Marine Conservation & Whale Shark Research

Gill’s Club – Chicas con Agallas
In 2025, Galapagos Shark Diving donated USD 2,212.34 to Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club), a science-based program empowering girls aged 8–12 in the Galápagos Islands. Through field research, marine ecology training, and mentorship, the initiative strengthens local environmental leadership. The donation forms part of USD 31,523.40 contributed to conservation and education in 2025.

The Galápagos Whale Shark Project Partnership
Galapagos Shark Diving donated USD 29,311.06 in 2025 to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project, funding satellite tags, ultrasound research, and long-term whale shark monitoring. Since 2019, over USD 112,000 has supported marine science in the islands. Every Citizen Science Expedition includes an active GWSP researcher onboard, allowing divers to directly contribute to whale shark photo-ID and Shark Count programs.

Name a Whale Shark Contest 2025
Through the Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest, Citizen Science divers helped fund six satellite tags for adult female whale sharks in the Galápagos. With USD 31,523.40 donated in 2025, divers who participated in scientific research were invited to submit names. Once deployed, the tagged whale sharks will be registered in Sharkbook.ai, contributing to global marine science and long-term conservation efforts.

Impact Report 2025: When Diving Becomes Conservation
Through the Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest, Citizen Science divers helped fund six satellite tags for adult female whale sharks in the Galápagos. With USD 31,523.40 donated in 2025, divers who participated in scientific research were invited to submit names. Once deployed, the tagged whale sharks will be registered in Sharkbook.ai, contributing to global marine science and long-term conservation efforts.

Winners of the 2024 ‘Name a Whale Shark’ Contest
Discover how divers help name real whale sharks during our Galapagos liveaboard trips. Meet the 2024 contest winners—Zoya, Elodie, Louise, and Joyce—and learn how you can support whale shark conservation through citizen science expeditions.

2024 Contribution to Whale Shark Conservation
Galapagos Shark Diving donated $18,030 USD to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) this year, bringing their total contributions to over $80,500 since 2019. The 2024 research season focused on tagging six whale sharks, conducting ultrasound scans, and tracking migration patterns, with one shark, Elise, traveling 17,000 km across the Pacific. Despite research challenges, the data collected supports marine conservation efforts, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Meet the Sharks: Newly Tagged Whale Sharks of 2024
Join Galapagos Shark Diving and make a difference in shark conservation through our Citizen Science Expeditions. In 2024, we tagged five newly named whale sharks—Elise, Luna, Makeba, Olivia, and Star—each contributing vital data to protect these gentle giants. With every dive, participants help gather critical research data, supporting efforts to safeguard one of the world’s most important marine ecosystems. Learn more about our whale shark conservation work and how to get involved.

2023 Contribution Marine Research
In 2023, Galapagos Shark Diving united to donate over $17,400 to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, boosting total contributions to $62,000. These funds support crucial research on whale shark migrations and reproductive behaviors, reinforcing our commitment to marine conservation. Our efforts not only advance scientific knowledge but also educate and transform divers into ocean guardians, advocating for the protection of marine species and their habitats.

Winners of the 2023 ‘Name a Whale Shark’ Contest
Galapagos Shark Diving has successfully concluded the 'Name a Whale Shark Contest 2023', combining diving and marine conservation. Participants in the Galapagos Islands named whale sharks, contributing to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. Funds raised helped purchase three satellite tags for tracking named sharks 'Makeba', 'Luna', and 'Star'. This initiative, drawing exclusively female names, reflects the unique female-dominant whale shark population in the Galapagos.

Sustainable and Responsible Diving
Discover the transformative power of sustainable and responsible dive travel. Learn how we support marine conservation.

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