North Solitary  Island - Bubble Cave

High risk: Cave entrapment

The Bubble Cave has a single entrance and overhead environment; snorkelers entering the cave risk disorientation or becoming trapped inside the air pocket.

Moderate risk: Strong currents at NW point

Strong currents can develop around the north-western point of the island; snorkellers should avoid going around the corner.

Moderate risk: Remote island access

Anemone Bay is 14 km (25 min boat ride) offshore — no shore-based facilities, emergency services, or shelter beyond the boat.

Moderate risk: Strong North-South Current

The East Australian Current sweeps strongly from north to south around the island, especially on the eastern side. Can make swimming back to the mooring difficult and may cause unplanned drift dives.

Moderate risk: Swell and Surge in Channel

The narrow split between the two rocks concentrates swell energy, creating surge conditions that can push snorkelers against the rocks. Requires calm seas to safely navigate the gap.

Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents

The East Australian Current can create strong north-to-south currents around the island, making swimming back to the mooring challenging.

Moderate risk: Cave entanglement risk

The cave entrance can be tight and dark; snorkelers entering the cave risk disorientation and entanglement.

Moderate risk: Ocean swell and choppy surface conditions

Even in the shelter of the islands, wave action is common. Snorkel trips are often cancelled when swell makes conditions unsafe or visibility drops below 15m.

Moderate risk: Offshore current (East Australian Current influence)

The meeting of northern and southern currents creates rips and variable currents around the island. Snorkelers must stay aware of drift.

Moderate risk: Ocean swell and choppy conditions

Surface conditions can become rough and choppy, especially outside the protected coves. Snorkel trips are frequently postponed due to unfavourable sea states.

Moderate risk: Deep water snorkelling (5-20m)

Snorkelling sites are in depths of 5 to 20 metres with no shallow standing areas — snorkelers must be competent swimmers with no option to touch the bottom.

Moderate risk: Depth Hazard

Snorkelling sites range from 5m to 20m depth with no shallow standing points — snorkelers must be confident swimmers as there is no bottom to touch.

Moderate risk: East Australian Current

The East Australian Current can create strong sweeping currents around the islands, especially at northern and eastern points, which can make swimming difficult for inexperienced snorkelers.

Moderate risk: Boat-only access

The site is offshore with no shore entry; requires boat transport and a mooring pickup. Challenging in rough seas.

Moderate risk: Strong currents and surge

Exposed western side of the island can experience ocean swell, surge in gullies, and tidal currents that can push snorkelers away from the mooring.

Low risk: Deep drop-offs

The bay floor drops sharply from 15 m to 25–30 m at the outer edge; less experienced snorkellers should stay inside the bay.

Low risk: Cold water (winter)

Winter water temperatures drop to 19°C, increasing hypothermia risk for extended snorkel sessions without a wetsuit.

Low risk: Boat traffic at moorings

Several moorings in the bay are used by dive boats; surface awareness required to avoid boat traffic.

Low risk: Boat Traffic

Access is by boat only from Coffs Harbour or Wooli. The site is a popular charter destination with dive boats mooring at the western side. Be aware of mooring lines and vessel traffic.

Low risk: Limited visibility variation

Visibility ranges from 5 metres on poor days to 30 metres on good days; sudden changes can disorient swimmers.

Low risk: Depth variability

Bottom depth ranges from 5 metres at the cave entrance to 15 metres at the sandy base; strong buoyancy control needed.

Low risk: Deep water snorkelling (5-20m depth)

There is no shallow standing bottom — snorkellers are over 5-20m depths at all sites. Competent swimming and snorkel skills are mandatory.

Low risk: Marine stingers (seasonal jellyfish)

Box jellyfish and other marine stingers can be present in warmer months, typical for northern NSW coastal waters.

Low risk: Boat traffic in marine park channels

Access is by boat only. Snorkelers share waters with dive charter and fishing vessels transiting sanctuary zones.

Low risk: Strong currents at convergence zone

The island sits where northern tropical currents meet southern temperate currents, creating unpredictable currents around the island's exposed sides.

Low risk: Swell and Wave Action

Even in the shelter of the islands there is always some wave action; surface conditions can become choppy or rough, requiring competent snorkelling skills.

Low risk: Variable Water Visibility

Visibility must exceed 15m for safe enjoyable snorkelling; poor conditions frequently cause trip postponements or cancellations.

Low risk: Strong Currents

Where northern tropical currents meet southern temperate currents, rips and tidal flow can develop around the island channel.

Low risk: Marine Stingers

Box jellyfish and other stingers may be present during warmer months in northern NSW waters.

Low risk: Grey nurse sharks

Grey nurse sharks (protected species) are commonly sighted in the Shark Gutters area during winter, and year-round. Generally docile but require respectful distancing.

Low risk: Boat traffic

Access is solely by boat/charter. Mooring buoys are used but divers/snorkellers must be aware of vessel movements during entry and exit.

Low risk: Swell and Sea Conditions

Exposed outer edges of the islands can experience ocean swells and choppy conditions. Snorkeling is best in the sheltered bays and coves on calm days.

Low risk: Exposed Rocky Outcrop

Fish Soup is located at a group of wave-washed rocks (North West Rock) with no shelter, meaning surface conditions can be rough with surging swell.

Low risk: Depth Variation

Depth ranges from 5 to 24 metres with sudden drop-offs and gutters, requiring good buoyancy control and awareness of depth limits.