Gordon Rocks Diving: Hammerheads in the Galapagos Washing Machine

Gordon Rocks is the most famous day-trip dive in the Galapagos. It sits off the north-east coast of Santa Cruz Island and is known for scalloped hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles and sea lions. It is also known for its currents, which earned it the nickname "the washing machine". This Gordon Rocks diving guide explains what makes the site special and how to decide whether it is right for you.

What Gordon Rocks Is

Gordon Rocks is the rim of an old, eroded volcanic crater. Above the water you see a few rocky points; below, the crater walls drop away and pinnacles rise from the floor inside. The shape of the site funnels water through gaps in the rim, which is why the current can be strong and can change direction during a dive. The same moving water brings nutrients and draws in larger animals, which is exactly why divers come.

Marine Life at Gordon Rocks

• Scalloped hammerhead sharks, sometimes in small groups, usually seen out in the blue beyond the rocks.
• Eagle rays and other rays gliding along the walls.
• Green sea turtles resting on ledges or feeding on the rocks.
• Galapagos sea lions, often curious and fast.
• Reef fish in large schools, along with moray eels and the occasional white-tip reef shark.

For a deeper look at the species you may meet, read our guide to Galapagos marine life.

Why It Is Called the Washing Machine

Currents at Gordon Rocks can be strong, can switch direction and can create surge and down-currents near the rim. On a calm day the site can feel gentle; on another day the same dive needs good buoyancy, air awareness and a calm response to being pushed around. Guides choose where to drop the group, when to shelter behind rocks and when to end the dive based on the day's conditions. Following those instructions closely is the most important part of diving here.

Who Should Dive Gordon Rocks

Gordon Rocks is generally considered an advanced dive. Many operators ask for an advanced-level certification or a minimum number of logged dives, and some want to see you on an easier site first. If you are newer to diving, start with calmer sites such as North Seymour, then come back to Gordon Rocks later in your trip. Our article on the top 10 must-visit dive sites in the Galapagos rates each site by level.

How to Get There

Gordon Rocks is visited on day trips run by dive centers on Santa Cruz. Trips usually make two dives, often at Gordon Rocks and a second nearby site, and return in the afternoon. Boat rides can be choppy, so eat a light breakfast and bring seasickness medicine if you need it. Our list of Galapagos dive shops shows the operators based in Puerto Ayora, and the Galapagos dive travel guide explains how to get to Santa Cruz.

Tips for Diving Gordon Rocks

• Descend quickly when asked. Some entries are negative entries to avoid being carried away by surface current.
• Stay close to the guide. Groups that spread out are harder to manage in current.
• Watch the blue. Hammerheads are usually seen in open water, not on the reef.
• Carry a surface marker buoy. If you surface away from the group, it helps the boat find you.
• Dress warm. Thermoclines are common; a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit and hood are typical. See our Galapagos scuba gear guide.

Best Time to Dive Gordon Rocks

Gordon Rocks is dived all year. The cooler months often bring richer water and more shark activity, while the warmer months bring better comfort and calmer seas. Conditions vary from day to day more than from month to month, so it is worth leaving flexibility in your schedule. Our best time to dive in the Galapagos article compares the seasons.

What a Gordon Rocks Day Looks Like

A typical day starts early in Puerto Ayora. After a briefing, the group travels by road and boat to the dive site, kits up on board and splits into small groups with a guide. The first dive is often at Gordon Rocks itself, while the second may be at a gentler site nearby, chosen by the guide on the day. Lunch is usually served on board between dives, and the boat returns in the afternoon, leaving the evening free. If conditions at Gordon Rocks are too strong, the guide may switch to a calmer site: that is a safety decision, not a lost day, and it is part of diving in a place with this much moving water.

Plan more than one dive day on Santa Cruz if Gordon Rocks is important to you. Weather and current vary from day to day, and a second chance gives you a better shot at a good dive and at seeing hammerheads.

Related guide: Galapagos dive shops in Puerto Ayora.