The North Wall of Coffs Harbour Jetty forms the sheltered northern boundary of the harbour entrance, offering a popular shore-dive and snorkel site with direct access to the rich waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Snorkellers explore the rocky wall structure and sandy-gutter terrain where juvenile fish, rays, and occasional turtles congregate. Located adjacent to the marina and Jetty Dive Centre, this spot is valued for its convenience — though the lack of formal stair access means entry can be a scramble over rocks depending on the tide. It's one of the few inshore snorkelling options in Coffs Harbour suitable as an alternative to boat-based charters.
Coffs Harbour Jetty / North Wall
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 3.6 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Daniel AinsworthDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Coffs Harbour Jetty / North Wall has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Outgoing tide current danger
A strong outgoing tide can sweep snorkellers out of the sheltered area toward the open ocean; best snorkelled on slack or incoming tide.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Outgoing tide current
A strong outgoing tide can sweep snorkellers out of the sheltered area toward the open ocean; best snorkelled on slack or incoming tide.
Moderate risk: Variable ocean conditions
Swell and chop can make surface conditions choppy; visibility must exceed 15 m for safe snorkelling. Trips are often postponed or cancelled due to rough weather.
Moderate risk: Deep water (5–20 m)
Snorkel sites are 5–20 m deep with no shallow standing points. Snorkellers must be strong swimmers and comfortable in open water.
Moderate risk: Rocky shore entry
Access is over uneven rocks with no formal stairs or ladder; slippery when wet and requires care at all tide levels.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Proximity to the harbour entrance means vessel traffic in the channel; snorkellers must stay clear of the navigation lane.
Low risk: Boat traffic around jetty
The jetty area and harbour channel have vessel movements. Stay clear of the main boating lanes and be aware of dive charter boats.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Bluebottles and occasional jellyfish can appear, particularly in warmer months (summer). Wear a stinger suit or rash guard.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located off Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, alongside the Jetty Dive Centre at 398 Harbour Drive. The north wall runs parallel to the marina. Park near the galley/co-op carpark and walk toward the northern side of the wall.
Parking & facilities
Public carpark available near the galley and co-op building at the base of the jetty, off Harbour Drive.
parkingtoilets
Free shore access.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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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