Solitary Islands, Coffs Harbour

The Solitary Islands Marine Park extends along about 75km of coastline from Coffs Harbour to Sandon River. Established in Jan 1998, it’s been a Marine Reserve since 1992. Scuba diving at the Solitary Islands Marine Park offers an unforgettable mix of tropical and temperate marine life. Clear waters, dramatic underwater rock formations, and vibrant coral gardens are home to turtles, leopard sharks, manta rays, grey nurse sharks, and colourful schools of fish. The Solitary Islands are considered one of Australia’s premier dive destinations, showcasing unique biodiversity where warm and cool ocean currents meet.

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Typical marine life found includes Blue Groper, Grey Nurse Sharks, Wobbegongs, Shovelnose Rays, Bull Rays, Eagle Rays, Loggerhead Turtles, Frogfish, Anglerfish, King Fish, Bannerfish, Jewfish, Trevally, Wrasses, Moray Eels, Giant Cuttlefish, Blue Tangs, Clownfish, Nudibranchs.

You also have the opportunity to swim with the magnificent Humpback Whales on day 3 of your trip. Now, how could you say no to that!

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.