This dive site, known as Gordon Rocks and also playfully called the “washing machine”, is located near Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Its challenging conditions, characterized by strong currents and significant upwellings, make it exclusively suitable for advanced divers. Divers navigate through these dynamic waters, often as a drift dive, following the contours of the rocky pinnacles that rise from the seafloor. There is no specific historical account provided for the site's naming, but its reputation as a world-class pelagic hotspot is well-established.
Gordon Rocks is renowned for its abundant megafauna. Divers frequently encounter schooling hammerhead sharks and the elusive oceanic sunfish (mola mola). Other incredible marine life includes white tip reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, giant sea turtles, various sting rays, eagle rays, mobula rays, panamic green morays, barracudas, Galapagos eels, and a diverse array of reef fish thriving amidst the rocky structures.
The best time to visit the Galapagos for diving is generally year-round, with specific seasons offering higher chances for certain species; however, pelagic encounters are consistently a highlight at Gordon Rocks. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and comfortable with strong currents. Due to the challenging conditions, the site is not recommended for snorkeling or freediving, ensuring safety for all participants who wish to experience this extraordinary underwater world.
