Recently, we’ve taken a close look at the Double Dive to South Solitary Island tour offered by Jetty Dive Centre in Coffs Harbour, Australia. While we haven’t personally strapped on fins ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this is a well-organized and genuinely rewarding experience for certified divers. If you’re craving an underwater encounter packed with colorful fish, sharks, and turtles, this tour might be just the ticket.
What really caught our eye are the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the boats—two factors that make a big difference in ensuring safety and enjoyment. The tour’s focus on small groups means you’ll get personalized attention, which is especially valuable in the often unpredictable conditions of the open water.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a certified diver-only activity, so if you’re a novice or not certified, this won’t be the right fit. Also, since equipment like wetsuits, masks, and fins are not included in the price, you’ll need to organize your gear separately. This slightly complicates your planning but allows for greater flexibility.
This tour seems best suited for experienced divers looking to explore pristine marine environments and who appreciate a professional, friendly crew. For those who love to see sharks, turtles, and a rich variety of fish, it’s a serious contender for your Coffs Harbour itinerary.
Key Points
- Certified Diver Focus: Only for those with proven scuba certification.
- Short but Rewarding Trip: Approximately 6 hours from start to finish.
- Expert Guides & Small Groups: Ensures personalized and safe experiences.
- Stunning Marine Ecosystems: South Solitary Island offers clean waters and diverse life.
- Good Value for the Cost: Tanks and weights included; other equipment is optional.
- Highly Rated: 5-star reviews reflect consistent satisfaction.
Contents
- Key Points
- Introduction: What Makes This Tour Stand Out
- Why We Love This Tour
- The Itinerary in Detail
- What to Expect Underwater
- The Value for Money
- Who Will Love This Experience?
- Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Coffs Harbour
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Coffs Harbour we have recnetly reviewed
Introduction: What Makes This Tour Stand Out
This Double Dive to South Solitary Island tour is designed for certified scuba divers eager to explore one of New South Wales’ most captivating marine parks. The journey begins at the Jetty Dive Centre, where a friendly team of professionals prepares you for a half-day of underwater adventure. The real highlight? Visiting South Solitary Island, within the protected waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, renowned for its crystal-clear water and abundant marine life.
Two qualities immediately stand out: the small group size means you’ll benefit from close guidance, and the reputation of the crew reflects their focus on safety and genuine customer experience. While the tour is priced at $182.90, it includes tanks and weights—key gear for diving—making it straightforward to plan around.
A potential consideration is that all diving equipment (like wetsuits, masks, fins) must be organized separately. For travelers comfortable with their gear, this allows flexibility; for others, it might mean a bit more pre-trip planning. Still, the feedback suggests that most divers find the overall value and experience justify the cost.
This tour best suits experienced divers with certification who want to see the highlights of the Solitary Islands without the fuss of larger tour groups or over-organized packages. If your goal is to encounter sharks, turtles, and shoals of fish in warm, clean waters, this could be a memorable choice.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Coffs Harbour.
Why We Love This Tour
We appreciate how this tour balances professionalism with personal attention. The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, which translates into a safer, more enjoyable experience. The boat itself is described as modern and well-maintained, adding comfort to the adventure.
The marine environment around South Solitary Island is frequently noted for its excellent visibility and diverse animal encounters. Reviewers often mention seeing sharks (including species like leopard and wobbegongs), turtles, rays, and lots of schooling fish. The chance to see large marine creatures in their natural habitat adds significant value to the trip.
Another big plus is the timing: leaving at 7:30 a.m., you maximize your day and avoid the afternoon crowds. The inclusion of hot drinks, snacks, and a relaxed surface interval gives you a chance to chat about the first dive before heading back in for the second—an often-overlooked aspect that enhances your overall experience.
The Itinerary in Detail
Start Point and Departure: You meet at the Jetty Dive Centre at 398 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. The morning begins with a briefing and gear check, ensuring everyone is ready for the water.
Boat Journey to South Solitary Island: The boat ride takes roughly 30 minutes, offering a chance to enjoy the fresh ocean air and spot some wildlife if you’re lucky. The vessel is described as “world-class”, equipped for comfort and safety, and suitable for small groups—around 25 divers max.
Selecting the Best Dive Site: Once docked at South Solitary Island, the crew chooses the spot with the clearest water and best conditions for your group. This flexibility helps optimize your experience, especially when weather conditions fluctuate.
First Dive: Guided by a Divemaster, you’ll explore the underwater landscape teeming with life. Reviewers mention excellent visibility, with sightings of small colorful fish, sharks, and even turtles. The guides’ attention to safety means you’ll be comfortable and well-informed.
Surface Interval: Around an hour, during which you can enjoy hot drinks (tea, coffee, or cup-a-soups—vegetarian options available), snacks, and a chance to share your excitement.
Second Dive: Returning to the water, you’ll discover more of the same vibrant marine scene or encounter new species, thanks to the guide’s expert site selection.
Return Trip: After the second dive, you head back to port, concluding what many reviewers describe as a well-organized and memorable outing.
What to Expect Underwater
Based on reviews, you can expect crystal-clear water that provides excellent underwater visibility—a huge plus when observing marine creatures. The variety of fish includes tropical and subtropical species, making the waters around South Solitary Island highly colorful and lively.
Sharks are a frequent sighting, including leopard sharks, wobbegongs, and sandbar sharks. Turtles are also often seen, along with rays and shoals of numerous fish species. The marine park’s sanctuary status means the environment is healthy, undisturbed, and full of life.
The guided aspect reassures divers that they’re in capable hands, especially during potentially stronger currents. The guides’ calm, professional approach helps divers of all experience levels feel confident.
The Value for Money
At $182.90 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience. Tanks and weights are included, which are usually the more costly part of diving trips, but other equipment like wetsuits and masks need to be organized separately. This approach offers flexibility, enabling you to bring your own gear or rent locally.
Comparing the reviews, many divers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, along with the quality of the boat, which they feel justifies the price. The small group size—around 25 divers—ensures a more personalized experience, which many find worth the extra expense compared to larger, less tailored tours.
Who Will Love This Experience?
If you’re an experienced diver eager to explore pristine underwater environments, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s ideal for those who value small group settings, expert guides, and marine diversity. The opportunity to see sharks and turtles in the warm waters of the Solitary Islands is a major plus.
It’s also a good pick for anyone who appreciates professional crews and well-maintained boats, ensuring comfort and safety. Since the tour is well-reviewed, it suits travelers who want a reliable and authentic diving experience rather than a rushed or overly commercialized trip.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
This tour is one of the best options in Coffs Harbour for certified divers seeking quality, safety, and marine encounters. The combination of expert guidance, clean waters, and diverse life makes it a standout experience. Expect to spend around six hours with plenty of time underwater, making it a full but not overwhelming adventure.
The value provided by tanks, weights, and a small, professional crew gives you peace of mind and confidence. If you’re comfortable organizing your own wetsuit and other gear, you’ll find this trip straightforward. The reviews suggest that most divers walk away feeling that the experience exceeded their expectations.
For those who love marine life, sharks, and turtles, and who appreciate a professional yet friendly environment, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s a perfect way to add some adventure to your Coffs Harbour trip, especially if you’re certified and eager to see the underwater world in its glory.
Double Dive to South Solitary Island Coffs Harbour
“Once of the best activities to do in Coffs Harbour, the instructors as well as the facilities were most outstanding, a big shout out to Byrce for k…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, this experience is designed specifically for certified scuba divers. If you’re not certified, you’ll need to look for beginner or snorkeling tours instead.
What is included in the price?
The tour price covers tanks and weights. Equipment such as wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels must be organized separately.
How long is the overall trip?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, including boat travel, surface interval, and two dives.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is around 25, ensuring a more intimate and guided experience.
What marine life might I see?
Expect to see a variety of fish, sharks—including leopard, wobbegongs, and sandbars—plus turtles and rays, depending on conditions.
Do I need to provide my certification proof?
Yes, proof of certification is required to participate.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip for a full refund.
What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 7:30 a.m., making it a great way to start your day with adventure.
To sum it up, the Double Dive to South Solitary Island stands out as a high-quality, well-reviewed option for certified divers seeking a memorable underwater experience in Coffs Harbour. Its professional guides, stunning marine environment, and good value make it a smart pick for those looking to see sharks, turtles, and an array of colorful fish in warm, clear waters. If you fit the profile, this trip can deliver a truly rewarding day beneath the waves.
