Gordon Rocks Dive Tour

The most common hammerhead shark in Gordon rocks is the smooth (Sphyrna zygaena). The second-largest hammerhead (5m or 16 ft), after the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). The smooth one can form large schools (more than hundreds or even thousands). The head is flattened and laterally extended into a hammer shape without the irregularities in the middle of the front margin, the head margin is round instead of straight as the greatest hammerhead shark. They can migrate, especially during the summer. They are a top predator feeding on rays, bony fishes and invertebrates. This shark is viviparous and gives birth to 20 to 40 offspring. For divers is a unique experience to see these large schools, sadly this shark as others had been severely affected by illegal fishery, especially by the Asian ships that look to capture them just to use their valuable fins for making a shark fin soup. In the IUCN is cataloged as Vulnerable.

Also known as molas or oceanic sunfish. It's a very big fish (3.7 m or 10 ft.) with a small mouth. The shape of this fish is unique, the body is a deep oval, strongly compressed. Its mouth opens at the front, looking like a beak because of the compressed teeth. The dorsal and pelvic fins are tall and parallel to each other. The lateral fins are short and the caudal fin is a short rudder, convex and undulating edge. Its color can be brown to dark blue above, with large pale patches and silvery below, and dark fins. The sunfish is widely distributed in tropical to warm waters as its favorite prey: jellyfish. From the surface on a sunny day, you can see the tall dorsal fin A shape in a pendular movement side to side or lay on de surface.

Arctocephalus galapagoensis is the second endemic species of sea lion in the archipelago. It is not as common as the Galapagos sea lion. The main difference is the size, the fur seals are smaller than sea lions, even the males can be smaller than a female sea lion. The fur is fussy when they are dry, underwater you can notice the little stripes on its body because the fur seal has two kinds of fur (on strong and long hair, with much soft hair underneath) while the sea lions have only one kind. Fur seals also have bigger eyes, a pointed snout, and pointed ears to the side. This species is a nocturnal predator, during the day time can rest on rocks, cracks and in the water, especially during the hottest hours of the day. You can see them upside down asleep underwater with their back fins on the air (a thermoregulation behavior), sea lions thermoregulate with their dorsal fin. Fur seals are not as friendly as sea lions, they were hunted almost to extinction in the past, so they don't trust in us as the sea lion. However, in the tourist sites, they had been habituated to see people, so the young might get curious enough to dive with you.

In the enchanting waters of the Galapagos archipelago, the elusive beauty of Galapagos stingrays graces the ocean depths with its mesmerizing presence. Gliding gracefully through the crystal-clear waters, these majestic creatures showcase their elegant, undulating movements like underwater ballet. Adorned with distinctive patterns, their wings seem to dance in harmony with the currents. The Galapagos stingrays, with their ethereal grace, become living brushstrokes painting the aquatic canvas of the archipelago. Observing these gentle giants, one is captivated by the allure of their mystical dance, adding an extraordinary dimension to the unparalleled wonder that is the Galapagos Islands.

In the azure embrace of the Galapagos seas, the ethereal presence of the White Tip Sharks emerges, casting a spell of awe and fascination. Graceful guardians of the archipelago's marine realm, these sleek predators navigate the currents with an elegance that belies their formidable nature. Cloaked in pristine white fin tips, they embody a serene and majestic force beneath the surface. The Galapagos White Tip Sharks, with their sinuous movements and distinctive markings, contribute to the mystical allure of these pristine waters. Encounter these enigmatic creatures, and be entranced by the ballet of the ocean's guardians in this untouched aquatic sanctuary.