
Gordo Banks
Cabo San Lucas · Mexico
Gordo Banks is an offshore seamount system rising from 200 m to within 27 m of the surface, positioned at the convergence of Pacific and Sea of Cortez currents. This nutrient upwelling makes it the best site in Cabo for large pelagics: scalloped hammerhead sharks aggregate in significant numbers from June through November, whale sharks appear June through September, and oceanic manta rays patrol the blue water column. The dive is current-dependent and conditions change quickly — advanced certification and a good briefing required.
Conditions
Depth
27 to 50 m
Advanced depths
Current
Can be moderate
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
12 to 25 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
18 to 28°C
3mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 |
| Vis (m) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| Current | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Strong |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Bigeye Trevally
Last confirmed Oct 19, 2025 · 5 records
Very likely
Most dives
Sierra Mackerel
Last confirmed Mar 12, 2026 · 6 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Whale Shark
Last confirmed Feb 13, 2026 · 1 records
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Galapagos Shark
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Yellowfin Tuna
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Great Barracuda
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Grouper species (mixed)
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Gear