Meet the site
Shark Gutters, also known locally as Grey Nurse Gutters, occupies a sliced channel on the northern side of South Solitary Island between Birdie Island and a neighbouring rock, historically one of the more consistently productive grey nurse shark sites in the whole marine park. A large boulder wedged between the gutter's two walls creates a genuine swim-through adventure at a shallow, forgiving 12 m mooring depth, making this one of the more approachable shark encounters at South Solitary Island for Open Water-certified divers rather than requiring the deeper, more current-exposed profile of Manta Arch. In years past this gutter has held substantial numbers of resting grey nurse sharks, and while population numbers here fluctuate with the wider aggregation patterns tracked across the marine park, it remains one of the go-to spots for divers hoping for an encounter without the stronger current typical of the more exposed north-eastern moorings. Schooling kingfish, silver trevally, jewfish, pomfreds and bullseyes move through the gutter in numbers, and the walls themselves are decorated with black coral, tarwhine and resident blue groper and wrasse species, giving the site plenty to offer even when the sharks are elsewhere. The swim-through nature of the site means divers need to move through in single file without crowding the gutter, both out of courtesy to other divers on a busy day and to avoid disturbing any sharks resting in the passage. Surge can build through the gutter in a decent swell, since the channel effectively funnels water movement, but on a calm day this is a comfortable, moderate-depth dive that combines genuine swim-through topography with one of the more reliable historical grey nurse shark track records in the park.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Solitary Island – Shark Gutters is recorded as Reef 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 South Solitary Island – Shark Gutters 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 South Solitary Island – Shark Gutters 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
Grey nurse sharks, schooling kingfish, silver trevally, jewfish, pomfreds, bullseyes, tarwhine, blue groper, wrasses, black coral, anemones and clownfish
Location
A gutter on the north side of South Solitary Island between Birdie Island and an adjacent rock, with a boulder wedged between the two walls forming a swim-through; mooring at about 12 m, a shallower and more sheltered grey nurse shark site than Manta Arch.
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.