Anemone Bay, on North Solitary Island within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, is famous for having the highest density of anemone fish in the southern hemisphere. Here the sea floor is carpeted in enormous beds of pink and purple soft corals and countless sea anemones, each hosting clownfish, crabs and shrimps. Fed by the warm East Australian Current, this shallow site (max 7m) delivers incredible biodiversity — from nudibranchs and giant cuttlefish to leopard sharks, wobbegongs, manta rays and migrating humpback whales in cooler months.
Anemone Bay
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 1.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong currents and drift risk
The East Australian Current passes close by, and wandering too far from the bay can create an unplanned drift dive. Best visited on a low-current day.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Anemone Bay is accessed only by boat; snorkellers should be aware of dive vessels and boat movements in the area.
Low risk: Cold water in winter
Water temperatures drop significantly June–August; some swimmers may find it uncomfortable without a wetsuit.
Low risk: Poor visibility after rain
Heavy rainfall can cause green water and poor underwater visibility.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Anemone Bay is located on North Solitary Island, accessible only by boat. Tours depart from Wooli (via Wooli Dive) or Coffs Harbour (via Jetty Dive Centre). The boat ride from Wooli to North Solitary Island is short. There is no public ferry; you must book with a licensed charter operator.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Wooli or Coffs Harbour boat ramps/dive shop premises. Check with your operator for exact arrangements.
parkingtoilets
Snorkel/dive charters cost approximately $120–$180 per person depending on operator and inclusions. Gear rental may be extra.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports