Gordon Rocks
Gordon Rocks: A legendary Galapagos dive site known for strong currents and spectacular encounters with hammerhead sharks, Mola Mola, and diverse mari...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Consistent marine life sightings
Gordon Rocks
Best Time
Consistent marine life sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gordon Rocks: A legendary Galapagos dive site known for strong currents and spectacular encounters with hammerhead sharks, Mola Mola, and diverse marine life.
"Gordon Rocks is a legendary diving location, offering an incredible experience, although difficult due to its unpredictable currents."
💪 Brace for Currents
Strong currents are common. Stay close to your guide and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding dive.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring an underwater camera to document the incredible marine life you'll encounter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hammerhead Shark Encounters
Gordon Rocks
Witness large schools of hammerhead sharks in their natural habitat. An unforgettable sight for any diver.
+1
Mola Mola Sightings
Gordon Rocks
Spot the majestic Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) at this famous cleaning station. A truly unique marine encounter.
Diverse Marine Life
Gordon Rocks
From golden rays and turtles to sea lions and eagle rays, Gordon Rocks teems with incredible biodiversity.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Advanced Divers Only
+1Book Your Dive Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💪 Brace for Currents
Strong currents are common. Stay close to your guide and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding dive.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring an underwater camera to document the incredible marine life you'll encounter.
🦈 Respect the Sharks
Observe sharks from a safe distance and avoid any actions that could disturb them.
🤿 Dive Certification Needed
Ensure you have at least an intermediate diving certification to safely enjoy Gordon Rocks.
Tips
from all over the internet
💪 Brace for Currents
Strong currents are common. Stay close to your guide and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding dive.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring an underwater camera to document the incredible marine life you'll encounter.
🦈 Respect the Sharks
Observe sharks from a safe distance and avoid any actions that could disturb them.
🤿 Dive Certification Needed
Ensure you have at least an intermediate diving certification to safely enjoy Gordon Rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gordon Rocks is hailed as a legendary and unforgettable dive site, offering unparalleled encounters with diverse marine life, especially hammerhead sharks and Mola Mola. Divers praise the incredible biodiversity and unique underwater adventure. However, its strong, unpredictable currents make it challenging and unsuitable for beginners, requiring prior experience and a good level of comfort underwater.
"Just watching TV CH4 where they assure us it is 'Gordon Rocks'"
casey clarke
"Amazing"
אלון עלי
"Gordon Rock is a legendary diving location, offering an incredible experience, although difficult due to its unpredictable currents. Despite the difficulty, this site gave me the opportunity to see impressive sea creatures: enormous mola mola, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, golden rays, eagles, and a multitude of colorful fish. In addition to this, turtles and sea lions add a magical touch to the diving. This is a must-see site for experienced divers looking to experience a unique underwater adventure."
Nicolas Livet (TraveliveT)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gordon Rocks is located on the east coast of Santa Cruz Island, about 30 minutes from the Itabaca Channel. Most dive tours depart from Puerto Ayora or the Itabaca Channel and include boat transportation to the dive site.
You can book dive trips through local dive shops in Puerto Ayora or online in advance. Many operators offer packages that include transportation and equipment.
Gordon Rocks is primarily a dive site, so land-based tours are not typical. Access is almost exclusively by boat for diving or snorkeling excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a separate 'ticket' for Gordon Rocks itself, you will need to pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and a transit control card fee to enter the Galapagos Islands. Dive operators usually include these costs or advise you on them.
The cost can vary depending on the operator and what's included, but expect to pay around $150-$250 USD for a two-tank dive trip.
Dive tours typically depart in the morning and return in the afternoon. Specific timings will be provided by your chosen dive operator.
Yes, snorkeling is often an option on dive tours to Gordon Rocks, allowing non-divers to experience the rich marine life from the surface.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
Gordon Rocks is famous for hammerhead sharks, Mola Mola, golden rays, manta rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and a wide variety of fish.
No, Gordon Rocks is generally considered an intermediate to advanced dive site due to strong and unpredictable currents. It's recommended to have prior diving experience.
Conditions can include strong currents, varying visibility, and cooler water temperatures. Divers should be prepared for a dynamic environment.
Each dive usually lasts between 40-60 minutes, depending on air consumption and conditions. Most tours include two dives.
Bring your dive certification card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Your dive operator will provide gear.
📸 📸 Photography
Gordon Rocks offers incredible opportunities to photograph large marine animals like hammerhead sharks, Mola Mola, and rays, as well as vibrant schools of fish.
While professional underwater camera gear is ideal, even a good waterproof action camera or a smartphone in a waterproof case can capture amazing shots. Be mindful of the currents affecting your stability.
Lighting can vary greatly depending on depth and water clarity. Deeper dives might require strobes or video lights for optimal results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1If your family includes certified divers, it can be an incredible experience. Ensure all divers have the necessary certification and experience to handle the conditions. For younger children or non-divers, exploring other, calmer snorkeling spots around Santa Cruz or visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station might be more appropriate.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider if a single dive trip is sufficient for your budget, or if you plan to do multiple dives. The cost of a Gordon Rocks dive trip is a significant part of a Galapagos budget, so weigh it against other activities. Some travelers suggest that learning to dive before the Galapagos might be more cost-effective than taking a course there, though this requires planning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Diving Gordon Rocks
+2The site is known for its strong and unpredictable currents, which can be challenging but also contribute to the abundance of marine life. These currents act as a natural cleaning station, attracting various species seeking to be groomed. Divers often describe the experience as exhilarating, with the currents adding an element of adventure to the dive.
+2While the currents make it unsuitable for beginners, experienced divers are rewarded with unparalleled opportunities to witness a spectacular array of marine creatures. From massive Mola Mola to graceful manta rays and playful sea lions, a dive at Gordon Rocks is an unforgettable encounter with the wild heart of the Galapagos underwater world.
+5Navigating the Currents and Conditions
+2Divers are advised to stay close to their guides and maintain good buoyancy control. The visibility can also vary, from excellent to moderate, depending on the day and the season. Water temperatures can range from cool to mild, so a suitable wetsuit is essential. Despite these challenges, the rewards are immense, with divers consistently reporting incredible sightings that make the effort worthwhile.
+1Many visitors recommend learning to dive or improving diving skills before arriving in the Galapagos if Gordon Rocks is a must-do. This ensures you can fully appreciate the dive without being overly stressed by the conditions.
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