

Best for intermediate divers, 10-30m, boat entry, moderate current.
South Boulder at South Solitary Island features a steep wall dropping from 10 to 30 metres. This site is a boat-only dive, often utilised for drift diving due to moderate currents that can become strong and unpredictable. Visibility ranges from 8 to 35 metres. Divers may encounter Grey Nurse Sharks, leopard sharks, wobbegongs, black cod, blue groper, loggerhead turtles, and giant cuttlefish. Smaller marine life includes Jorunna nudibranchs, hawkfish, grunts, sea stars, and clownfish. Water temperatures fluctuate between 20C and 26C throughout the year. Divers should check current directions before entry and consider planning deeper sections around slack water to manage the site's demanding conditions.
-30.20240, 153.26559
Check the current direction before you jump in and plan to drift with it rather than fight it, as the current can turn this into a demanding dive if you're not positioned correctly. Deeper sections reward divers who time their visit around slack water.
The dive site is accessed via a 30-40 minute boat trip from Coffs Harbour. Local operator Jetty Dive Centre runs regular charters to the site from the Coffs Harbour International Marina.
Recorded at this site
Depth
10-30m
Visibility
8-35m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
20-26°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Year-round
Divers regularly encounter Grey Nurse Sharks, leopard sharks, wobbegongs, black cod, blue groper, loggerhead turtles, and giant cuttlefish. Smaller species such as Jorunna nudibranchs, hawkfish, grunts, sea stars, and clownfish are also present.
No, South Boulder is classified as an intermediate site due to the potential for strong, unpredictable currents and depths reaching 30 metres.
The site features a wall that drops from 10 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres.
No, this is a boat-only dive site. Boat charters are available from Coffs Harbour.
The site is accessible year-round, with water temperatures warmer from November to April and clearer water often occurring during the winter months.
Diving at South Boulder in Coffs Harbour requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near South Boulder in Coffs Harbour. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at South Boulder in Coffs Harbour. Water temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C.
Expect moderate currents at South Boulder in Coffs Harbour. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at South Boulder in Coffs Harbour typically ranges from 8 metres to 35 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.