Gordon Rocks: hammerhead sharks, strong currents and a sunken volcano off Santa Cruz
Gordon Rocks is one of the most thrilling dive sites in the Galápagos. Just off the north-east coast of Santa Cruz Island, a cluster of rocky islets rises from the Pacific Ocean: the remains of an eroded volcanic crater. Below the surface, the walls and pinnacles of this sunken caldera attract sharks, rays and big schools of fish. This guided day tour from Puerto Ayora takes certified divers there by boat for two dives at the site, with a bilingual guide and lunch on board.
What makes this tour special?
Gordon Rocks is famous for its schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, which gather at cleaning stations where small fish clean their skin. It is also known for strong currents and surge, so diving here feels like riding an underwater river: exciting, demanding and very rewarding for experienced divers. Because the rocks sit in open water, you can also admire them from the boat, rising out of the sea against the blue horizon.
The dives
Gordon Rocks is a drift-style site with no shallow areas, with typical depths between about 12 and 30 metres. Currents are usually moderate to strong, and visibility generally ranges from about 10 to 25 metres, depending on the season. Dives normally last around 45 minutes, with a surface interval for snacks in between. Water is cooler from June to November and warmer from December to May, so a wetsuit is essential.
Wildlife you may see
- Sharks: scalloped hammerhead, Galápagos shark, whitetip reef shark
- Rays: spotted eagle ray, mobula ray, stingray
- Other marine life: green sea turtles, Galápagos moray eels, barracuda, reef fish and invertebrates
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on the season, currents and weather.
Your day, step by step
- Meet in Puerto Ayora and take the land transfer to the Itabaca Channel.
- Board the boat, receive the crew safety briefing and sail to Gordon Rocks.
- Dive briefing and gear check with your guide.
- First dive at Gordon Rocks.
- Surface interval with snacks and drinks on board.
- Second dive at a different part of the site, depending on conditions.
- Lunch on board, then navigation back to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to Puerto Ayora.
The sequence of activities can change with weather, sea conditions, safety considerations or Galápagos National Park instructions.
What’s included
- Land transfer between Puerto Ayora and the Itabaca Channel
- Round-trip navigation on an authorized tourist vessel
- Certified bilingual guide (English-Spanish)
- Guided dives at Gordon Rocks
- Lunch on board
- Snacks and drinking water
What’s not included
- International flights to/from Ecuador
- Round-trip flights to the Galápagos Islands (Quito or Guayaquil)
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person)
- Transit Control Card (TCT) (USD 20 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional services not listed
Practical information
Duration: about 6 hours.
Level: advanced. Gordon Rocks has strong currents and no shallow areas, so it is recommended for divers with a valid certification and recent, solid diving experience (many operators ask for at least 25 logged dives). Please tell us your certification level and number of dives when you book.
Health: not recommended for pregnant travellers or for people with heart, back or other serious medical conditions. Let us know about any medical condition in advance.
What to bring: your certification card and logbook, swimsuit, towel, sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, a windbreaker for the boat, closed-toe shoes, a reusable water bottle, a dry bag and seasickness medication if you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this tour if I only snorkel or I am new to diving?
Gordon Rocks is a site for experienced divers because of its currents and depth. If you prefer a gentler day, ask us about South Plazas & Carrion Point or our other snorkeling tours.
Will I see hammerhead sharks?
Gordon Rocks is one of the best places in the Galápagos to see them, but sightings are never guaranteed.
How do I book?
Book online or message us on WhatsApp at +593 98 976 7063 (US: +1 423 833 4470) and we will confirm availability and guide you through the booking.
