Leon Dormido

Leon Dormido is a dramatic volcanic pinnacle of twin eroded lava spires that form a narrow swim-through channel with steep vertical walls and drop-offs. It is renowned for abundant pelagic life, with frequent encounters with scalloped hammerheads, Galápagos and reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, green sea turtles and sea lions. Dives are boat entries into open ocean, typically between about 12 and 25 m (with deeper areas to around 40 m). Visibility is commonly 10 to 30 m and water temperatures range roughly 18 to 25 °C. Moderate to strong currents, especially through the central channel, make this often a drift dive and demand good buoyancy control and orientation; surge and strong currents are noted hazards. Typical dive profiles include a pass through the narrow gap between the pillars and a second dive around the outer walls; the underwater topography includes sheer walls, a swim-through channel, rocky reefs, boulder fields and some sand patches at depth.