Dive Site: South Solitary Island

About South Solitary Island

South Solitary Island, located approximately 8-9 nautical miles offshore from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, is a premier dive destination within the Solitary Islands Marine Park. This area is unique as it marks the convergence of tropical waters from the north, carried by the East Australian Current, and cooler temperate waters from the south. This blend creates an exceptionally biodiverse environment supporting both tropical and subtropical marine life, including hard and soft corals. The island itself is rugged and boasts a historic, now unmanned, lighthouse. The surrounding waters feature a variety of dive sites characterized by reefs, rocky formations, boulders, gutters, and in some areas, remnants of historical structures like the gantry, which now serve as artificial reefs. Divers can explore sites like Manta Arch, known for its underwater arch and boulder formations between 15-30 meters deep, and the North Boulder Wall. Marine life is abundant, with frequent sightings of Grey Nurse Sharks, especially prominent in the cooler months, though they are increasingly year-round residents. Other common inhabitants include Wobbegongs, Bull Rays, Eagle Rays, Green Sea Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, and a wide array of reef fish such as Clownfish, Blue Tangs, and various butterflyfish. Large pelagic schools are also common. Cleaner stations attract diverse species, and encounters with frogfish, anglerfish, moray eels, and giant cuttlefish add to the rich viewing experience. Visibility is generally good, and while some dives can be leisurely, drift dives are also common, particularly at sites like The Gantry, offering an dynamic way to experience multiple sections of the reef in a single dive. Currents can vary, and conditions can sometimes be rough depending on recent weather. The dive experience caters to a range of skill levels, though some sites or conditions may benefit from more experience. The unique blend of marine ecosystems provides a continuous display of diverse life, making each dive a vibrant exploration.

Dive site facts: South Solitary Island

Depth

8–30 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

18–24°C

Entry

Boat / drift

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, wall, pelagic, shark

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Coordinates

-30.2083, 153.2667

Conditions & Currents

The East Australian Current (EAC) significantly influences dive conditions around South Solitary Island, bringing warm, nutrient-rich waters but also potentially strong currents. While some sites like Manta Arch can experience robust flows from north to south, sheltered areas near the island offer respite. Drift diving is a common and recommended practice to navigate these currents effectively, requiring divers to stay aware of the boat's position for pick-up. Surface watches are crucial, especially during stronger currents. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and comfortable with potential water movement, ensuring buoyancy control is maintained to avoid contact with marine life. Visibility can range from 10 to 30 meters depending on the current and recent weather, with the EAC generally bringing clearer water.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Nurse Shark

May–November (peak), year-round · common

Loggerhead Turtle

common

Blue Groper

common

Wobbegong

common

Giant Cuttlefish

Winter · occasional

Shovelnose Ray

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Clownfish

common

Frogfish

occasional

Kingfish

common

Moray Eel

common

Nudibranch

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at South Solitary Island often begins with a boat entry, especially for drift dives, allowing the East Australian Current to guide you along the reef structure. For sites like Manta Arch, divers descend to depths around 15 meters to explore the archway and boulder formations, then follow gutters that drop to 30 meters, observing Grey Nurse Sharks. From there, you might drift towards boulder piles rising from 21 meters, a prime spot for schooling pelagics. Other sites, such as Grey Nurse Gutters, involve exploring radial gutters between 10 and 18 meters, passing through swim-throughs and around boulders rich in fish life. A drift dive might pass Cleaner Station before ending near Buchanan's Wall. The turn point for the dive is dictated by current, air consumption, and no-decompression limits, with the safety stop typically performed in shallower, calmer waters near the end of the drift or in a sheltered bay before boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

South Solitary Island offers exceptional wide-angle opportunities, particularly for capturing the abundant schooling pelagics and the majestic Grey Nurse Sharks at Manta Arch. A wide-angle lens is essential to encompass the archways, extensive boulder fields, and the sheer volume of marine life. For macro enthusiasts, the diverse array of nudibranchs, frogfish, and clownfish in their anemones provides excellent subjects, requiring a macro lens and careful buoyancy for stability in potential currents. Using strobes is highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of soft corals and reef fish, especially in deeper sections or during overcast conditions. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial, especially during drift dives, to avoid disturbing the delicate marine environment and to secure steady shots. Patience is key when photographing Grey Nurse Sharks; move slowly and avoid sudden movements to capture their natural behavior.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• North Solitary Island

  Another key diving location within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, offering diverse sites like Fish Soup.

• Julian Rocks

  Located in Byron Bay, known for its marine biodiversity, including manta rays and leopard sharks.

• Fish Rock Cave

  A renowned shark and cave diving site, accessible from South West Rocks.

• Montague Island

  South of Solitary Islands, famous for its fur seal colonies and pelagic encounters.

• South West Rocks - Green Island

  Offers a variety of marine life and often combined with Fish Rock Cave.

Getting there & logistics

Access to South Solitary Island primarily begins with flights into either Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE) International Airports. From there, domestic connections can be made to Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS), which is the closest gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Dive tours depart from the Coffs Harbour marina, typically within a 30-40 minute boat ride to the island. Most dive operators in Coffs Harbour offer day trips, often including two dives, making it suitable for divers staying in local accommodation. Multi-day dive packages focusing on the Solitary Islands Marine Park are also available. There are no specific park fees mentioned for diving, but dive trips include boat charters and guiding services.

Safety & environment

Diving at South Solitary Island requires adherence to marine park regulations and local dive operator guidelines. Strong currents from the East Australian Current can be a factor, necessitating good buoyancy control and comfort with drift diving techniques. Always dive with a reputable local charter that provides experienced guides and surface support for pick-ups. Divers should carry appropriate safety equipment, including a surface marker buoy (SMB) and a dive computer. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Sydney, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures and safe diving practices. Be mindful of marine life, especially Grey Nurse Sharks, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding actions that could disturb them.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

South Solitary Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving South Solitary Island

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

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$403/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day