Dive Reports – December 2020
Take a look at our dive reports from December 2020! We’ve detailed what we saw, the temperature and visibility, and surface conditions of the Solitary Islands in Coffs Harbour in December 2020.
Dive Reports December 2020 – Table of Contents:
1ST DECEMBER 2020 – “SUMMER DIVING AT SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND.”
After a couple of days out of the water due to the weather “2 Wild” headed out to South Solitary Island for a double dive this morning. Manta Arch was decided for dive one, all divers dropped down and made there through the Arch, divers were greeted by four Grey Nurse Sharks going in and out of the Arch. Also seen at Manta Arch were Black Cod, Nudibranchs, Wobbegong Sharks, Schools of Trevally, and Tarwhine. “2 Wild ” headed round to South Boulder for morning tea as sea conditions were a lot calmer. Dive two was a slow drift from Shark Gutters to South Boulder. This dive had all divers excited, half a dozen Grey Nurse Sharks were seen, loggerhead turtles, Green Turtles, Bullrays, Bat fish, Moray eels and a couple of lion fish were spotted.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
2nd December 2020 – “Sharks Galore” At South Solitary Island
“Wildfin” headed out this morning full of socially distanced divers eager to get in the water. Manta Arch was decided for dive one, after a quick dive brief all divers descended down the mooring line and made there way to the back gutter, all though the vis was down a little, Grey Nurse Sharks everywhere you couldn’t get in the gutter for them at least twenty Sharks were in there. Also seen on this dive were Black Cod, Moray Eels, Nudibranchs, and a small Hawksbill Turtle. After morning tea “Wildfin” headed up to the Northern end of South Solitary for a drift dive from Shark Gutters to the Gantry. On this dive Grey Nurse Sharks were seen, Bullrays, Schools of Tarwhine, Blue Fusiliers, Bulls eyes. Around the Gap green Turtles and Wobbegong Sharks were seen moving around.
Congratulations to Adrian on completing his Padi Advanced Open Water Course.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 10m-15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
4th December 2020 – Bullray Central at Manta Arch
South Solitary Island today had a mixed bag of conditions and marine life!!
Dive one everyone descend down Manta Arch to find a number of Bullrays scoping the bottom which was awesome, our divers made their way around to the Back Gutter in search of some Grey Nurse Sharks, we found 10-15 around there and some were defiantly not social distancing!!!
Dive two we moved to Buchanan’s Wall as the visibility was much better at that end of the island, our divers had a splendid time. There were 2 huge turtles along the wall, some massive Black Cod near Cable Trail and Stuart even spotted a Hammer Head Shark in the distance.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C-21°C
- Visibility: 8m-15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
5th December 2020 – “2 Wild” And “Wildfin” Head Out To “South Solitary Island”
Conditions this morning made for a quick trip out to South Solitary Island. “Wildfin” headed to Manta Arch for dive one, “2 Wild” headed to “Archies Cave”. The Back Gutter seems to be the place to see Sharks at the Moment , it was packed out with Grey Nurse Sharks at least twenty were counted, also spotted in the “Arch” were a couple of Grey Nurse Sharks, Black Cod, Moray eels, Lionfish, and a Huge Wobbegong Shark. After morning tea “2 Wild” decided to drop divers in at the Back Gutter, making there way through the Gap finishing at the Gantry. “Wildfin” decided to do a slow drift from Shark Gutters to the Gantry. Heaps of Marine life was seen on both dives Grey Nurse Sharks, schools of Tarwhine, Bull eyes, Blue Fusiliers. Through the Gap Turtles were seen and a few Wobbegong Sharks moving around, also seen on the two dives were Nudibranchs.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
9th December 2020 – Conditions improved at South Solitary!
After a few days without blowing bubbles due to conditions, today was the day to get back out to South Solitary Island for a double dive.
For the first dive, all divers jumped in at Shark Gutters, and explored the top end of the island. Divers were lucky enough to spot approximately 10 Grey Nurse Sharks in and around Shark Gutters Mooring and in and around the swim through. Along with the Grey Nurse Sharks, divers saw an abundance of different colourful Nudibranchs, Green Sea Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, Marbled Rays, Slipper Lobsters, tonnes of schooling fish throughout the dive and even a large Queensland Grouper.
For the second dive, all divers did a drift dive from Shark Gutters to South Boulder Mooring. Along the gentle drift, divers saw countless small, medium, and large Wobbegong Sharks, Green Sea and Hawksbill Turtles, more Grey Nurse Sharks, Black Cod and Coral Cod, another Marbled Ray, along with loads of fish life along the boulder wall for everyone to see.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 10m-12m
Dive Report by Tara
10th December 2020 – Terrific Thursday!
Today we took 2 Wild out for another double dive to South Solitary.
Manta Arch was the choice for the first dive. Divers encountered approximately 15-20 Grey Nurse Sharks, with the majority of them being in the back gutter. In addition, divers saw large schools of Trevally, Wobbegongs, Nudibranchs, Moray Eels, and Black Cod.
For the second dive, we did a drift dive from Shark Gutters to South Boulder. More Grey Nurse Sharks were hanging around the mooring, and in amongst the swim through. During the drift along Boulder Wall, we saw plenty of large Bull Rays, Green Sea Turtles, Wobbegongs, more Nudibranchs, and once again loads of fish life throughout the dive.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 10m-12m
Dive Report by Tara
19th December 2020 – Back at South Sol!
After 9 days without diving due to bad weather, staff, students, and customers were all itching to get in the water today!
For the first dive, 2 Wild headed to The Gantry, While Wild Fin dropped in at Manta Arch. At the Gantry, our divers saw a Hawksbill turtle, and a Blue Grouper, along with plenty of fish life. At Manta Arch, 3 Grey Nurses were seen, along with a Green Sea Turtle, and plenty of nudibranches.
On the second dive, Wild Fin’s divers dived Shark Gutters to South Boulder, whilst 2 Wild Dived at Cleaner Station. At Cleaner a few Grey Nurse Sharks were spotted, along with 2 different species of Wobbegong. Shark Gutters boasted 2 Big Blotched Fantail Rays, a few sharks, Nudibranches, and a big cod. There were groupers, spanish dancers, and octopus, along with more wobbegongs and a lot of fish.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Tara
20th December 2020 – PADI Course’s Galore
Once again we had both boats out at South Solitary Island, Wildfin had the certified divers and the PADI Advanced Open Water students while 2Wild had all the PADI Open Water students and the PADI Discover Scuba students.
Dive one was at Buchanan’s Wall, we had a few Wobbegongs along the wall, turtles, Blue-lipped Anemones, and some speedy Kingfish in the shallows.
Dive two was a swim from Buchanan’s Wall up to The Gantry, this dive had a very friendly Eastern Blue Grouper following all the divers, Moray Eels, Hermit Crabs, Blue Tangs, Moon Wrasse and more turtles near the end of the dive.
Congratulations to Nadja, Trinity, Therese and Taryn who all completed the PADI Open Water Course today!!!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C-22°C
- Visibility: 4m-8m
Dive Report by Lindsay
21st December 2020 – Amazing fish life at South Solitary!
Today we took 2 Wild out to South Solitary Island for a double dive with student and certified divers.
For the first dive we descended down at Manta Arch. One group went and checked out the back gutter, where approximately 10 Grey Nurse Sharks were waiting for them. The others headed through the arch and saw more Grey Nurse Sharks, a Slipper Lobster, a large Wobbegong, along with loads of stunning fish life throughout the dive.
For the second dive we jumped in at Shark Gutters, and explored the top end. With the dropped visibility, once again we had loads of amazing fish life throughout the entire dive. We encountered schools of King fish, Fusiliers, Stripeys, Surgeonfish, Tarwhine, and Sweetlip to name a few. Divers also saw Bull Rays, more Grey Nurse Sharks, Crayfish, more Slipper Lobsters, large Black Cod, and Wobbegong Sharks.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 5m-8m
Dive Report by Tara
23th December 2020 – Sharks Galore at South Solitary
The sea conditions were much better than forecasted, allowing us to make the smooth trip out to South Solitary for a double dive.
For the first dive, all divers jumped in at Shark Gutters, and explored the top end of the island. All divers were greeted by loads of Grey Nurse Sharks and Wobbegong Sharks in and around Shark Gutters and Cleaner Station. We also spotted Green Sea Turtles, a Spanish Dancer, Clown fish, Blue Tangs and once again, constant schooling Stripey’s, Sweetlip, and Kingfish.
The decision for the second dive was a drift from Shark Gutters to South Boulder. Along the gentle drift down we spotted more Grey Nurse Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks, a large Loggerhead Turtle, Bullrays, plus amazing fish life along the Boulder Wall.
Thanks to Josh our Divemaster in Training for the Wobbegong Shark photo.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Tara
24th December 2020 – Merry Christmas Eve from South Solitary!
Today we took Wild Fin out with a boat full of divers to South Solitary for a double dive.
The first dive, majority of the divers did Cleaner Station, and Tara’s birthday dive group went from Cleaner to Manta Arch. Approximately 30-35 Grey Nurse Sharks were around the Arch, along with schools of Trevally, Wobbegongs, a Green Sea Turtle, Moray Eels, Nudibranchs, and a Banded Coral Shrimp. The rest of the divers at Cleaner Station saw more Grey Nurse Sharks, Bullrays, Nudibranchs, Blue Groupers, and Green Sea and Hawksbill Turtles.
Dive two was at Shark Gutters, where all divers checked out North Boulder Wall, in addition to the 3rd Gutter and the Shark Gutters swim through. We saw more Grey Nurse Sharks, Green Sea and Hawksbill Turtles, a Giant Spanish Dancer, Nudibranchs, Slipper Lobster, Lionfish, Clown fish, Blue Tangs, and loads of Wobbegongs.
A big Happy Birthday to Tara too, as she enjoyed a day out of the office with Deb, Mike and Cassie cruising around South Solitary! Our featured image today is birthday girl Tara, cruising above a few Grey Nurse Sharks.
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the Jetty Dive staff.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by
26th December 2020 – Wet weather and wild diving for Boxing day!
Today Wild Fin loaded up and headed out to South Solitary Island for some epic dive action!
First up our divers rolled in at Shark Gutters. Highlights included a Giant Sea Hare, dozens of different nudibranchs, a Spanish Dancer, Scorpion Leaf fish, Black Cod and an Octopus.
After morning tea and in search of Grey Nurse Sharks, our divers dropped in at Manta Arch for a swim to Cleaner Station. Nearly 20 Grey Nurse were chilling in the Arch, and another 10 were in the northern gutter on the swim to Cleaner, A big Queensland Grouper has apparently snuck down across the border to hang out at South Solitary!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Tara
27th December 2020 – Back Gutter now where all the cool kids hang out!
Today a double boat double dive at South Solitary Island was just what the doctor ordered! For dive one Wild Fin’s divers dropped in at Buchanan’s Wall, where a large Green Turtle, Bull Ray and a large school of Fusiliers were amongst the highlights. Meanwhile the divers aboard 2Wild descended on Manta Arch where over 20 Grey Nurse were seen chilling in the arch, along with a very shy Mantis Shrimp who has decided to burrow into the sand under the arch!
After a brief surface interval or divers dropped in to the back gutter for a swim through the gap to the Gantry. At least 23 Grey Nurse were hanging out in the back gutter, nudibranchs, and a Hawksbill Turtle were also seen on the swim.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 5m-10m
Dive Report by Tara
29th December 2020 – Barney is BACK!
Today we took both 2 Wild and Wilfdin to South Solitary for a double dive. The water visibility has improved alot of the last few days which made everyone eager to jump in.
We had student divers on 2 Wild, and we dived the Gantry for the first dive. We saw about 10 Green Sea and Hawksbill Turtles between the moorning and the gap, countless Wobbegong Sharks, Moray Eels, along with amazing colourful fish life. Wildfin dived Cleaner Station for their first dive. Highlights include Grey Nurse Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks, a large Spanish Dancer in Cleaner Cave and BARNEY the Loggerhead Turtle decided to show up for the first time in over a year!!
For the second dive, divers on 2 Wild did a drift from Shark Gutters to South Boulder, whilst Wildfin checked out the Back Gutter where 34 Grey Nurse were playing about in the gutter, and then swam through the Gap to the Gantry. On this dive there was tonnes of fishlife, and a few more curious turtles.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 8m-12m
Dive Report by Tara
30th December 2020 – Wonderful Wednesday!!
With lots of keen divers, we had 3 great dive trips today. Starting with the two morning trips, Manta Arch was the choice for the Advanced Divers whilst Cleaner Station was for the Open Water group.
Wildfin dived Manta Arch and the back gutter on their first dive. Highlights include 30+ Grey Nurse Sharks at the back gutter, Bullrays, Wobbegongs, Nudibranchs and even a cute little Yellow Boxfish (which is our featured image for today’s report – taken by Lindsay), along with some orangutan crabs. Divers on 2 Wild explored Cleaner Station first up, with a few Grey Nurse Sharks hanging around the mooring, Wobbegongs, Spanish Dancer, and a Black Cod.
For the second dive Wildfin decended down at Shark Gutters, whereas divers on 2 Wild did a drift from Cleaner Station to South Boulder. Divers saw more Grey Nurse Sharks, Bullrays, Wobbegongs, Nudibranchs, Lionfish, along with large schools of fish throughout the entirety of their dives. Whilst the vis was still a bit milky, a lot was happening.
The afternoon boat had again a great dive at Manta Arch and at a different time of the day, they had a number of Bull-rays feature in the diving. The sun was out for Boulder Wall on dive two which gave the divers another aspect of South Solitary Islands masses of fish.
Congrats to Luke and Addison for completing their PADI Open Water Course!!!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 12m-15m
Dive Report by Tara
31st December 2020 – New Years Eve Diving
The crazy year of 2020 has come to an end and we spent the last day underwater out at South Solitary Island.
Dive one was at Manta Arch where our divers explored the Arch and Back Gutter, there was only 3 Grey Nurse Sharks under the Arch but the Back Gutter had between 10-15, also spotted was the Yellow Boxfish, Moray Eels, Tarwhine and a few Old Wifes.
Dive two was up the northern end around Shark Gutters and Cleaner Station. The visibility had improved a lot and there was plenty to see including, Grey Nurse Sharks, Bullrays, Lionfish, a very playful Reindeer Wrasse, Octopus, Scorpion Leaf Fish, Turtles, Nudibranchs and some beautiful Black Cod on Top of Cleaner Station Rock.
Photo today taken in the Back Gutter by Lindsay
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C-23°C
- Visibility: 10m-15m
Dive Report by Lindsay
