Archie's Cave is a spectacular swim-through cave at South Solitary Island, part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park off Coffs Harbour on the NSW Mid North Coast. This rocky reef formation features a dramatic underwater archway and cavern system draped in colourful soft corals and sponges. The site is renowned for its clear, temperate waters and the rich concentration of marine life that gathers around the island's sheltered ledges. Snorkelers can explore the cave entrances and the surrounding boulder-strewn reef, which offers an immersive encounter with one of NSW's most pristine offshore marine environments.
Archie's Cave
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.4 sWind Speed 1.4 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Ocean current
The site is exposed to ocean swells and can have moderate to strong currents sweeping around the island, especially between the island and mainland.
Moderate risk: Offshore exposure / weather-dependent
Located offshore — requires boat access; strong winds can create choppy sea states making snorkeling conditions unsafe.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic in the marine park approach channels; snorkelers must be aware of vessel movements near the island.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures range from 17°C (winter) to 24°C (summer); cold shock risk for unprepared snorkelers, especially outside summer months.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Archie's Cave is located at South Solitary Island, approximately 15 km off the coast from Coffs Harbour, NSW. Boat access only — charter from Coffs Harbour marina or Jetty Dive Centre.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Coffs Harbour Marina and Jetty precinct.
parkingtoilets
Boat charter / snorkel tour fees apply.
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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