Dive Reports – January 2020
Take a look at our dive reports from January 2020! We’ve detailed what we saw, the temperature and visibility, and surface conditions of the Solitary Islands in Coffs Harbour in January 2020.
Dive Reports January 2020- Table of Contents:
2nd January 2020 – First Dives for the New Decade!
For the first dives of the new year “2 Wild” headed out to South Solitary Island. A fair bit of swell on the way out, but we sheltered from it on the western side. First up our divers rolled in at Buchanan’s Wall; where lots of fish life was seen, along with Nudibranchs, Popcorn shrimp, Octopus, Anemone-fish, Blue Tangs and even a solitary Grey Nurse shark!
Whilst conditions were not suitable to dive near the northern side with the swell, and after a brief surface interval, our divers dropped in at the Gantry. A lone Guitar Ray, more Nudibranchs, an Orangutan Crab, and lots of Wobbegong sharks at the Gantry.
Congratulations to Christopher on completing his PADI® Open Water Diver® course today.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C
- Visibility: 5m
Dive Report by Nathan
3rd January 2020 – Visibility Improved!
Today, 3rd of January 2020, we took out Wild Fin to South Solitary Island for our double dive trip and were very pleased with the conditions!
For our first dive we took on Buchanan’s Wall. There was plenty of marine life to see, and the visibility to go along with it! We spotted plenty of Wobbegongs, and a very large Green Turtle. Among the smaller stuff, we saw Scorpion Leaf Fish, Dwarf Lionfish, Combtooth Pipefish, and a small assortment of Nudibranches!
Our divers were excited for their second dive, and it did not disappoint! The second dive was from Shark Gutters to the Gantry. Here we saw some Grey Nurses, even more Nudibranchs, Hawksbill Turtles, Painted Crayfish. There were Mantis Shrimp, an Octopus, and some Black Cod & Strawberry Cod to finish up.
All our divers had a great trip, and we were very pleased to see an improve in conditions!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 22°C
- Visibility: 8m-12m
Dive Report by Tara
5th January 2020 – Southerly blows through at South Solitary Island.
After a day off of the water, Wildfin headed out full of students and certified divers. All the divers dropped in at Buchanans Wall. Wobbegong Sharks, Lionfish, Blue Fusiliers,
and a Green Turtle being cleaned by a Cleaner Wrasse were seen on dive one.
After morning tea, Wildfin headed up to the Northern end of South Solitary Island for dive two. The Southerly wind had picked up, so divers started and finished at Shark Gutters.
At least half a dozen Grey Nurse Sharks were sighted, Bullseyes, Tarwhine, Black Cod, a Scorpion Leaf Fish, and a lonely Bullray were all around the area.
With the Southerly we hope to get our Vis pick up. stay tuned for tomorrow’s report!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 5m
Dive Report by Andy
6th January 2020 – Fish Galore at South Solitary Island
Today, 6th of January 2020, all the Action was at the Northern End of South Solitary this morning, Cleaner Station was our first dive and it didn’t disappoint.
Heaps of Bullrays, Grey Nurse Sharks, Moray Eels, Wobbegong Sharks, were all spotted on this dive.
After morning tea in our surface interval, it was decided that dive two would be a drift dive from Cleaner Station to South Boulder.
We could hardly see the wall due to the huge amounts of marine life in the water! There were schooling Tarwhine, Blue fusiliers, and Bullseyes among the fish. Among the bigger fish were some black cod, a couple of Grey Nurse Sharks along the wall.
Congratulations to all of our PADI Open Water Scuba Divers that were certified today. Conor, Rex, Russel, Sean, Toby, Lisa-Maree, Jessica, Elara, Nicholas, and Lachlan, a big bunch today!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 5m
Dive Report by Tara
7th January 2020 – Glass out at South Solitary Island
The surface conditions this morning on the trip out to South Solitary Island was amazing, little to no swell and not a breath of wind.
Dive one was at Cleaner Station where our divers explored Cleaner gutter, Shark Gutters and North Boulder.
Dive two was a swim from Shark Gutters around to The Gantry with some warm and clear patches of water. Both dives had plenty to see including Black Cod, Bullrays, Turtles, a Shovel-nose Ray, Wobbegongs, Spotted Stingrays, Nudibranchs and a lone Scalloped Hammerhead just past South Boulder mooring…. unfortunately no photos
Congratulations to Alice who completed her PADI Naturalist Specialty course today!!
Photo not from today
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C-22°C
- Visibility: 8m-18m
Dive Report by Tara
8th January 2020 – Blue Water is Back!
Today, 0n the 8th of January 2020, the blue water was back! ?
Our first dive was at Cleaner Station, on South Solitary Island. Today, the site did not disappoint. Visibility has increased significantly from the past week hitting about 15m throughout the dive. We spotted some Grey Nurse Sharks, and an Orangutan Crab. There was a little orange Anglerfish, and some black cod.
Dive two was a drift from Shark Gutters to the Gantry. There was a Grey Nurse spotted at the mooring, and at North Boulder along with a Turtle. There were several Bull Rays, a painted Crayfish about 1/2 way down the North Facing Wall, and a Manta Shrimp. There were plenty of Wobbegongs again, and a Blue Angelfish which is our image for today, taken by our DM Nathan.
We also ran a Snorkel Tour this afternoon with a boat full of avid snorkelers!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 15m-20m
Dive Report by Tara
9th January 2020 – Where to start?!
Today on 9th of January 2020, we had some excellent conditions to spoil our divers and snorkelers!
Dive 1 was at Buchannan’s, and was a smorgasbord of life. There were Grey Nurses Everywhere, along with a couple of Green Turtles, and a Hawksbill Turtle swimming past. There was a Baby Crested Hornshark spotted by Nathan, plenty of Nudibranches, and bubble shells. There were fish absolutely everywhere, and we even spotted an octopus.
Dive 2 was from Cleaner Station to The Gantry, and followed in the first dive’s suit. There were plenty of Bull Rays, Wobbegongs, Bullseyes and Tarwhine. Today they were joined by some more orangutan crabs at 5m rock, and a porcelean crab, along with some Bannerfish and Blue Spotted Rays. A standout from this dive was the Black Cod we spotted with it’s mouth wide open being cleaned by cleaner wrasse! We’ll be posting a video of this on our instagram if you’d like to check it out. Today’s photo is of our regular Dylan, taken by Steve. Thanks Steve & Dylan!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 23°C
- Visibility: 20m
Dive Report by Tara
10th January 2020 – Sharks, Rays and Turtles
We had another great day at South Solitary Island this morning, dive one was decided to swim from Manta Arch through the gap to The Gantry, we had about 8-10 Grey Nurse Sharks in the back gutter, some Bullrays, Turtles and Plenty of Nudibranchs in The Gap.
Dive two 2Wild stayed up the top end of the island while Wildfin done a drift around to The Gantry. Green sea and Loggerhead turtles were seen along the wall and at the Gantry, more Nudibranchs in the gutters, Grey Nurse Sharks, Kingfish, and schooling Tarwhine near North Boulder! Pretty awesome dives.
Congratulations to Peter and Amber who finished their PADI Advanced Open Water Cert today!!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C – 22°C
- Visibility: 10m-20m
Dive Report by Mike
12th January 2020 – Sea Slug Census At South Solitary Island
Both dives were at the northern end of South Sol today hiding from the southerly wind, all divers descended down Shark Gutters mooring for dive one. Our local Grey Nurse Sharks were seen hanging around the area, Bullrays, Lionfish, Black Cod, a Hawksbill Turtle and Schooling Tarwhine.Also spotted were a large number of Nudibranchs , after a short surface interval it was decided dive two would be a short drift from Shark Gutters to South Boulder, lots of marine life was spotted down North WallMore Grey Nurse Sharks, Painted Grays, Nudibranchs, a Green Turtle, Bulleyes and Wobbegong Sharks everywhere.Pic was from file footage.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Andy
13th January 2020 – Diving at South Sol
Both dives today were again at the northern end of South Solitary, all divers explored the area around Cleaner Station for dive one. At least a dozen Grey Nurse Sharks were seen, Wobbegong Sharks,
Schooling Tarwhine, Bull eyes, Black Cod, and a couple of Eagle Rays swam past the divers.
After morning tea dive two was around Shark Gutters and North Boulder Wall, Grey Nurse Sharks everywhere, in the Cave, tucked up in Shark gutters, and also the Third Gutter.
Bullrays, Lionfish, Goat fish, nudibranchs, Octopus, were all spotted on dive two.
Congratulations to Max on Completing his Padi Open Water Course.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Andy
14th January 2020 – Top diving at the Top End of South Solitary Island
Again both dives were at the Northern end of South Solitary today protecting our Divers from the southerly wind. All divers dropped in at Shark Gutters, checking out Cleaner Station and the surrounding area.
Plenty of Grey Nurse Sharks were spotted, Bullrays, Turtles, Moray Eels, Yellow Box Fish, and some big schools of Tarwhine and Blue Fusiliers.
After our Surface interval it was decided a short drift from Shark Gutters to South Boulder Wall would be the best option.
Boulder Wall had plenty of marine life hanging around Black Cod, Wobbegong Sharks, Grey Nurse Sharks, and a Mantis Shrimp at South Boulder Mooring.
Today’s Pic is a Nudibranch taken by Nathan
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 10m-12m
Dive Report by Tara
15th January 2020 – Open Water Divers get Amazing conditions
With surface conditions finally easing our divers headed out to South Solitary Island for some sweet diving. First up our divers rolled in at shark gutters, where a plethitude of different nudibranchs were seen, along with Black Cod, Blue Groupers, a Grey Nurse Shark, several Wobbegongs, and an Octopus.
After a brief surface interval, our divers dropped in at Cleaner Station for a swim to South Boulder, after a narrowly missing an underwater dolphin experience (by about 50m) our divers made their way to South Boulder; more Grey Nurse were seen, along with Blue Spotted Rays, a Scorpion Leaf fish, Painted Cray and Turtles.
Congratulations to Georgie and Will who completed their Open Water Course today
Surface Conditions: Slight NE swell flattening out towards lunchtime.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 10m-15m
- Visibility: 21°C
Dive Report by Mike
16th January 2020 – Grey Nurse Sharks fill Gutters
It was all go today at South Solitary Island as we had a Rescue course and Open Water Course happening at The Gantry while the experience divers got in at Manta Arch and made their way through the Gap to the Gantry.
The back gutter had about 15-20 Grey Nurse Sharks and they were not in any mood to leave so out divers got a few shots and left them to it, through the Gap had lots of Nudibranchs, a huge Cow Nose Ray, a very little Cuttlefish and 2-3 Turtles near The Gantry.
We took advantage of the current on dive two and drifted from Shark Gutters down to The Gantry where the Rescue Course was being wrapped up. There was a few Grey Nurse Sharks spotted, Dwarf Lionfish, Moray Eels, Spotted stingrays, Blue Tangs, Banner Fish and some large Black Cod along Boulder Wall.
Congratulations to Dylan, Heidi and Amber who finished their PADI Rescue Course!!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C-22°C
- Visibility: 10m-18m
Dive Report by Mike
17th January 2020 – Fish soup at the Gap
Taking advantage of the calming conditions Wildfin headed out to South Solitary for today’s diving. First up was Buchanan’s Wall, where many Nudibranchs, Scorpion Leaf fish, a Frogfish, a Slipper Cray and a large Green Turtle were seen.
After the surface interval our divers rolled in at Shark Gutters for a drift to the Gantry. A dozen Grey Nurse were seen in the Shark Gutters swimthrough, along with Dwarf Lionfish, more Nudibranchs, Bull Rays, a large Eagle Ray, and aaaall the fishes at the gap,including a Leopard Shark! along with a Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Green turtles.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 10m-12m
Dive Report by Mike
18th January 2020 –
With a full boat of divers this morning Wildfin headed out to South Solitary. On arrival the top end was decided to be the optimal location for today’s diving due to the direction of the wind and swell. First up our divers rolled into Shark Gutters for a swim around Cleaner station, several large Wobbegongs were seen, along with some interesting Nudibranchs, Black Cod feeding on Cleaner rock and a lone Grey Nurse Shark.
After the surface interval our divers dropped into Shark Gutters again, this time diving the Eastern side of the Island between Shark Gutters and South Boulder. Bull Rays, Dwarf Lionfish, Black Cod and a Blue Angelfish were seen, along with the same lone Grey Nurse Shark.
Congratulations to Paul, Seamus, James and Savahn on completing their PADI® Open Water Diver Course®.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 8m-10m
Dive Report by Nathan
19th January 2020 – New PADI Freedivers Certified!
With a packed boat Wildfin headed out to South Solitary for some epic diving. First up our divers rolled in at Cleaner Station where Blue Grouper, Bull Rays, Dwarf Lionfish, Nudibranchs, a large juvenile Yellow Boxfish and our resident Seahorse was spotted again.
After the surface interval our divers dropped in at Shark Gutters for a swim to South Boulder. Along the way Slipper Crays, Painted Crays, Mantis Shrimp, a baby Hawksbill Turtle and an Eagle Ray were seen.
Congratulations to Tara, Ben and Nate on completing the PADI Freediver Course, also to Padraig and Kiah who finished their PADI Open Water Course
Water Temperature: 20°
Visibility: 10-15m
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 10m-15m
Dive Report by Mike
22nd January 2020 – Marine life overload at South Solitary Island
With conditions easing after the last two days Widfin headed out to South Solitary Island with a full load of divers. First up our divers rolled in at Cleaner Station, where a Grey Nurse Shark, Bull Rays, Nudibranchs, Dwarf Lionfish, Octopus, and a Turretfish were seen.
After a pleasant surface interval at the Gantry, our divers dropped in at Shark Gutters for our second dive of the day. Along the way Several large Black Cod were seen, along with Bull Rays, Dwarf Lionfish, a 3m Grey Stingray, a large Starry Toadfish as well as Green and Hawksbill Turtles
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 6m-10m
Dive Report by Mike
25th January 2020 – 2Wild back on the water!
With conditions once again easing “2 Wild” headed out to South Solitary for some awesome diving. First up was Manta Arch, several Grey Nurse were seen, along with Nudibranchs, Sweetlips, a Scorpion Leaf Fish and Slipper Crays. Whilst very few sharks were hiding in the arch, around 20 Nurses were elsewhere in another gutter.
After the surface interval, our divers rolled in at Cleaner Station for a swim to South Boulder where several Black Cod, two Grey Nurse Sharks, Dwarf Lionfish, various Morays, and an itty bitty teeny tiny Hawsbill Turtle were seen.
Water Temperature: 21°
Visibility: 10-15m
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 10m-15m
Dive Report by Mike
26th January 2020 – Australia Day Diving
South Solitary Island treated us to some nice conditions and two great dives!!
Dive one had the experienced divers get in at Manta Arch and make their way to The Gantry while the students and a few others got in at The Gantry.
Dive two was split again with five divers doing Archies Cave around to Buchanan’s Wall and the rest doing a drift from Sharks Gutters down to The Gantry, both dives had loads to see including, Grey Nurse Sharks, Bullrays, Eagle Rays, Spanish Dancers, Mantis Shrimp, Painted Crayfish, lots of Nudibranchs, Turtles and much more.
Photo of a Green Sea Turtle near The Gantry
Hope everyone has had a great Australia Day!!!
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 19°C-21°C
- Visibility: 12m-14m
Dive Report by
27th January 2020 – Conditions Great Despite The Forecast Again!
Today we took off to South Solitary Island in 2Wild for some sweeeet diving. First up our divers rolled in at Buchanan’s Wall where Scorpion Leaf Fish, Banded Coral Shrimp, Hump Backed Shrimp, Nudibranchs, a large Pipefish, and an Eastern Blue Devil were seen.
After the surface interval our divers dropped in at Shark Gutters for a drifty swim to the Gantry. Along the way a pair of Eagle Rays were seen, as well as Grey Nurse Sharks, a Green Turtle, a large male Loggerhead Turtle, Bull Rays, a large Scribbled Pufferfish, Mantis Shrimp and Flagtail Blanquillo.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 15m
Dive Report by Tara
29th January 2020- Snorkeling And Diving At South Solitary Island
After a smooth Trip out to South Solitary all divers descended down Shark Gutters for a swim to South Boulder. The water had a dirty lair on the top but below five metres the visibility was good. At least Half a dozen Grey Nurse Sharks were hiding in the swim-through, down the wall Bullrays, Black Cod, Blue Fusiliers and a lonely Flounder was spotted at the bottom of the mooring line. The snorkelers swam around South Boulder seeing Turtles, and Wobbegong Sharks.
After the surface interval our divers dropped in at the Back Gutter for a swim through the gap to the Gantry. around 15 Grey Nurse Sharks were in and around the Back Gutter, along the way to the Gantry many Nudibranchs, Morays, Turtles, Mantis Shrimp an Umbrella Slug and an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny (5cm) Cuttlefish were seen.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 3m-15m(varying with depth)
Dive Report by Andy
30th January 2020 – North Solitary
After an early start 2Wild rocketed off on a smooth trip to North Solitary. First up saw our divers drop in at Shark Mooring for a swim to Anemone Bay via the steps, along the way a large male Grey Nurse was seen, along with Nudibranchs, a Mantis Shrimp in his little coral castle, an Eastern Frogfish, and a mystery Dragonette (today’s photo, taken by our instructor Nathan) .
Following the surface interval/morning tea, 2Wild steamed around the corner to Elbow Cave for our second dive. More Nudibranchs, a Bubbleshell, Headshield Slugs, Tarwhine, Bigeyes, a pair of Scribbled Pufferfish, lots of juvenile Lionfish, Blue-lipped Anemone Fish and a large school of Pearl Pearch.
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 5m-15m
Dive Report by Nathan
31st January 2020 – South Solitary
With surface conditions still smooth 2Wild headed out to South Solitary for today’s diving at South Solitary, on arrival our divers rolled in at Buchanan’s Wall for their first dive. several Nudibranchs were seen, along with Spanish Dancers, Scorpion Leaf Fish, Black Cod, a Bull Ray and a Green Turtle scratching its back on the wall!
After the surface interval our divers dropped in at Cleaner Station for a swim to South Boulder. A Tiny Saddled Puffer was found in Cleaner Cave (today’s photo, taken by Nathan), along the swim more Nudibranchs, a lot of large Spanish dancers, nine Grey Nurse Sharks were found in Shark Gutters and Mantis Shrimp were also seen.
Congratulations to Julia and Marcel on completing their PADI Advanced Open Water course today.
Water Temperature: 20°
Visibility: 5-10m
Conditions Report:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 5m-10m
Dive Report by Andy
