Manta Arch (South Solitary)

Best time to dive

January to December; May to October

What you might see

• Flamboyant cuttlefishLikely
• Manta rayLikely
• NudibranchLikely
• Nurse sharkLikely
• Sea turtleLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Not a snorkel site - no - not marketed as a snorkel site; snorkeling occurs elsewhere in the park (Split Solitary/Boambee Reef)

Safety notes

strong currents (can exceed swimmable strength), risk of exceeding no-deco limits, rapid ascent/DCS risk, surface-watch advised; grey nurse sharks protected - no touching/feeding/chasing/blocking, no scooters/deterrents, group size capped at 10

Permits & fees

no specific NSW recreational dive fee/permit identified; declared grey nurse shark aggregation site within Solitary Islands Marine Park with mandatory DPI code of conduct

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Coffs Harbour