Solitary Islands Marine Park, Coffs Harbour

Dive Coffs Harbour where the Great Barrier Reef meets the South

Orange Level Trip

What you will see

This is where the warm Great Barrier reef waters from the north, meet the cooler southern waters from Sydney and below. The sheltered Island havens are warmer than the coastal waters producing a unique blend of tropical and sub-tropical fish life, hard and soft corals, and spectacular marine life.

Diving Coffs Harbour truly does offer more to see than Diving the Barrier Reef. Dive with the endangered Grey Nurse Sharks, sure to get your adrenaline pumping as these stunning creatures glide close to you in the water. This trip gives you the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales!

Included:

Winter Trip

Four boat dives over two days at the Solitary Islands Marine Park
One half day of whale swimming
Three nights shared accommodation at The Observatory Apartments (private accommodation available at extra cost)

Summer Trip

Six boat dives over three days at the Solitary Island Marine Park
Two days diving South Solitary and one day diving the North Solitary Islands
Three nights shared accommodation at the Observatory Apartments (private accommodation available at extra cost)

Not included:

Transport to and from Coffs Harbour (carpooling available)
Rental Equipment (Full gear $150 for duration of the trip)
Lunch & Dinner

The location:

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is the third largest marine protected area in New South Wales. It covers a total area of 71,000 hectares and extends along 75 kilometres of coast, from Coffs Harbour north to the Sandon River mouth
The park is home to a huge diversity of marine life, with a tropical, temperate and sub-tropical species of fish, coral and algae being the main attraction for divers. Signage indicates where specific activities such as diving, fishing and collecting may be undertaken
The marine park includes the tidal waters of estuaries, beaches and headlands within its boundaries and is protected by a special zoning scheme designed to protect fish habitat
More than 550 reef fish, 90 hard coral and 600 molluscs (shelled animals) species have been observed throughout the park

North Solitary Island has the park's highest reef fish diversity. Anemone Bay, at the Island's northern end, is particularly diverse and supports the densest coverage of anemone and anemone fish world wide
South Solitary is renowned for its large pelagic fish, turtles and is also rich in shelled animals, with many marine snails and slugs, especially on the western side. It is the northern most breeding site recorded for the giant cuttlefish
The park's northern estuaries are some of the state's most pristine, largely because the majority of adjacent land is located in Yuraygir National Park

The local Aboriginal communities within the Gumbaynggirr Nation and Yaegl Nation have strong cultural links with the marine park and are actively involved in conservation planning

Prerequisite

Minimum Advanced Open Water Diver & Nitrox certified

Cost:

Trip Total $890 ($840 for Club Members)
Full gear rental available for duration of the trip for $175
Club Members receive 10% discount off gear hire

Can't find the dates you want? Please call us on +61 (02) 9977 4355 or email info@divesydney.com.au