Meet the site
Turtle Cove is a mooring on the southern side of Split Solitary Island set on the eastern edge of a gutter that runs from deeper water along the plateau's edge, and its name is a straightforward description of what divers can expect: this is one of the most reliable spots in the whole marine park for a close turtle encounter, with green and loggerhead turtles regularly found resting or feeding along the gutter. Beyond the turtles, the gutter itself is described by regular visitors as simply 'full of life' — a dense concentration of resident reef fish, nudibranchs and other invertebrates that makes for excellent slow, searching diving even when the turtles are elsewhere on the reef. The gutter's structure, running from open water along the edge of the shallow plateau, creates enough shelter and current break to concentrate marine life without generating the stronger currents found at some of the more exposed South Solitary Island sites, keeping this within comfortable Open Water limits. As with the rest of Split Solitary Island, Turtle Cove benefits from the site's overall reliability — it is close to Coffs Harbour and sheltered enough to run in a wider range of conditions than the outer islands — which makes it a popular choice both for visiting divers wanting a relaxed, high-probability turtle dive and for the dive centre's training groups. Visibility here follows the same pattern as the rest of Split Solitary, generally more modest than South Solitary Island but entirely workable for good macro and turtle photography.
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 – Turtle Cove 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.
- 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 – Turtle Cove 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 – Turtle Cove 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
Green and loggerhead turtles, nudibranchs, wobbegongs, schooling fish, resident reef fish
Location
Southern side of Split Solitary Island; a mooring on the eastern edge of a gutter full of life, running from deep water along the plateau edge, one of the more reliable turtle-encounter sites in the group.
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.