Dive-site story
Third Encounter is an offshore volcanic pinnacle dive situated within the Saba National Marine Park. A broad underwater plateau drops off into deep oceanic water, connecting via a deep saddle to a freestanding rock spire known as The Needle. Due to its offshore position and bottom topography, the site is exposed to open ocean swells and currents that attract pelagic predators along the edge of the submerged ridge.
Deep oceanic pinnacle ridge with steep drop-offs
Frequent encounters with schooling pelagic fish and reef sharks
Proximity to The Needle, a slender spire rising from the deep abyss
Dense covering of deep-water gorgonians, wire corals, and sponges
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Diving is accessible year-round, with calmer sea conditions generally occurring during late spring and summer.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean reef sharkCarcharhinus perezii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Horse-eye jackCaranx latus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great barracudaSphyraena barracuda | Common | ||||||||||||
| Hawksbill sea turtleEretmochelys imbricata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Nassau grouperEpinephelus striatus | Common |
Marine forecast
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