

South Boulder at South Solitary Island delivers some of the Solitary Islands' most dramatic diving, with a steep wall plunging from 10 to 30 metres into deep blue water. The moderate current brings excellent visibility, typically ranging from 8 to 35 metres, and carries nutrients that attract impressive pelagic visitors. Grey nurse sharks congregate here seasonally, often hovering in the gutters and caves along the wall, whilst manta rays and eagle rays cruise past in the blue. The site sits where tropical and temperate currents meet, creating an unusual mix of marine life. You'll find leopard sharks resting on ledges alongside wobbegongs, whilst blue groper patrol the reef and black cod hide in crevices. Giant cuttlefish appear during breeding season, and loggerhead turtles are regular visitors. Clownfish dart among anemones in the shallows. The current makes this a natural drift dive, so you'll cover good ground along the wall without much effort. Boat access only, with several operators running trips from Coffs Harbour. The site's accessible year round, though winter months often bring the clearest water and best shark encounters.
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Check the current direction before you jump in and plan to drift with it rather than fight it, as the current can turn this into a demanding dive if you're not positioned correctly. Deeper sections reward divers who time their visit around slack water.
The dive site is accessed via a 30-40 minute boat trip from Coffs Harbour. Local operator Jetty Dive Centre runs regular charters to the site from the Coffs Harbour International Marina.
Currents can be strong and unpredictable at times. While Grey Nurse Sharks are a major attraction, divers should always maintain a safe distance and respect marine life.
Depth
10-30m
Visibility
8-35m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-26°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Year-round
South Boulder South Solitary Island in New South Wales is renowned for encounters with Grey Nurse Sharks, which aggregate at this site. Divers also regularly observe Giant Cuttlefish, Loggerhead Turtles, Manta Rays, Leopard Sharks, Eagle Rays, Blue Groper, and Wobbegongs. The diverse marine life is a major draw for underwater photographers and shark enthusiasts visiting Coffs Harbour.
South Boulder South Solitary Island reaches depths from 10 metres to 30 metres. The varied depth profile accommodates different experience levels and dive plans, with shallower areas at 10 metres and maximum exploration to 30 metres. This depth range requires proper open water certification and intermediate diving skills.
An open water diving certification is required to dive South Boulder South Solitary Island. The site's intermediate skill level, depths to 30 metres, and moderate currents mean divers should be comfortable with boat diving and have experience managing current conditions. This Coffs Harbour site is not suitable for beginner divers or those on their first dives after certification.
The best months to dive South Boulder South Solitary Island are January through August, covering the Australian summer and autumn months. Water temperatures during this period range from 18°C to 26°C, with visibility between 8 metres and 35 metres. This eight-month window provides optimal conditions for observing Grey Nurse Sharks and other resident marine life.
South Boulder South Solitary Island is accessed exclusively by boat from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. Dive charters operate from the harbour and provide boat access to the site, which lies offshore at South Solitary Island. Facilities available include dive shops, boat charters, equipment rental, air fills, and guided tours.
South Boulder South Solitary Island experiences moderate currents, which can occasionally strengthen depending on tidal conditions. These currents are one reason the site requires intermediate diving skills and proper open water certification. Divers should be prepared to use reef hooks or perform drift diving techniques when conditions demand.
There is no entry fee to dive South Boulder South Solitary Island itself. However, divers must book boat charters from Coffs Harbour to reach the site, as it requires boat access and cannot be reached from shore. Additional costs include equipment rental, air fills, and guided tours if required.
South Boulder in Coffs Harbour is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near South Boulder in Coffs Harbour. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at South Boulder in Coffs Harbour. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C.
South Boulder in Coffs Harbour has depths ranging from 10 metres to 30 metres.
A typical dive at South Boulder in Coffs Harbour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.