GORDON ROCKS

Itinerary

Enjoy a memorable diving adventure to one of the Galápagos islands’ most iconic dive sites – Gordon Rocks, located just off the coast of Santa Cruz. This iconic diving destination allows divers to explore an underwater world alive with marine life, dramatic rock formations, and crystal-clear waters.

• Departure: 7:00

• Return: 13:30

• Group size: 12 divers

• Difficulty: Experienced divers (20+ dives)

DISCOVER GORDON ROCKS

Gordon Rocks is a submerged volcanic formation, featuring twin pinnacles that rise from the depths, creating a dramatic backdrop for divers. This site is known for its strong currents, making it a thrilling experience for advanced divers seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure. The dive begins at around 15 meters and can reach depths of up to 30 meters, providing an immersive exploration of vibrant marine life.

Marine life encounters

This site is famous for its diverse and abundant marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of hammerhead sharks patrolling the area, along with the chance to see Galápagos sharks gliding through currents. Sea lions are often seen playfully interacting with divers, while manta rays, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays can be spotted gracefully gliding past. Whale sharks may be seen by lucky divers. The area is also home to a diverse variety of fish species and colorful reef inhabitants. The currents often bring in nutrient-rich waters, attracting large schools of pelagic fish and creating a lively, dynamic ecosystem.

Conditions and Requirements

Due to the strong currents and deeper depths, Gordon Rocks is recommended for experienced divers only (20+ dives). Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, although it can vary depending on the season. Water temperatures vary from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), so a wetsuit of 5-7 mm is recommended for comfort. Our skilled crew ensures your safety and provides you with knowledge about the marine habitat.

Dive information:

2 dives
Depth: 15 to 30 meters
Strong current
40-minute interval between dives for sandwiches, fruits and games to re-energize for the next dive.

Dive Itinerary

You will begin your adventure from our agency in Puerto Ayora at 7 a.m. Here you will complete a quick check-in process, where your dive guide will confirm your diving certification and ensure all your equipment is in excellent condition. Next you will take a 40-minute journey to Itabaca Canal, which lies on the northern tip of Santa Cruz Island and serves as your gateway to Gordon Rocks. After arrival, you will board your diving boat and travel for 20 minutes to Gordon Rocks. As you approach your dive site, your guide will provide a dive briefing, discussing the currents, dive profile, and marine life you can expect to encounter, such as schools of hammerhead sharks, galápagos sharks, and the possibility of seeing whale sharks (depending on the season).

First Dive

Upon arriving at Gordon Rocks, your boat will anchor and prepare for the first dive of the day.

Around 9 a.m., you will enter the water and begin your dive, which will take you to a depth of between 15 to 30 meters. The strong currents here will propel you along the underwater cliff and rock formations, providing an excellent drift dive experience. Expect to see impressive schools of hammerhead sharks, galápagos sharks and white-tip reef sharks. You may also encounter rays, sea lions, and other pelagic species. The first dive lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Surface Interval

Once back on the boat, you will have a 40-minute surface interval where you can hydrate, snack, and review the dive with your guide and fellow divers. After a brief rest, the second dive will be prepared. The dive guide will discuss the upcoming dive, which will often explore a different area of the site or go deeper to increase the chances of encountering more marine life.

Second Dive

At around 11 a.m., you will descend for your second dive. During this dive, the depth will remain between 15 to 30 meters, but you may go slightly deeper depending on your dive group and conditions. The second dive offers a new perspective on Gordon Rocks, often providing more encounters with hammerheads, eagle rays and sea turtles. You may also witness the mesmerizing underwater landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions, creating a dramatic backdrop for your dive. As with the first dive, the second dive will last approximately 45 minutes. Once you resurface, the boat will collect you, and it is time for another rest and discussion about the dive. Your guide will conduct a final debrief, answering any questions you may have about the dives, marine life you saw, and the diving conditions.

Return to Puerto Ayora

After your second dive, the boat will begin its journey back to Itabaca Canal; a 20-minute boat ride. It offers a moment to relax and reflect on the excitement of the dives. Once you have arrived at the dock, the group will disembark and your transportation will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Ayora.

Why Dive at Gordon Rocks?

Rich Biodiversity: Home to some of the Galápagos’ most famous species
Strong Currents: ideal for adventurous divers seeking an exhilarating challenge.
World-Class Scenery: Stunning underwater landscapes and rock formations