certification.

What is included in the price?
Tanks and weights are included, but you’ll need to organize your own wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel.

How long is the total experience?
The trip lasts approximately 6 hours, including boat transfers, two guided dives, and the surface interval.

Is the equipment safety checked?
Yes, the crew is known for their professionalism and safety consciousness, with many reviews praising their attention to detail.

What marine animals might I see?
Expect to see sharks (including grey nurse, leopard, and wobbegongs), turtles, rays, and large schools of tropical fish.

What is the boat like?
The vessel is described as “amazing” and “well maintained,” providing a stable, comfortable platform for diving.

Are snacks and drinks provided?
Yes, hot drinks, tea, coffee, and snacks are offered during the surface interval.

What should I bring?
Besides your certification proof, bring your own wetsuit and gear if preferred; otherwise, you’ll need to rent or organize it separately.

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, professional guidance, and marine diversity that should appeal strongly to experienced divers who want to explore the wonders of South Solitary Island in style and safety.