Tucked between Bonville Headland and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, Sailors Bay is a sheltered, scenic inlet on the Coffs Coast of NSW. A small offshore island protects the bay from ocean swell, creating calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling. At low tide, you can walk across to the island and explore rock pools teeming with life. The bay's setting — backed by lush coastal bushland and reached via a scenic walking trail — makes it a peaceful escape for nature lovers and snorkelers alike.
Sailors Bay
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.1 sWind Speed 7.8 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Low tide rock exposure
The island connecting sandbar is only passable at low tide; returning at high tide could leave you stranded on the island.
Low risk: Ocean swell penetration
Though sheltered, larger southerly swells can wrap around the headland, creating sudden surges in the bay entrance.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Coffs Harbour, take the Pacific Highway south to Bonville Headland. Park at the Bonville Headland carpark off Sawtell Road, then follow the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk south for approximately 500 m to reach Sailors Bay.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking near Bonville Headland on Sawtell Road. No dedicated carpark at the bay itself.
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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