Meet Our Newly Named Whale Sharks of 2024

At Galapagos Shark Diving, we believe that diving goes beyond adventure—it's a chance to make a real impact on marine conservation. Through our Citizen Science Expeditions, divers not only explore the breathtaking waters of the Galapagos but also contribute directly to scientific research on whale sharks. This year, we're excited to introduce five newly named whale sharks through our "Name a Whale Shark" initiative, with each one carrying a unique story. Our expeditions offer participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with leading shark scientists, collect valuable data, and engage in hands-on conservation efforts. Very few people get the chance to dive with researchers and play a role in preserving one of the most important shark habitats on Earth.

Every diver who joins Galapagos Shark Diving plays a vital role in supporting shark conservation efforts. Your journey with us directly contributes to the protection of marine life, making each dive deeply meaningful. Through this initiative, Galapagos Shark Diving has not only facilitated active data collection but has also donated over $62,000 to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. With this year’s contributions, we anticipate surpassing $80,000, advancing crucial research on whale shark behavior, migration, and protection. In essence, every single diver helps make these donations possible. We truly appreciate your support.

Now, let's meet the five whale sharks named by our passionate community of divers!

Elise is a remarkable whale shark, not only because of her size but also due to her incredible journey. First tagged during our June expedition, she has since become the farthest-traveling whale shark we've ever tracked, covering an astounding 5,000 kilometers into the Pacific Ocean. Elise's unique journey provides valuable insights into whale shark migration patterns, offering scientists more data on their vast ocean routes. She is easily identifiable by a large notch on her dorsal fin and a missing tip on her left pectoral fin. You can explore more details about Elise here.

Luna was first spotted and tagged during our June 2024 expedition, making her a new addition to the international whale shark database. With noticeable notches on her anal and caudal fins, along with a few shark bites on her pelvic fin, Luna’s physical characteristics provide researchers with insights into the dangers these species face in the wild. The data collected from Luna’s movements could help us better understand whale shark behaviors in the Galapagos and how to protect them more effectively in this crucial ecosystem. You can explore more details about Luna here.

Makeba was first reported during our 2024 expedition, making her another new addition to the global whale shark database. Her most striking feature is an injured dorsal fin, likely caused by an old propeller strike, which highlights the risks whale sharks face from human activities like fishing gear and vessel strikes. Despite this injury, Makeba’s resilience showcases the incredible strength of these creatures. By tracking her movements, scientists hope to learn more about how such injuries may impact her migration and behavior. You can explore more details about Makeba here.

Olivia was a brand new sighting during the June expedition, where she was tagged for the first time. Her most distinctive features include a small notch on her dorsal fin and a unique white spot on her pelvic fin, making her easy to identify. Olivia’s first sighting was a significant moment for the team, as each new whale shark provides critical data for population studies and migration research. Data from new individuals like Olivia contributes to a broader understanding of whale shark behavior and movement through the Galapagos Marine Reserve. You can explore more details about Olivia here.

Star is a remarkable whale shark with a smooth, flawless body, showing no scars or scratches. Her sleek appearance may suggest fewer encounters with threats compared to other sharks in the area. First sighted during our June 2024 expedition, Star was quickly named by one of our Citizen Science participants. Her journey, like the others, may provide valuable data to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, particularly regarding how often new whale sharks enter the region and their movement patterns around the islands. You can explore more details about Star here.

Diving with Galapagos Shark Diving is not just about witnessing the awe-inspiring whale sharks of the Galapagos; it’s about making a real impact. Through our Citizen Science Expeditions, participants play a crucial role in ongoing research, helping to collect data that could lead to greater protections for these endangered giants.

Our commitment to shark conservation is evident both in our actions underwater and the financial contributions we've been able to provide. We’re excited to continue our work and invite you to join us in preserving one of the world’s most important marine ecosystems. Explore more about the whale sharks on the Wildbook platform and learn how you can join a future expedition by visiting our website: Galapagos Shark Diving.