Dive Site: North Solitary Island

Dive site facts: North Solitary Island

Depth

5–27 m

Current

Mild to strong, depending on site and EAC

Visibility

5–30 m

Water temperature

19–26°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, drift, macro, wide angle

Region / port

Solitary Islands Marine Park, NSW

Coordinates

-29.927, 153.387

Conditions & Currents

North Solitary Island is significantly influenced by the East Australian Current (EAC), which can bring strong currents, particularly at exposed sites like Fish Soup. While Anemone Bay offers more sheltered conditions from southerly swells, currents can still vary from mild to moderate across the island. Divers should possess good buoyancy control and maintain continuous situational awareness, as current strengths and directions can shift. Visibility is highly dependent on local sea conditions and the EAC, potentially dropping after southerly swells or heavy rainfall, but can extend to 30 meters with a clean EAC push. Entry and exit are typically by boat, often requiring negative entries at current-swept sites. Boat traffic can also be a factor, so divers must be aware of their surroundings.

Marine life & sighting chances

Clownfish

common

Anemone

common

Grey Nurse Shark

seasonally · occasional

Wobbegong Shark

common

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

occasional

Southern Eagle Ray

occasional

Australian Giant Cuttlefish

occasional

Blue Groper

common

Yellowtail Kingfish

common

Bigeye Trevally

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Spanish Dancer Nudibranch

occasional

Humpback Whale

May to November · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Anemone Bay often starts from one of the moorings, such as the Shark Gutters (outer) mooring in the north-east, which is situated on the reef's edge. From here, divers can embark on a drift dive, following the reef without current, towards the mooring at the head of the bay. The dive begins at depths around 15 meters, descending to 27 meters on the outer edges. The route navigates through boulder fields and sand patches, observing the dense anemone carpets and their resident clownfish in shallower sections. The dive progresses along the reef, allowing ample time to explore overhangs and gutters where wobbegongs may be found. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower parts of the bay, typically between 5 and 10 meters, offering extended viewing of anemones and other macro life before surfacing at a designated mooring.

Underwater photography

North Solitary Island offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, especially in Anemone Bay, a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the vast anemone fields and schooling fish. External strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of corals and marine life, particularly in deeper areas or when visibility is reduced. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens will allow you to focus on the intricate details of nudibranchs, porcelain crabs within anemones, and other small invertebrates. Ensure good buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate anemones and corals. Be mindful of your dive group, especially in areas with potential current, to avoid stirring up sediment that could impact visibility for others. A focus light can also be highly beneficial for macro subjects and exploring crevices.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Fish Soup

  Known for dense fish congregations in current-swept areas.

• South Solitary Island

  Accessible from Coffs Harbour, featuring multiple dive sites including Manta Arch.

• Manta Arch

  A dramatic archway at South Solitary Island famous for resident grey nurse sharks.

• Buchanan's Wall

  A deep wall dive at South Solitary Island with endemic anemonefish and macro life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to North Solitary Island is primarily by boat from Coffs Harbour or Wooli, New South Wales. Coffs Harbour is centrally located between Sydney and Brisbane, making it reachable via major airports like Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE), followed by a domestic flight or drive. From Coffs Harbour, boat trips typically take 75 minutes, while from Wooli, it's about 20 minutes for the 7 nautical miles. Dive operators like Jetty Dive Centre in Coffs Harbour are primary providers. Trips usually involve day excursions, often combining multiple dives at different sites around North Solitary Island or other islands within the marine park. There are no specific individual park fees mentioned for divers, as these are generally covered by dive operator permits.

Safety & environment

Diving at North Solitary Island requires adherence to standard dive safety protocols and awareness of site-specific conditions. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in a major regional center, necessitating adequate dive insurance covering potential evacuation and treatment. Due to the influence of the East Australian Current, divers must be prepared for varying current strengths; excellent buoyancy control and situational awareness are crucial. It is essential to dive with reputable operators who maintain surface watch, especially at sites prone to currents. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, particularly regarding entry and exit procedures. While generally safe, respecting marine life, especially protected species like grey nurse sharks, is paramount. Emergency evacuation from an offshore island location would typically involve boat transfer to the mainland, followed by road or air transport to medical facilities.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

North Solitary Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving North Solitary Island

These liveaboards may visit North Solitary Island on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m