Dive Reports – August & September 2016
Take a look at our dive reports from August & September 2016! We’ve detailed what we saw, the temperature and visibility, and surface conditions of the Solitary Islands in Coffs Harbour in August & September 2016.
Dive Reports August & September 2016 – Table of Contents:
13TH AUGUST 2016 – SOUTH SOLITARY AMAZES DIVERS ONCE AGAIN!
After a week out of the water due to bad weather, we were all overly excited to get back in the water at South Solitary Island today.
Manta Arch and the Cleaner Station provided ideal conditions for dives one and two. The Arch was inhabited by a dozen or more Grey Nurse Sharks whilst the Cleaners Station was packed with Black Cod, Bullseyes, Goatfish, Sweetlip and a Giant Cuttlefish.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 10m-12m
Dive Report by Andy
21ST AUGUST 2016 – SHARKS, RAYS AND SUNNY DAYS!
In the comfort of “wild Fin”, we shot out to South Solitary Island for two Sunday morning dives. Nearing the end of Winter, there is now quite an abundant amount of Grey Nurse Sharks roaming around the island. 25 plus sharks were spotted at Manta Arch alone!
Plenty of schooling fish life too. Kingfish, Mangrove Jack, Tarwhine, Black Spot Goatfish and a number of Sweetlip were all spotted congregating around the Cleaner Station. Some of our divers were lucky enough to see a school of Cow Nose Rays too!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 10m-12m
Dive Report by Andy
28TH AUGUST 2016 – SUPER SUNDAY
Today’s conditions couldn’t get any better! The Offshore Superboat championships didn’t stop wild fin zipping out to South Solitary Island for some great dives. From Whales breaching on the surface to Eagle Rays, Grey Nurse Sharks, Barnie our local Loggerhead Turtle, Nudibranchs and loads of schooling fish all seen at Cleaner station, Shark Gutters and South Boulder.
Congratulations Sergio and Carina on completing their PADI Open Water Scuba Diver Course.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 12m-15m
Dive Report by Andy
11TH SEPTEMBER 2016 – SUNNY SUNDAY
What a day! As the sea settled down from yesterdays wild weather, Wild Fin cruised on out to South Solitary Island excited to jump back into the water. The certified divers started off at Manta Arch where they were surrounded by Grey Nurse Sharks, then making their way to cleaner station seeing more Nurses. Our students also got to see our friendly Nurses on their very first dive. Second dive all groups started at Cleaner, then made their way over to South Boulder. Loads of schooling fish, Turtles, Nudis, Moray Eels, Black Cod and the majestic Humpback Whale singing in the background.
Congratulations Kaitlyn and Clayton for completing their PADI Open Water Course.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 10m
Dive Report by Andy
12TH SEPTEMBER 2016 – MAD MONDAY
To start our week, Wild Fin was blessed with a smooth ride out to South Solitary Island. For our first stop the certified divers started at Manta Arch where they were swarmed with Grey Nurse Sharks, they then made their way to finish at Cleaner Station where our students were enjoying the company of our friendly Loggerhead Turtle ‘Barnie’. The second dive started at Cleaner station and finished at South Boulder, seeing loads of schooling fish, Nudis, Grey Nurse Sharks, Morays, Black cod and gropers.
Congratulations Sarah and Jake for completing their Open Water Diver Course.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Andy
16TH SEPTEMBER 2016 – WARM SUNNY RAYS AT SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND
This mornings cool wind delayed us from our usual early morning setup, but with patience, an hour later the wind had settled enough for us to have some fantastic dives. Both dives stayed out of the wind at Shark Gutter where our very first Discover Divers were lucky enough to see over 5 Grey Nurse Sharks. We also saw Moray Eels, Nudis, Schooling fish, Turtles, Crayfish and the Humpback Whale singing in the background.
Conditions look amazing for tomorrow so give us a call and book on!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
17TH SEPTEMBER 2016 – LOGGERHEAD FIGHTS GREY NURSE SHARK FOR TERRITORY!
Today we had some amazing dives out at South Solitary Island, as the calm seas made it a speedy trip out and back. The first dive our certified divers started at Manta Arch and made their way to Cleaner Station. The second dive was even better, as we used the slight current for a drift from Cleaner station to South Boulder Wall. Along the way we saw a school of Cow Rays, Eagle ray, Bull Ray, Crayfish, plenty of Grey Nurse Sharks, Nudis, loads of Schooling fish, and our local Loggerhead ‘Barnie’ headbutting a Nurse to get out of her way.
Picture Shot of Schooling Cow Rays today.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 18°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
21ST SEPTEMBER 2016 – DIVE WITH WHALE SONG!
This mornings rain showers were not enough to deter our avid divers from getting in two very good dives at South Solitary Island. The Arch was our first port of call. Lots of Grey Nurse Sharks, Black Cod, Turtles, Nudibranches and schooling Kingfish. Buchanan’s Wall was the pick for dive two. More Turtles, Blue Tangs, Moray Eels, juvenile Emperor Angel Fish and a lonely Grey Nurse were the highlights on this dive.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 8m-12m
Dive Report by Andy
24TH SEPTEMBER 2016 – GREY NURSE SHARKS GET UP CLOSE
With the sun beaming down and no wind at all the day was perfect for some scuba diving at South Solitary Island!
Once at the Island we realised the visibility was not flash but everyone made the most of it and enjoyed the diving throughly. Our divers seen Turtles, huge Wobbygongs, Bullrays, Lionfish, Black Cod and plenty of Grey Nurse Sharks getting really close in the 5 m visibility!!!
Congratulations to Melissa who finished her PADI Open Water certification today!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 5m-8m
Dive Report by Lindsay
27TH SEPTEMBER 2016 – #SOUTHSOLITARYDIVINGISAWESOME!
After a comfortable ride out to South Solitary Island on board “Wild Fin”, we were pleasantly surprised with lovely blue, clear water. Slipping in at Shark Gutters for the first dive of the day, our divers were greeted with Grey Nurse Sharks, Black Cod, Lion Fish and Eagle Rays. Dive two was a leisurely swim down the Boulder Wall. More Grey Nurse, Blue Angelfish, schools of Tarwhine and Goatfish.
Congratulations to Kasper on completing his PADI Open Water Diver Course! Welcome to the world of diving!
PS. We even saw a small Hammerhead on the surface during morning tea!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Andy
