Meet the site
North West Solitary Island, a modest 20 km run north-east of Coffs Harbour, is the northernmost of the group's islands that Jetty Dive Centre visits with any regularity, and it offers a noticeably different character to South Solitary Island despite belonging to the same marine park. The water here runs slightly cooler and visibility is typically lower than at South Solitary, both a function of the island's position closer to the coast and the mainland's outflow, but the trade-off is genuinely excellent, extensive plate-coral coverage across the site's gutters and ridges. Three moorings are maintained on the western side of the island, chosen specifically because that aspect gives shelter on days with an easterly-style wind, and each sits over gently sloping coral gardens in 10-18 m interspersed with narrow gutters that concentrate fish life. The headline attraction through the warmer months, roughly November to April, is a good chance of manta rays cruising the coral gardens to feed — 'at the warmer time of the year, manta rays are what we come for,' as local operators put it — while winter brings grey nurse sharks moving onto the site in a similar pattern to the rest of the marine park, along with the macro life typical of a plate-coral habitat: nudibranchs, egg cowries and a wide range of small reef fish. North West Solitary is not as consistently spectacular for big fish life as South Solitary Island, and the lower visibility here means it will not be everyone's first choice, but the sheer extent and health of the coral gardens make it a worthwhile change of pace, and the island's position gives Jetty Dive Centre a workable alternative on days when wind direction rules out the more exposed grounds further south. Navigation can be a little more challenging here than at the better-marked South Solitary Island sites, given the lower visibility and less distinct topography, so divers should stay close to their guide.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
North West Solitary Island is recorded as Island in Coffs Harbour & Solitary Islands. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is North West Solitary Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book North West Solitary Island through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Manta rays (summer), extensive plate corals, turtles, wobbegongs, nudibranchs, egg cowries, schooling reef fish, grey nurse sharks (winter)
Location
A small island about 20 km north-north-east of Coffs Harbour with three moorings, usually used on the western side, over extensive plate-coral gardens and fish-filled gutters in 10-18 m; cooler and lower-visibility than South Solitary but known for summer manta rays.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
jettydive.com.audivernet.comjettydive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.