Double Dive to South Solitary Island Coffs Harbour

If you’re a certified diver heading to Coffs Harbour, the Double Dive to South Solitary Island offered by Jetty Dive Centre might just be one of those experiences you’ll want to add to your itinerary. We’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out — and honestly, it seems to deliver quite well. From the glowing reviews and detailed tour info, it’s clear that this adventure has a lot to offer for those who love exploring underwater worlds.

What caught our eye? First, the professional and knowledgeable crew really shine, making safety and enjoyment their top priorities. Second, the abundance of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and vibrant fish, promises a visually stunning experience. That said, it’s not a tour for everyone — you need to be a certified diver, comfortable with potentially strong currents, and prepared for a full six-hour journey. This tour would suit experienced divers craving a well-organized, marine-filled trip with friendly guides.

Key Points

• Certified Diver Requirement: Only those with proof of certification can participate.
• Small Group Experience: Guided by professional Divemasters, groups are kept manageable for personalized attention.
• Rich Marine Life: Expect to see sharks, tropical fish, and possibly turtles in clear, warm waters.
• Value for Money: For around $183, including tanks and weights, it offers a good deal considering the quality of the experience.
• Flexible and Well-Organized: From boat transfer to surface interval snacks, everything is carefully planned.
• Ideal for Experienced Divers: Physical fitness and certification are musts, but those criteria ensure a safer, more enjoyable time.

What to Expect from the Tour

Overview of the Experience

This 6-hour adventure is tailored specifically for certified scuba divers, aiming to show off the stunning marine environment of South Solitary Island. Starting bright and early at the Jetty Dive Centre in Coffs Harbour, you’ll begin with some quick paperwork and a safety briefing before setting out on a 30-minute boat trip across the water. The boat itself is described as world-class, so you can anticipate a comfortable ride with ample space and a professional crew.

Once at South Solitary Island, your guide will choose the best site for the conditions on the day, ensuring you get optimal visibility and safety. With small groups led by experienced Divemasters, you’ll be guided through the underwater landscape, which is teeming with fish from both tropical and sub-tropical zones thanks to the warm waters influenced by the East Australian Current.

The Two Dives

Each diver will do two guided dives during the trip. The first dive usually lasts around 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore and take in the vibrant marine life. The second dive, after a helpful surface interval with snacks and beverages, offers another chance to spot sharks, rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful fish.

Surface Interval Highlights

Between your dives, the crew keeps things relaxed with hot beverages, tea, coffee, and cup-a-soups (including vegetarian options). There’s also a selection of snacks, making sure you stay energized for the second round. This break is a notable perk, giving you time to chat with fellow divers and review the incredible sights you’ve seen so far.

Returning to Shore

After the second dive, you’ll head back to the jetty, generally feeling exhilarated and full of stories. The entire tour wraps up approximately six hours after departure—perfect for those who want a full day of marine adventure without feeling rushed.

Why People Love This Tour

The Crew and Guides

Multiple reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of the team, especially highlighting staff members like Julz, Nathan, and Lindsay. Divers mention feeling safe and well cared for, even if they’re new to the sport or dealing with challenging currents. One reviewer praised the “patient and calm” Dive Master, Lindsay, describing her as a key part of their positive experience.

Marine Life and Visibility

Many reviewers have been wowed by what they saw underwater. Reports include sharks of different species (wobis, sandbar, and leopard), turtles, rays, and a variety of small reef fish. Visibility is often described as great, and the water is notably clean and warm, thanks to the current’s influence. One diver even noted that they experienced better conditions than anticipated, which is always a bonus.

Quality Equipment and Boats

The tour includes tanks and weights in the price, which is quite standard but appreciated. Participants mention the well-maintained boat and the professional equipment. Some reviews note that they had to organize their own snorkel gear separately, but for divers, the focus was on the guided experience underwater.

Value for Money

While $182.90 per person may seem steep at first glance, many reviewers feel it’s worth it considering the quality of guides, the marine environment, and the included equipment. The tour’s small group setting ensures personalized attention, which many find makes the experience more enjoyable and safe.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Booking and Availability

Most bookings are made at least 26 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Confirmations come within 48 hours, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before, making it flexible if your plans change.

Group Size and Duration

The max group size is 25, allowing for manageable small groups that enhance safety and enjoyment. The full experience lasts around six hours, which is a solid chunk of time—long enough for two dives, a boat trip, and a relaxed return.

Equipment and Fitness

Remember, this tour requires proof of certification, and you’re expected to be in reasonable physical condition to handle the physicality of scuba diving, especially in potentially stronger currents. You’ll need to organize your own snorkel gear unless specified otherwise, but tanks and weights are included in the price.

Meeting Point

The activity begins at the Jetty Dive Centre located at 398 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. Starting early at 7:30 am, it’s best to be punctual and ready for the day ahead.

Weather and Cancellations

Good weather is essential for safety and comfort. If weather conditions are poor, the trip gets canceled with a full refund or the chance to reschedule. The same applies if the minimum number of travelers isn’t reached.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Diving in Coffs Harbour with Jetty Dive Centre receives high praise. Many reviewers mention professional staff, beautiful underwater sights, and well-maintained boats. One diver noted, “Most of the staff are friendly except one,” but overall, the consensus is that the guides are knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate.

Several reviews point out how much they appreciated the diversity of marine life, from sharks and turtles to large shoals of colorful fish. Another reviewer praised the great visibility and the opportunity to see sharks, rays, and even turtles in their natural habitat.

A recurring theme is the safety-conscious approach of the crew, ensuring even less experienced divers or those unfamiliar with currents felt confident and cared for. The small group sizes and personalized guidance stand out as key advantages.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Double Dive at South Solitary Island is a superb choice for certified divers who want a high-quality, well-organized marine adventure. If you’re comfortable with the physical demands of scuba diving and are eager to see sharks and turtles in clean, warm water, you’ll be in good hands here. The professional guides, excellent equipment, and vibrant marine life ensure that you get your money’s worth and a memorable underwater experience.

It’s especially suited to those who appreciate small, personalized groups and detailed attention. If you’re traveling solo, this tour offers a sense of camaraderie, thanks to the friendly crew and shared underwater discoveries. However, it’s not ideal for non-divers or those without certification, so plan accordingly.

This tour offers a balanced combination of safety, fun, and breathtaking sights—a true highlight for any certified diver visiting Coffs Harbour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a specific certification to join?
Yes, you must be a certified diver and can only participate if you can provide proof of certification. This ensures everyone has the necessary skills for safe diving in the conditions at South Solitary Island.

What equipment do I need to bring?
Tank and weights are included, but you’ll need to organize your own scuba gear like BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit if desired. It’s best to check with the dive shop if you’re unsure.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes around six hours, which includes boat transfer, two guided dives, a surface interval with snacks, and return to the shore.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 25 travelers, allowing for small-group guidance and personal attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. If canceled earlier, you get a full refund; later cancellations aren’t refunded.

Is the water temperature and visibility good?
Most reviews highlight the water as warm and clear, thanks to the East Australian Current. Visibility tends to be excellent, providing great conditions for marine viewing.

This tour by Jetty Dive Centre really seems to hit the right notes for experienced divers craving reliable guides, vibrant marine life, and a hassle-free day out on the water. While it’s not suitable for beginners or non-certified divers, if you meet the requirements, it’s likely to be one of your memorable highlights in Coffs Harbour.