14/05/21 - 16/05/21 weekend trip to Coffs Harbour diving the Solitary Islands with Jetty Dive

The Solitary Islands host a unique and diverse array of marine life with tropical, sub-tropical and temperate species due to the mixing of the south-flowing East Australia Current and the north flowing nutrient-rich southern currents. This makes it one of Australias premier dive sites. There is a good chance of seeing grey nurse sharks.

Organiser : Ross Greenwood. Trip manager and dive managers to be advised.

Diver grades : This trip will be suitable for all diver grades subject to conditions.

Dive sites : Jetty Dive mostly take people to the South Solitary Island: Manta Arch, Cleaner Station, Grey Nurse Gutters, Boulder Wall, The Gantry, Buchanan's Wall, Cable Trail.  Visit their website - https://jettydive.com.au/diving-coffs-harbour/solitary-islands-marine-park/ - for more info. We may be able to go to North Solitary Island on Saturday if people wish to do so. This is highly weather dependent however, and will be an extra cost for the longer boat trip.

Equipment : Weights and tanks can be supplied at extra cost by Jetty Dive. Other gear can also be hired if necessary. Snorkel, safey sausage and line cutter are compulsory.

Accommodation : We have two apartments booked at the Caribbean Motel for people who want to stay there.  Each apartment has one queen and two single beds and a kitchen that can be used for group feeding. Alternatively you can book separate accommodation yourself at the Caribbean Motel or elsewhere. Whatever option you choose please be mindful of fatigue and plan to get adequate rest before diving and before driving.

Food : We will cater for group breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and group lunch on Saturday for those who want it. Dinners and lunch on Sunday will be self-catered.

Costs :

• Diving : $320.00 (two $160 double-dive days to the South Solitary Islands). If we go to North Solitary Island it will be an extra $20 payable directly to the operator.)
• Cylinders and weights : $40.00 ($20 per dive day)
• Accommodation : $117.50 for two nights
• Group food : will be calculated post-trip but approximately $10-15 total per person.

Booking means that payment is required :  If you book and the trip proceeds then payment is expected unless a replacement can be found.

Deposit :  $200 - This will be non-refundable unless a suitable replacement is found.

Travel :  Coffs Harbour is 4 hours south of Brisbane so we will try our best to arrange carpooling. Please indicate whether you can give lifts or would like one. Travel to the dive shop in the morning will be arranged - it is 200m away from the motel.

Waitlist : If the trip is fully booked on the website and you want to be put on a waitlist please send me an email ASAP as we may be able to secure more spaces. rgreenwood02@qub.ac.uk