The Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), which straddles the equator approximately 600 nautical miles from the coast of Ecuador, is one of the largest marine reserves in the world. Its protected waters extend 40 nautical miles from a baseline connecting the major islands covering a total area of 130,000 square kilometres of Pacific Ocean and featuring a dynamic mix of tropical and Antarctic currents and rich areas of upwelling. The (GMR), contains an extraordinary range of biological communities, featuring such diverse organisms as penguins, fur seals, tropical corals, large schools of hammerhead sharks and the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, Rhincodon typus.
Listed as Endangered in the IUCN 2016 Red List, Whale Sharks are threatened mainly by fishing activity. Traditionally hunted for their liver oil and for waterproofing wooden boats they are now widely sold for their characteristic white meat (referred to as “tofu shark” in Taiwan). Rapid reductions in numbers caught per unit effort have been seen in several areas where they have been fished including India and Taiwan, indicating that local populations are particularly susceptible to overfishing. Slow growth, late sexual maturation and potentially low reproductive rates mean that localised populations are unlikely to recover after collapse due to fishing.
Questions such as where they breed, where they give birth and where the young live for the first 3-5 years of life, are some of the questions the Galapagos Whale Shark Project has been trying to answer. The answers to these questions and more are necessary if we are to protect the species against the threats that face the future of all marine life.
Join the project on a seven-night / eight-day liveaboard into the Galapagos Marine Reserve, with local Guides & Dive Masters ( making the ration 1:4 divers) accompanied by the whale shark experts Jonathan R. Green, Simon J. Pierce, Sofia Green or Jenny Waack! Although you won't be tagging or touching the whale sharks your help is needed to record the whale sharks with your photography. Each day there will be presentations, talks on, how the research is being used and what the data tells us. If you're unsure on photography the team was involved in the filming of David Attenborough's' Blue Planet II so there will be a comprehensive guide to what to look for and photograph.
Feel great that you're helping to support these majestic gentle creatures and looking to protect their future.
THIS WILL BE A DIVE LIVEABOARD EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER!
(Depending on the trip dates two experts will accompany you)
Tour Leader Galapagos Shark Diving
Director Galapagos Whale Shark Project
Tour Leader Galapagos Shark Diving
Founder Galapagos Shark Diving
She is currently completing an international master’s degree in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) with a focus on conservation & ecology. She joined the Galapagos Whale Shark Project in 2017 as an intern & now works in the project as a research assistant & data analyst.
She has been involved with other marine conservation projects on marine invasive species, marine debris (plastics), marine turtles conservation, & the ecological monitoring of the Galapagos archipelago.
Tour Leader Galapagos Shark Diving
Research Assistant/Data Analyst Galapagos Whale Shark Project
Simon led the global conservation assessment of whale sharks for the IUCN Red List in 2016, which identified the species as endangered, then led the technical proposal that successfully uplisted whale sharks to Appendix I of the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species in 2017.
Simon is also an award-winning marine wildlife photographer. His photography & videos have been widely published by international media, including National Geographic, BBC, New Scientist & many others.
Tour leader Galapagos Shark Diving
Founder Marine Megafauna Foudation
The AQUA provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with the best service and diving that you could hope for. The boat has nine cabins with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. Our yacht is nicely designed and furnished, but it’s our operating staff that complete your experience onboard and in terms of safety, care and maintenance, they are second to none.
The upper cabins on the main deck have windows that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets of the Galapagos Islands. The lower cabins have portholes with an ocean view and natural light.
A very spacious lounge & dining area with wood surround allow comfort and a great area for working with cameras, photography and lectures/workshops.
After each dive, guests can relax in the lounge, on the sundeck or outer decks ideal for yoga, simple meditation or wildlife observation. All meals will be a mixture of local and international cuisine and hearty fare for divers.
With the capacity for 16 divers but restricted to 14 divers, it means you will have personalised service, space to relax & a really comfortable relaxed trip. All dives are done from a dive panga, (tender) which offers easy access to all of the best dive locations.
Facilities:
The diving is amazing but please keep in mind that it is varied & demanding. Diving is for advanced divers because of the extreme conditions - cold water, strong currents, and limited visibility, but nevertheless, there are very good sites for intermediate divers. Divers visiting the Galapagos must have an Advanced Open Water rating & more than 50 logged dives.
Surface water temperature range from 18-25°C (64-77°F). In contrast, temperatures at depth can drop to 13°C (56°F) and thermoclines (generally occurring between depths of 12-18m (40-60ft)).
All diving will be conducted from dive tenders in small groups, up to four divers with a local guide. Maximum depth is the recreational limit of 30m.
With the Whale sharks ranging in size of 12-14 meters, every dive with these large fish is awesome!
Due to the remoteness, dive conditions & exclusive use of the vessel, the following terms will be applied.
A deposit will be required on booking to secure your spot. The departure dates are guaranteed to run, no minimum numbers to be reached.
DIVING REQUIREMENTS:
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:
PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
COVID-19 Policy
The Galapagos Shark Diving Trip/ Team recommends that you have a clause in your travel policy that covers such future outbreaks, as there is NO COVID policy offered by the supplier.
CANCELLATION POLICY: