Coffs Harbour & the Solitary Islands · New South Wales
Scuba Diving at North Solitary Island
Extensive anemone beds and the strongest tropical influence in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
North Solitary Island sits furthest offshore in the northern part of the marine park and receives the strongest East Australian Current influence, giving it the most tropical character of the group.
Visit NSW particularly highlights extensive anemone beds and soft corals here — anemone city is one of the site's signature features, with dense fields of anemones and their resident clownfish.
Current can be significant, and the site is usually dived as a drift.
Recommended: Open Water Diver. Parts of the site reach 30 m, which needs Advanced Open Water, ideally with the Deep specialty. What can I dive with my cert?
Max depth
30 m
typically 18 m
Access
boat
Current
significant
Water temp
18–26°C
Level
intermediate
up to advanced
| Region | Coffs Harbour & the Solitary Islands |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Access | boat |
| Site type | island, reef |
| Minimum depth | 5 m |
| Typical depth | 18 m |
| Maximum depth | 30 m |
| Current | significant |
| Visibility | Commonly 15–30 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 18–26°C |
| Experience level | intermediate, advanced |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- extensive anemone beds and anemonefish
- grey nurse sharks
- leopard sharks
- manta rays
- turtles
- soft coral
- schooling pelagics
Access
- Boat access from Wooli or Coffs Harbour.
- Wooli offers a shorter transit.
- Exposed offshore site.
Hazards
- significant current
- depth
- surge
- distance from shore
Marine Life at North Solitary Island
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site.
Jetty Dive CentreCoffs HarbourPADICoffs Harbour's PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, running the Solitary Islands dive fleet from the Jetty Strip with training, retail, Nitrox and whale swims.BoatCoursesAdvancedProNitroxHireSource-backed profile
Wooli Dive CentreWooliPADIThe closest operator to North Solitary Island and Pimpernel Rock, with its own 12-metre catamaran and riverside divers' accommodation in Wooli.BoatCoursesAdvancedHireStaySource-backed profileUseful Training for Diving North Solitary Island
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Dive Sites Similar to North Solitary Island
Worth reading alongside this one.
Planning Guides for Diving North Solitary Island
Practical guides selected from this site's access, environment, wildlife and experience profile.
Dive Sites Near North Solitary Island
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
North Solitary Island Diving FAQs
How deep is North Solitary Island?
Depths range from around 5 metres to roughly 30 metres, with a typical profile around 18 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is North Solitary Island suitable for beginners?
Better suited to divers with some experience beyond entry level, particularly in the local conditions. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.
How do you get to North Solitary Island?
Boat access from Wooli or Coffs Harbour. Wooli offers a shorter transit.
Is there current at North Solitary Island?
Current is recorded as significant. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at North Solitary Island?
Commonly reported marine life includes extensive anemone beds and anemonefish, grey nurse sharks, leopard sharks, manta rays, turtles, soft coral. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive North Solitary Island?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 15–30 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is North Solitary Island?
North Solitary Island is in the Coffs Harbour & the Solitary Islands region of New South Wales.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.