Swimming with whale sharks in the Galapagos Islands is a transformative experience enhanced by the area's incredible biodiversity. Liveaboard cruises provide unique, intimate encounters with these gentle giants, allowing divers to swim alongside them in pristine waters away from crowds. The nutrient-rich environment attracts whale sharks year-round, making the Galapagos an ideal destination. These expeditions turn guests into citizen scientists contributing to whale shark research.
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.
Dive responsibly with these eco-friendly tips to protect marine ecosystems on your next adventure. Choose sustainable dive operators, use eco-friendly gear, avoid single-use plastics, maintain buoyancy control, and never touch marine life. Participate in clean-up dives and citizen science projects, support local conservation efforts, and use reef-safe sunscreen. By adopting these practices, you can help preserve the ocean’s beauty for future generations. Let’s be true stewards of the sea!
The Galapagos Islands are experiencing exceptional diving conditions in 2024 with unprecedented hammerhead shark sightings due to the El Niño to La Niña transition. This shift creates optimal marine life conditions, attracting divers to large hammerhead schools. El Niño brings warm waters and less marine productivity, while La Niña boosts nutrient-rich waters, enhancing biodiversity. 2024 offers unique diving opportunities, emphasizing responsible travel to protect the Galapagos ecosystem.
This guide offers essential travel tips for flying to the Galapagos Islands, detailing airline options from the US, Europe, Australia, and domestic flights within Ecuador. It emphasizes the importance of planning, entry requirements, and environmental responsibility to ensure a memorable journey to this unique UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover the unparalleled dive sites of the Galapagos Islands, from the shark-filled waters of Wolf Island to the serene beauty of Pinzon, each offering a unique underwater experience.
Explore top spots for diving with endangered green sea turtles, a guide emphasizing conservation and the best times to dive in locations like Galapagos, Philippines, Malaysia, Hawaii, Caribbean, and Indonesia.
Starting August 1, 2024, Galapagos Islands' entrance fee will be $200 for international travelers, aiming to fund conservation and sustainable development, marking the first fee change in 26 years. This initiative supports local biodiversity and tourism models aligning with conservation efforts.
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.
Explore the world's best diving destinations for encountering giant manta rays. This guide details prime locations, optimal diving seasons, and emphasizes responsible practices to protect these vulnerable marine giants. Discover diving hotspots from Socorro Island to Raja Ampat, where conservation and unforgettable experiences go hand-in-hand.