

Fish Soup sits on the northern end of North Solitary Island, a reef site accessible to beginner divers that tops out at 18 metres. The name gives you a sense of what to expect underwater: a busy, life-filled reef where various species congregate in the kind of numbers that make for an engaging dive at almost any depth. Visibility is variable, so conditions can shift, and currents do the same, which means checking conditions before you head out is worth doing. Entry is by boat, and the site is diveable year-round, giving you plenty of opportunities to find a good weather window.
-29.91275, 153.38337
Because visibility and current can both vary considerably at this site, it pays to ask your charter operator about recent conditions before committing to a dive plan. A shallower dive on a lower-visibility day still gives you plenty to see close to the reef.
Access info coming soon
This boat entry site can have strong currents and surge. Be aware of surf near the entry point and shuffle your feet in shallows to avoid sharp coral and hidden creatures.
Depth
8-18m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May
Fish Soup North Solitary Island is accessed exclusively by boat from the New South Wales coast. The site is located offshore at North Solitary Island, requiring a charter or private vessel to reach the dive location. Boat departure points typically include nearby coastal towns in the Solitary Islands Marine Park region.
Fish Soup North Solitary Island reaches a maximum depth of 18 metres, making it a relatively shallow dive suitable for a wide range of experience levels. The depth profile allows for extended bottom times and comfortable exploration of the underwater topography around North Solitary Island.
Fish Soup is a boat dive site located at North Solitary Island in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, New South Wales. The site sits within a transition zone where tropical and temperate waters meet, creating unique conditions along the Australian east coast. Maximum depth is 18 metres with access only by chartered or private vessel.
Fish Soup North Solitary Island has a moderate maximum depth of 18 metres, which falls within the depth range accessible to Open Water certified divers. However, the offshore location and potential for oceanic conditions mean divers should be comfortable with boat diving and open water environments. Site conditions can vary depending on weather and currents typical of exposed island locations.
North Solitary Island sits in a unique biogeographic zone where the warm East Australian Current brings tropical species south to meet temperate water marine life. This convergence creates exceptional biodiversity at sites like Fish Soup, with depths to 18 metres providing access to both reef structures and varied marine habitats. The Solitary Islands Marine Park protects this ecologically significant area off the New South Wales coast.
Diving at Fish Soup in New South Wales requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
Fish Soup in New South Wales is home to Anemonefish, Southern Eagle Ray, Kingfish, Blue Groper, Reef Manta Ray, and Wobbegong Shark. Marine life sightings vary by season and conditions.
The best months to visit Fish Soup in New South Wales are May. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Fish Soup in New South Wales should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.