Gordon Rocks Dive Tour

Gordon Rocks is one of the archipelago’s most thrilling dive sites. Its volcanic crater walls attract schools of hammerhead sharks, rays, and other large pelagic species that sweep past in the strong ocean currents. Divers frequently encounter Galápagos sharks, turtles, and clouds of reef fish moving in perfect rhythm with the surge.

Because of its powerful currents and variable visibility, this dive is recommended for intermediate and advanced divers or those who have completed a previous checkout dive in calmer conditions. Located about one hour east of Santa Cruz Island, Gordon Rocks delivers a heart-pounding experience that’s a must for anyone seeking the wild side of Galápagos diving.

⭐ Certification level: 
Open Water diver or higher

⭐ Logged dives:
a minimum of 25 logged dives in the last 18 months or evaluated dive skills at other sites

⭐ Location:
North of Santa Cruz Island, in 30-minute boat ride from Itabaca Channel (Baltra)

⭐ Departures:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday (2 dives) or Sunday (1 dive + Punta Carrion)

⭐ Observation:
Hammerhead shark, cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, a variety of invertebrates.

Dive Conditions 🌊

Gordon Rocks is an extinct tuff cone submerged in the ocean. From the surface, you can see 3 rocks as remnants of the volcano. Their outer walls drop about 60m. 

After the briefing and the equipment check at Plazas Island (5 minutes from Gordon), upon arrival at Gordon, the guide will check the conditions such as the direction of the current and visibility and explain the dive plan accordingly.

Diving is mostly inside the crater, through a rocky area that goes down the sandy bottom at 30 meters. There are 4 underwater pinnacles, three of them in the northern part of the crater from 8 to 30 meters that connect the rocks that can be seen on the surface and one in the center of the caldera from 21 to 30 meters.

Gordon Rocks is the only dive site that requires experience due to its strong or very strong current. At least 25 logged dives are required to join the diving tour as part of the group. If you have less dives, there is the possibility to dive first at another site where we will evaluate your skills underwater, or you can contract a private guide to enjoy this iconic site.