Needles

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Unknown

Tags:

Kelp ForestPinnacle

About This Dive Spot

Needles is a line of rock pinnacles that run from west to east. The site lies just south of Malgas Island and is dived by boat, with entry commonly made on the north side at the western corner. The area supports varied marine growth including kelp and anemones, along with sea urchins and a mix of fish life.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Access, coral, life, crowds, and facilities.

Access

Boat diving with entry typically made on the north side at the western corner.

Aquatic Life

Kelp and anemones are present, along with sea urchins and fish life including crayfish and puffadder shy sharks.

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Spots Near Needles

📍 2.9 km

Barrack Rock

⚓

Barrack Rock is a deep boat-access dive site formed by a pinnacle. The pinnacle has two main depth zones, around 25 m on the north side and about 30 m on the south side, with the top rising to roughly 3 m at low tide. The site features abundant plant life including kelp and anemones, along with sea urchins and a variety of marine life such as crayfish, jellyfish, pufferfish, and shy sharks.

📍 3.8 km

Slipway Saldanha Bay

🏖️

A harbour wreck dive in Saldanha Bay, located near a slipway and entered from a restaurant jetty. The wreck is an old crayfish boat that sank after taking on water while moored. The structure is heavily covered in marine growth, with kelp, anemones and sea urchins on and around the wreck, creating a habitat for a variety of small sea life.

📍 4.8 km

North cardinal wreck

⚓

A wreck dive located in Saldanha Bay harbour between two north cardinal buoys. The wreck lies mostly buried under sand and is accessed by boat. Marine life around the site includes kelp and abundant anemones, along with sea urchins. Crayfish and cuttlefish may also be seen.

📍 4.9 km

Jutten island

⚓

Jutten Island lies at the entrance to Saldanha Bay and forms part of the NPA. Diving is conducted from a boat on the eastern side of the island, and prior permission is required. The site features abundant plant life with a large kelp forest, plus anemones and sea urchins. Divers may see a variety of fish life as well as crayfish and shy sharks.

📍 5.1 km

Paaltjies

⚓

Paaltjies is a cluster of rocks in Saldanha Bay, marked by poles because it poses a hazard to shipping. The site is accessed by boat, and the drop-off varies with the tide. Divers can expect a rocky area covered with plant life such as kelp, plus anemones and sea urchins, along with a range of local fish life.

📍 6.3 km

Dial Rock

🏖️

Dial Rock is a rock pinnacle in Saldanha Bay used for shore-entry dives. The entry is described as calm with low surge, followed by a surface swim of about 150 m. The site features a small kelp outcrop on the southern side and is commonly used for entry-level dives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Needles?

Entry at Needles is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Needles?

Optimal conditions at Needles depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Needles?

Depth and visibility information for Needles can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Needles?

When diving Needles, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.