2 Tanks – Gordo Banks Trip
About the diving trip
What a thrilling adventure to dive in Gordo Banks!
This remote dive site, approximately 7 miles offshore from the San Jose del Cabo marina, is renowned for a compelling reason: the chance to meet the elusive scalloped hammerhead or silky sharks – amongst other pelagics – frequenting the seamount. Regardless, diving in these blue waters is an experience in itself!
While Gordo Banks can be a very advanced dive due to its location, the rewards are plentiful. To ensure the safety of all our guests, we require Advanced Open Water certification and a check dive with us prior to their trip. This is to make sure you are comfortable in the water and capable of safely diving this site.
When to dive in Gordo Banks ?
Weather and Water Temperatures
August to January is our preferred season to see hammerhead sharks !
Cabo boasts a sunny, arid climate with annual rainfall around 25 cm (10 in), mainly from late August to October. Rain is sparse the rest of the year. Above water, warmth persists year-round, peaking in August and September.
Underwater, temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in spring to 25°C (77°F) in autumn, with visibility from 12 to 30 meters (40 to 100 feet). Occasional thermoclines affect both. Gordo Banks, due to its location, faces north winds and waves, making the diving particularly challenging, especially from February to May
Gordo Banks Dive Site
Gordo Banks is one of the seamounts that form the underwater landscape of Los Cabos.
Gordo Banks seamounts, rising to its highest at about 35 meters (115 feet) below the surface, it lays 7 miles offshore from San Jose del Cabo and 2 hours away by boat from Cabo San Lucas.
Occasionally, strong currents and thermoclines can come up due to the depth and location of the spot, influencing visibility. Divers should also be comfortable in open blue waters to fully enjoy the experience and may be asked to do a negative entry depending on conditions.
Check out our page on diving in Cabo San Lucas for more info
Marine Life of Cabo San Lucas
What will I see when diving in Cabo San Lucas?
Formations such as Gordo Banks channel currents, enriching the surrounding canyons with vital nutrients. These areas become feeding grounds for fish populations, attracting in turn larger predatory pelagic species drawn by the abundance of potential prey.
Encounters with scalloped hammerheads, occasional silky sharks, dogfish, tunas, and various pelagic species make the dive truly rewarding! While the thrill of encountering these creatures is undeniable, it’s important to note that nature operates on its own terms. Shark sightings, for instance, hinge on factors like water clarity, depth preferences and other unpredictable variables beyond our control.
Consult our Marine Life calendar for more insights into seasonal sightings.
Dive boat and scuba diving Gear
Our Scuba diving boat
Our main panga, a typical Mexican open boat, has enough space to welcome up to 10 divers aboard. The bimini top provides plenty of shade and there is a bathroom on board. It is 9-meters long and its double engine propels it to up to 20 knots.
Diving wetsuit
From August to mid-January, most divers are comfortable with a 5 mm wetsuit and boots.
In spring, as the water temperature can drop to 15°C (59°F) at times, we recommend a 7 mm, with boots and a hoodie if needed. In the Marine Park, diving gloves are not allowed.
Why choose Dive Ninja Expeditions?
Our team at Dive Ninja believes in quality over quantity. We’re passionate about the ocean and love to share this passion with our guests. Dive Ninja provides personalized service, designed to showcase the best of Cabo San Lucas and Baja California in small groups, while providing a high level of safety and thought put into them.
