Dive Reports – February 2017
Take a look at our dive reports from February 2017! We’ve detailed what we saw, the temperature and visibility, and surface conditions of the Solitary Islands in Coffs Harbour in February 2017.
Dive Reports February 2017 – Table of Contents:
2ND FEBRUARY 2017 – HAPPY DIVERS @ SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND!
Sheltered from the northerly breeze, Buchanan’s Wall and the Gantry were ideal locations for this mornings dives. Greeted by a large Turtle not too far from the mooring, our divers spotted plenty on this first dive. Black Cod, Eagle Rays and lots of Wobbegongs Sharks were just some of the highlights.
Dive two was a leisurely swim from South Boulder to the Gantry. More Turtles, some cool Nudi’s, and lots of schooling fish on the wall.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C-22°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Andy
3RD FEBRUARY 2017 – SMILES FOR DAYS!
It was all about the Scuba today at South Solitary Island. While exploring the northern end, we all encountered over a dozen Grey Nurse Sharks, Wobbygongs, Lionfish, Blue Groupers, Black Cod, Swarms of Schooling fish, Orangutan Crab, Moray Eels, Octopus and a Box Fish.
Vis 12-15 Temp 22c
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 12m-15m
Dive Report by Andy
4TH FEBRUARY 2017 – STILL PLENTY TO SEE IN ORDINARY VIS.
The north-easterly winds took their toll on the visibility today at South Solitary Island. But whilst the visibility was down, the fish-life was abundant. 8 to 10 Grey Nurse Sharks were in the gutters near Manta Arch, whilst 2 very large Spanish Dancers impressed other divers. A gentle current gave the divers a drift from Shark Gutters to the Gantry with the usual fish-life too numerous to describe.
Congratulations to Jerry, Zac and Drew for completing their PADI Open Water Diver course today, well done guys!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C-22°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Mike
5TH FEBRUARY 2017 – IMPROVING CONDITIONS!
South Solitary Island was a world of fun for our divers today. The northerly breeze certainly didn’t hold back the warm blue water, as the students and certified divers encountered Turtles, Octopus, Spanish Dancer, Orangutan Crab, Lionfish, Abbott’s Moray Eels, Wobbygongs, Nudibranchs, Eagle Rays, Blue Groupers, Painted Crayfish, and loads of Schooling fish. Dives were at all sites toady, utilising the current to drift around the Island.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C-24°C
- Visibility: 15m-20m
Dive Report by Andy
6TH FEBRUARY 2017 – MONDAY FUN-DAY!
Today was a perfect start to the week as we embraced the warm blue sea at South Solitary Island. All divers swam with Turtles, Lionfish, Box Fish, Groupers, Spanish Dancer, Wobbygongs, Eagle Rays, Abbott’s Eels, Coral Shrimp, Nudibranchs, Schooling Fish, Juvenile Clown Trigger Fish, and Black Cod.
Congratulations Jack, Michael, Josh and Madison in completing their PADI Open Water Diver Course, well done!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 24°C
- Visibility: 20m
Dive Report by Andy
7TH FEBRUARY 2017 – SPECTACULAR DIVING @ SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND
Today was yet another spectacular day of diving at South Solitary Island. Both southern and northern ends of the island were full of life. Eagle Rays, Turtles, Lionfish, Bull Rays, Wobbegong Sharks and a juvenile Clown Triggerfish were just some of today’s highlights.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 24°C
- Visibility: 15m-20m
Dive Report by Andy
10TH FEBRUARY 2017 – LINDSAY’S BIRTHDAY DIVE!
With the birthday boy on board, we shot out to South Solitary Island for two fantastic dives.
Buchanan’s Wall was the spot for dive One. Black Cod, Lionfish, Turtles and a baby Clown Triggerfish were just some of the highlights. Taking advantage of the slight current, our divers enjoyed a drift from the Cleaner Station to the Gantry. More Turtles, Bull Rays, lots of schooling Tarwhine and a Shovel Nose Ray were spotted on this dive.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C-25°C
- Visibility: 10m-20m
Dive Report by Andy
11TH FEBRUARY 2017 – DIVERS BEAT THE HEAT!
Perfect conditions to beat the heat today. Students and certified divers enjoyed Buchanan’s Wall for the first and a drift from Shark to the Gantry for the second seeing Bull Rays, Turtles, Black Cod, Blue Groupers, Moray Eels, Wobbygongs, Nudibranchs, Loads of Schooling Fish, Painted Crayfish and many more.
Congratulations Jake, Alex, Louise, Nick and Ian in completing their PADI Open Water Diver Course, well done!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C
- Visibility: 5m-10m
Dive Report by Andy
12TH FEBRUARY 2017 – BLUE WATER WELCOMED AT SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND
We had a lumpy NE chop from last nights wind but once at South Solitary Island the warm, blue water was a pleasant surprise.
Dive one was at Buchanans wall, above 12m the water was clear and warm and that is where most of the divers stayed. Nudibranchs, Bullseyes and our new local the Juvenile Clown Trigger Fish were just some of the critters found.
Dive two was a drift from the northern end around to The Gantry, the water was beautiful up there and our divers saw about 7 Turtles, Bullrays, Slipper Lobsters, Lionfish and a lonesome Grey Nurse Shark near Boulder Wall.
Congratulations to Maxine who finished her PADI Advanced Open Water today and to Erin and Emily who got out diving after a long spell and finished a Refresher Course.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C-24°C
- VIsibility: 10m-20m
Dive Report by Lindsay
16TH FEBRUARY 2017 – ESCAPE TO THE SOLITARY ISLANDS!
Divers and Snorkelers escaped the mid week blues to dive both South Solitary and Split Island today. All divers enjoyed a swim from Manta Arch through the gap, to The Gantry, seeing loads of Schooling fish, Turtles, Moray Eels, Black Cods, Parrot Fish, Groupers, a lone Grey Nurse Shark, and Wobbygongs. A change in scenery brought us to Split Solitary Island for our second dive at Mikes Mooring. Again, plenty of life including a Blind Shark eating a Octopus, a Crested Horn Shark and an abundance of Nudibranchs.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C-24°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Lindsay
17TH FEBRUARY 2017 – EAST AUSTRALIAN CURRENT REACHES SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND
We had another amazing day out at the Light house today with warm blue water up the northern end of the island and plenty to see.
Dive one we dropped in at Buchanan’s Wall to find our cute little Clown trigger, a monster of a Wobbygong and a very shy Octopus.
Dive two was a spectacular drift from the northern end around to The Gantry, the visibility was an easy 25-30m and water temp 24C. Lots to see throughout the drift including Eagle Rays, Eels, Lionfish, 100’s of Fusiliers, Kingfish, Black Cods and 2 very friendly turtles near the end of the dive.
Congratulations to Georgia Plummer who finished her PADI Open Water Certification today, I think she had a blast.
Photo taken today of Josh Barrett and a Green Sea Turtle near The Gantry.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 24°C
- Visibility: 25m-30m
Dive Report by Lindsay
19TH FEBRUARY 2017 – MORE DRIFT DIVING!
With a calmer sea, our divers had a pleasant trip out to South Solitary Island today. Buchanan’s Wall displayed an abundance of life for our divers, including a couple of Giant Bull Rays, Turtles, Wobbygongs, Moray Eels, Abbotts Moray Eels, Nudibranchs, Octopus and loads of schooling fish. We then took advantage of the current, drifting from Shark Gutters to the Gantry. Again, seeing loads of schooling fish, Rays, Mantis Shrimp, Crayfish and some friendly Turtles.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 12m
Dive Report by Andy
20TH FEBRUARY 2017 – CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW CERTIFIED PADI OPEN WATER DIVERS!
Our small crew of divers and snorkelers enjoyed a smooth trip out to South Solitary Island. The southerly change in wind placed our dives around Cleaner Station to South Boulder Wall, enjoying an array of marine life including a Shovel nose Ray, several Bull Rays, Turtles, Spotted Stingrays, Groupers, Black Cod, Crayfish, Nudis, Orangutan Crab, and so many Schooling fish.
Conditions look great for diving this week! We would also like to plan a North Solitary trip this Saturday so give us a call if you want to join in on the fun.
Congratulations Kellie, Sahri and Shanker in completing their PADI Open Water Diver Course, Well Done!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 10m-15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
22ND FEBRUARY 2017 – SOLITARY ISLAND DUO
Although today’s visibility was a little basic, our divers made the most of today’s dives. Moray Eels, Wobbegong Sharks, Lionfish, two monster Bullrays and our resident juvenile Clown Trigger were all spotted at Buchanan’s Wall.
Seeking clearer water, we ventured to Split Solitary Island for today’s 2nd dive. Lots of schooling Pomfrets, Trevally, Nudibranches and an Eastern Blue Devil Fish were just some of the highlights on this dive.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 5m
Dive Report by Andy
23RD FEBRUARY 2017 – GREAT DIVES DESPITE THE VIS!
In search of blue water, “2 Wild”, took us to South, South West and Split Solitary Island’s today. Jumping in at South West Solitary first, our divers spotted Morays, Octopus, Wobbegong Sharks and lots of different Nudibranches. Split Solitary Island was our next pick. Lionfish, Crested Horn Sharks, schools of Sweep and a friendly Green Turtle were the highlights on this dive.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 5m
Dive Report by Andy
25TH FEBRUARY 2017 – LEOPARD SHARKS AND DUSKY WHALERS AT NORTH SOLITARY ISLAND!
Warm and Blue were just some highlights today. Despite the bumpy ride 2 Wild ventured to North Solitary to explore Anemone Bay, seeing a couple of Leopards Sharks, a Dusky Whaler, Eagle Rays, Turtles, Barracuda, Clown Trigger fish, Black Cods and Anemones for days.
Wild Fin also had a boat full of students and divers headed for South Solitary Island. Again, the water was warm and blue, seeing loads of schooling fish, Wobbys, Turtles, Blue Groupers, Moray Eels, Octopus, Egg Cowries, Nudis, Lionfish, Lyretail Anthias, Black Cod, Painted Crayfish and plenty of Nudis. dive one was at Buchanans, followed by a drift from Cleaner Station to South Boulder Wall.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 25°C-26°C
- Visibility: 25m-30m
Dive Report by Andy
26TH FEBRUARY 2017 – THE BIG BLUE!
Yet again today’s dives were amongst the Solitary Islands best. Students and Certified divers explored all of Buchanans Wall to Cable Trail for the first, then taking advantage of the current for a drift from Cleaner Station to South Boulder, seeing a Half-circled Angelfish, Blue Groupers, Turtles, Moray Eels, Bull Rays, Anemone fish, Schooling Fish, Pipefish, Octopus, Eagle Ray, a dozen Black Cods, Orangutan Crab, Painted Crayfish, Nudis, Wobbys and our little Clown Trigger fish.
Congratulations Cathy on your PADI Deep Diver Speciality, Well Done!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 25°C
- Visibility: 25m-30m
Dive Report by Andy
