Dive Site: Gordo 2

About Gordo 2

Gordo Banks, specifically the outer bank known as Gordo 2, is a renowned deep dive site approximately seven miles offshore from the San Jose del Cabo marina in Mexico. This remote location is highly valued for its consistent encounters with large pelagic species, particularly scalloped hammerhead and silky sharks, making it a compelling destination for experienced divers seeking significant marine life. Diving here typically involves blue water descents over a seamount. A prominent feature is the presence of thermoclines, often encountered around 70 to 80 feet, where the water temperature can drop noticeably, sometimes to 74°F or even 68-72°F at 100 feet, while shallower depths remain warmer, around 82°F. Visibility can vary, ranging from 30-40 feet on some days to over 90 feet in warmer, shallower zones. Divers navigate the outer bank, keeping an eye out for activity in the deeper blue. The site is celebrated for its abundant shark encounters, with large schools of hammerheads frequently sighted, sometimes numbering over 60 individuals. Silky sharks and tope sharks are also common, along with mobula rays, yellowfin tunas, and schools of jacks and bonito. While shark sightings are a major draw, the specific numbers and proximity can vary between dives, but regular encounters are a key characteristic of the site throughout many months. Due to its offshore location and the strong potential for currents, Gordo 2 is considered an advanced dive. Divers typically undertake two dives per trip, with boats departing early from Cabo San Lucas for a journey of about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. A check dive with a local operator is often required to assess comfort and capability before venturing to this challenging yet rewarding site.