Galapagos Shark Diving Funds Whale Shark Research, Empowers Girls in Science
PUERTA AYORA, GALAPAGOS, GERMANY – February 12, 2026 – Galapagos Shark Diving, a dive travel operator focused on marine conservation, donated USD 31,523.40 in 2025 to initiatives supporting whale shark research and ocean education for young girls in the Galápagos Islands. The company has also launched the “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest,” allowing divers participating in its citizen science expeditions to name newly tagged whale sharks as a thank you for their contribution to ongoing research.
The donations were split between two key projects. USD 29,311.06 went to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) to support whale shark monitoring, photo-identification, satellite tagging, and data analysis. An additional USD 2,212.34 was donated to Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club), an educational science program designed to empower girls aged 8–12 in the Galápagos Islands.
With this latest contribution, Galapagos Shark Diving’s total donations since 2019 now exceed USD 112,000, all generated through its conservation-driven dive tourism model.
Citizen Science Divers Directly Involved in Whale Shark Tagging and Naming
The “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest” is exclusively for divers who participated in Galapagos Shark Diving’s Citizen Science Dive Expeditions in 2025. While all guests contribute to funding shark research, only those actively involved in the citizen science program are eligible to submit a name for a tagged whale shark.
Divers submit one name each, and winners are selected at the end of the year. The number of whale sharks eligible for naming is directly tied to the amount of funding raised, as each satellite tag – including the cost of satellite time – represents a significant investment in research.
Thanks to the 2025 donation total, six satellite tags were funded, allowing six whale sharks to be officially named during upcoming research expeditions. The selected names for 2025 are Chri, Isabella, Paula, Tayla, Sakura, and Olivia.
Once the tagging process is complete, each shark will be officially registered by the Galapagos Whale Shark Project in Sharkbook.ai, the international whale shark database used by researchers worldwide.
Long-Term Support for Whale Shark Research
Galapagos Shark Diving has been a consistent donor to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project since 2019. All shark scientists accompanying the company’s Citizen Science Expeditions are active researchers from the project, ensuring guests are directly involved in current scientific work.
Funds support critical aspects of whale shark research, including satellite tagging, long-term movement and migration monitoring, the maintenance of photo-identification databases, logistical support for field research, and data analysis.
By combining tourism with direct participation in scientific research, divers contribute directly to expanding knowledge about one of the ocean’s most iconic species.
Investing in Future Scientists: Chicas con Agallas
In 2025, Galapagos Shark Diving began supporting Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club), an educational initiative operating on San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela Islands, with plans for expansion to Floreana.
The program empowers girls aged 8–12 through hands-on scientific training, exposure to field research, and mentorship from scientists and educators. Participants learn about marine ecosystems, research methods, and conservation challenges through fieldwork, snorkeling, laboratory activities, and outdoor exploration.
The initiative aims to increase the representation of women in science and conservation while fostering a strong connection between local communities and the Galápagos marine environment.
International Recognition for Conservation-Led Dive Travel
Galapagos Shark Diving received two major international awards in 2025, recognizing its commitment to conservation. The company received the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025, placing it in the top 10 percent of experiences worldwide based on reviews from millions of travelers. It was also named Scuba Diving Centre of the Year for Ecuador and Latin America by the Prestige Awards 2024/25, recognized for its integration of exploration, education, and sustainability.
Judges specifically highlighted the company’s small-group expeditions, direct involvement in scientific research, and strong sustainability practices, including responsible sourcing and conservation funding.
Founded in 2017, Galapagos Shark Diving operates small-group liveaboard expeditions that combine world-class diving with meaningful scientific contribution. By directing profits from Citizen Science Expeditions into research and education, the company demonstrates a model for how tourism can actively support marine conservation.
“Naming a whale shark is our way of thanking divers for supporting science and ensuring these incredible animals are protected beyond the dive,” said Jenny, Founder of Galapagos Shark Diving.
