Meet the site
The Arch is a small natural archway near the northern side of Split Solitary Island, close to the dramatic cleft in the rock that gives the island its name and which is visible from the surface as the island's most distinctive feature. Underwater, the archway itself is modest in scale compared with the more famous Manta Arch at South Solitary Island, but it offers a brief, scenic swim-through well within Open Water depth limits, in a comfortable 8 to 16 m range typical of this closest and most sheltered island in the group. Because Split Solitary Island is the default fallback site whenever weather rules out the more exposed islands further offshore, The Arch sees fairly regular use as part of a broader dive plan, usually worked in en route between the northern approach and one of the island's several named southern moorings such as Turtle Cove or Cod Rock. Moray eels are commonly found in the archway's crevices, nudibranchs and other invertebrates decorate its walls, and turtles and reef fish pass through the opening regularly, making it a worthwhile few minutes on any Split Solitary Island dive rather than a stand-alone destination. Given Split Solitary Island's popularity as the marine park's most heavily used training and fallback site, The Arch benefits from being genuinely low-risk and straightforward to navigate, suiting divers at every experience level from open-water students to instructors looking for a reliable, attractive feature to include on an otherwise flexible dive plan. It is not marketed with the fanfare of South Solitary Island's headline sites, but as a small bonus feature within an already excellent, reliable dive location, it adds real value to a Split Solitary Island visit.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Split Solitary Island – The Arch is recorded as Cave/Cavern 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 Split Solitary Island – The Arch 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 Split Solitary Island – The Arch 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
Moray eels, nudibranchs, turtles, resident reef fish
Location
A small natural archway near the northern side of Split Solitary Island, close to the feature that gives the island its name, offering a brief but scenic swim-through within easy Open Water depths.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.