Jetty Dive Centre

Located on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour, Jetty Dive Centre has served the local diving community for over 30 years. As a PADI 5 Star IDC and PADI Eco Centre, the shop acts as a major regional hub for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional instructor pathways.

The centre's operations are split between their well-equipped retail showroom and their departure point at the public floating pontoon wharf, located opposite the Attitude Burgers building. From here, you can access daily dive and snorkel charters that head out into the spectacular Solitary Islands Marine Park.

The centre is family-owned and operated by Mike and Deb Davey, who have grown the business from a single charter boat operation into a full-scale training and dive centre. This long-standing local presence ensures a personalised approach to both training and dive planning.

As an IDC centre, they are equipped to handle everything from beginner Discover Scuba Diving programmes to advanced professional certifications. The team's expertise extends to specialised training, including scientific and research diving, as well as advanced first aid and oxygen provider courses.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Open Water Scuba Diver course and progress through to Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, and Rescue Diver levels.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers several PADI specialty courses, including Wreck Diver, Sidemount Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy. They also cater to photographers and videographers with dedicated digital underwater photography and videography courses.

Professional divers can train here through the PADI Divemaster programme. Additionally, the centre provides essential safety training, such as Oxygen Provider and advanced first aid courses, which are vital for any serious diver's kit.

The centre operates a 12-metre dive charter boat specifically designed for local trips, alongside a purpose-built vessel dedicated to whale watching. These boats allow you to access the diverse marine environments of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

For those looking to expand their horizons, the centre also organises overseas expeditions. These trips cover remote locations such as the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the historic wreck sites of Truk Lagoon.

The dive shop features a large showroom and provides professional scuba equipment servicing by certified technicians for all major brands. This ensures that your personal kit is maintained to high standards before you head out on a trip.

For divers who prefer not to carry their own heavy gear, the centre offers a range of rental equipment. Nitrox is available for use, and the facility is equipped with oxygen safety protocols and supplies.

The local waters are home to a diverse range of pelagics and reef species. You will often encounter Grey Nurse Sharks, reef sharks, whalers, and hammerheads, along with mantas and various schooling fish.

During the season from August to early October, the area becomes a focal point for humpback whales, offering unique swim adventures. You may also spot dolphins and other large marine life during your charters.

The reef habitats are characterised by a vibrant mix of life, including clownfish and blue tangs navigating the coral. The presence of the East Australian Current supports a rich ecosystem of both hard and soft corals.

Diving in the region is influenced by the East Australian Current, which plays a significant role in the movement of nutrients and marine life, particularly around the Solitary Islands.

Truk Lagoon is notable for its calm conditions, with virtually no current, making it an ideal location for exploring complex wreck structures.