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A school of hammerhead sharks at Gordo Banks, Baja California Sur

Scuba Diving at Gordo Banks

Sharks & Pelagic Adventure

WHY GORDO BANKS

Gordo Banks puts you within easy reach of true pelagic diving from Cabo San Lucas. This offshore seamount draws uncommon big life: jacks, mantas, and, in season, humpback whales. The headliner here is the scalloped hammerhead ( Sphyrna lewini ): they school offshore around these underwater mountains, and when currents and thermoclines line up, those schools can rise into recreational depths for bucket-list encounters. Silky sharks are another signature sighting, patrolling the blue from mid-water to the safety stop. Sightings vary day to day, but Gordo Banks offers some of the best chances in Los Cabos to meet these pelagics in their natural environment.

SITE LAYOUT: CANYONS & BLUE WATER

The site has two main areas. The inner bank rises to about 120 ft / 35 m and features canyons and ledges lined with sponges, black coral, and colorful sea fans—an edge habitat where reef life meets open-ocean visitors. Relief along the rim creates light-and-shadow corridors that pelagics use to pass by, and you’ll often work the contour, scanning the blue while keeping the structure in sight. The outer bank drops straight into deep blue water with no visible bottom: a true drift dive with long mid-water glides as you watch for hammerheads, silkies, mantas, or fast-moving jacks.

Scalloped hammerhead sharks during a dive at Gordo Banks

WHAT TO EXPECT: DRIFTS & ACTION

Gordo Banks is a true “hit or miss” dive. Some days are calm, defined by that feeling of drifting in the blue; on others, the action doesn’t stop—hammerheads in formation, silky sharks gliding past, schools of jacks, manta rays, and in winter the haunting songs of humpback whales. What you see depends on the day’s ocean conditions: water clarity, thermoclines, and prevailing currents. At times, sharks hold deep beyond recreational limits; on other days, we find large hammerhead schools as shallow as 15 m / 50 ft, or silky sharks schooling right at the surface. Every descent at Gordo Banks brings something different, and that unpredictability is what makes it one of the most exciting scuba experiences near Cabo San Lucas. When the big animals appear, it’s a dive you’ll never forget. Preparation, patience, and the occasionally demanding open-ocean conditions are entirely worth the experience.

​REQUIREMENTS & SAFETY: CHECK DIVE

Given its offshore setting, Gordo Banks is an advanced dive for those comfortable in deep water without visual references. Conditions can be demanding—strong currents and blue-water drift—so solid buoyancy control, gas/air management, and a clear head are essential. We schedule a check dive in the days leading up to your Gordo Banks adventure to refine these skills and ensure everyone feels ready for this pelagic experience.

It's important to remember that to dive in Gordo Banks you must have at least 40 logged dives, hold an Advanced Open Water certification, and complete a previous check dive with us.

​$250 USD*
2-tank Gordo Banks

+ $90 USD* 
previous check dive in Cabo

  • * + $40 USD full set equipment rental

  • ​Price p/p, 2 dives + 1 check dive

  • Minimum 3 people to run the trip (private option available)

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Payment policy and cancellations

Silky sharks swimming with scuba divers at Gordo Banks, Cabo San Lucas

Details of interest

Season and duration

  • 5 hours experience, morning trip

  • 2-tank activity + 1-tank check dive in the previous days

  • Year round (silky shark season: May–December; best hammerhead months: June–December)

What to expect

  • Visibility 30-100ft / 9-30m

  • Highly variable temperatures with thermoclines 60-85F / 15 °C / 29 °C

  • Possible strong currents​

What’s included

  • Certified guides EN/SP/FR

  • 1 surface marker buoy / diver

  • Reef friendly sunscreen & towels

  • Water, sodas, light snacks​​​

  • Lunch box​

Not included

  • Dive gear – full set or individual piece rental available

  • Professional photo service – optional add-on

  • Personal travel/medical insurance

  • Gratuities

What to bring

  • Swimsuit

  • Sunglasses, hat or cap

  • Sweater or jacket in cold months

  • Camera and/or underwater camera

  • If you’re prone to seasickness on boats, take your medication at least one hour before we board​

Requirements

  • Previous medical questionare

  • Last dive minimum 6 months ago

  • 40 logged dives

  • AOW diver certification

  • Previous check dive with us

  • 18 years old minimum

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