Turtle Cove is a celebrated snorkeling and dive site on the southern side of Split Solitary Island, within the Solitary Islands Marine Park off Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast. Accessed by boat, this sheltered cove features a deep gutter system that funnels nutrient-rich waters, attracting a resident population of sea turtles, rays, wobbegong sharks, and colourful reef fish. The rocky reef walls are draped in sponge gardens and soft corals, with excellent visibility in calm conditions. Its name comes from the frequent turtle sightings — green and loggerhead turtles commonly glide through the cove's clear waters.
Turtle Cove
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Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 7.2 sWind Speed 8.8 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Ocean swells and surge
Exposed to Southern Ocean swells; surge can push snorkelers against rocky reef walls, especially on the eastern edge of the gutter.
Moderate risk: Strong currents in the gutter
The deep gutter channel can experience strong tidal currents that sweep snorkelers away from the mooring point.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The site is accessed by boat charter and shared with divers; vessels approach the mooring regularly.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures can drop below 18°C in winter, increasing hypothermia risk without adequate wetsuit protection.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Turtle Cove is located on the southern side of Split Solitary Island, approximately 15 km northeast of Coffs Harbour. Access is exclusively by boat charter — local operators like Jetty Dive Centre run daily snorkeling and diving trips from Coffs Harbour Marina. The site is moored; boats tie up to a permanent mooring on the eastern edge of the gutter.
Parking & facilities
Park at Coffs Harbour Marina (parking available nearby). Charter operators meet at the Jetty Dive Centre shop on Marina Drive.
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Snorkel charter trips cost approximately $120–$170 per person, including gear hire, guide, and boat transport. No direct entry fee for the marine park.
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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