Galapagos Shark Diving, a dive travel operator focused on conservation, donated USD 31,523.40 in 2025 to support marine conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands. The funds were directed towards whale shark research and an educational program for young girls.
Supporting Whale Shark Research
USD 29,311.06 of the donation went to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) to support whale shark monitoring, photo-identification, satellite tagging, and data analysis. Galapagos Shark Diving has supported the GWSP since 2019, and all scientists accompanying their Citizen Science Dive Expeditions are active researchers with the project.
Empowering the Next Generation
USD 2,212.34 was donated to Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club), an educational program for girls aged 8–12 in the Galápagos Islands. The program provides hands-on scientific training, field research opportunities, and mentorship to foster an interest in marine ecosystems and conservation.
Divers Play a Direct Role
Galapagos Shark Diving launched the “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest” to allow divers participating in their Citizen Science Dive Expeditions to name newly tagged whale sharks. Six whale sharks will be named thanks to the 2025 donation total. The selected names are Chri, Isabella, Paula, Tayla, Sakura, and Olivia. Once tagged, the sharks will be registered in Sharkbook.ai, an international whale shark database.
The company received the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025 and was named Scuba Diving Centre of the Year for Ecuador and Latin America by the Prestige Awards 2024/25, recognizing its commitment to exploration, education, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What initiatives did Galapagos Shark Diving support in 2025?
Galapagos Shark Diving supported the Galapagos Whale Shark Project and Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club) in 2025.
Who is eligible to participate in the “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest”?
Only divers who joined Galapagos Shark Diving’s Citizen Science Dive Expeditions in 2025 are eligible to submit a name.
How much money has Galapagos Shark Diving donated to conservation since 2019?
Galapagos Shark Diving’s total donations since 2019 exceed USD 112,000.
As tourism continues to play a role in the Galápagos Islands, how can operators best balance economic benefits with the need to protect this unique environment?
