Gordon Rocks is a submerged volcanic formation off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, protected within the Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve. Fin's database lists six sites in this sub-region, including the rocky pinnacles of Gordon Rocks itself, Santa Fé Island, and Plaza Islands, all reached by boat from Puerto Ayora. The sites cover reef, wall, drift, drop-off, cave, and pinnacle terrain from shallow to thirty metres. Strong currents and surge are a recurring feature, and thermoclines are common. Scalloped hammerheads, eagle rays, green and Ridley turtles, silvertip sharks, and horn sharks are among the species recorded here.
Monthly water temperature across Gordon Rocks's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperatures are warmest in the early months of the year and fall noticeably from mid-year through to late in the year, when conditions can be distinctly cold relative to the warmer season. Thermoclines are common throughout the year and can bring a sudden temperature drop within a single dive. The cooler, nutrient-rich water of the second half of the year is associated with greater hammerhead shark activity, which is the primary draw for visiting divers.
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Water temperature around Gordon Rocks ranges from about 19°C in August to 24°C in February, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 24°C) a 3mm full suit is comfortable in Gordon Rocks; in the coldest months (about 19°C) step up to a 5mm suit.
Fin maps 6 sites in Gordon Rocks (6 scuba diving sites).
4 more sites to explore
