Study sharks with Galápagos Shark Diving Citizen Science Expeditions
JAWS made many of us afraid to get in the water, but just a few years after writing the iconic horror story, Peter Benchley realized just how important sharks are to the world’s oceans and spent the rest of his life campaigning for shark conservation. JAWS might have been a cinematic masterpiece, but it represents sharks as accurately as King Kong represents gorillas!
With JAWS 50 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to change the narrative and become a shark ambassador yourself.
The team at Galápagos Shark Diving believes that every diver has the power to make a difference. More than just an adventure, these expeditions offer a chance to directly contribute to marine conservation and shark research. Diving in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, one of the world’s last remaining shark strongholds, is not only an unforgettable experience but a way to support critical scientific efforts that help protect these apex predators.
Sharks play an essential role in maintaining ocean ecosystems. However, with populations declining due to illegal fishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction, their survival is at risk. The Galápagos Marine Reserve is home to up to 34 reported shark species, including silky sharks, Galápagos sharks, blacktip sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and whitetip reef sharks. Despite its protected status, the reserve faces ongoing threats such as illegal longlining, which kills thousands of sharks, rays, turtles, and marine mammals annually. Climate change and increasing human activity further endanger this fragile ecosystem.
Booking a dive expedition with Galápagos Shark Diving means becoming an active participant in shark conservation rather than just an observer. Unlike most tour operators, Galápagos Shark Diving donates up to 80% of its profits and a fixed amount per diver to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project, making it one of the research project’s most significant contributors.
"At Galapagos Shark Diving, we believe every diver can be a force for good. Our expeditions go beyond exploration—they are designed to provide a deeper understanding of shark conservation and marine research. By joining our Citizen Science Dive Expeditions, you’ll not only witness breathtaking marine life but also help collect valuable data used in ongoing conservation studies. Whether it’s recording whale shark movements, taking ID photos of individual sharks, or observing behavioral patterns, every dive contributes to the long-term protection of these species. The ocean needs its sharks, and together, we can help ensure their survival for generations to come."
Follow in the footsteps of JAWS author Peter Benchley and be part of real conservation efforts - dive with purpose by joining Galapagos Shark Diving.
By joining a Citizen Science Dive Expedition, you will gain an exclusive opportunity to engage with renowned marine biologists and shark conservationists. Each expedition is accompanied by scientists actively working on shark research in the Galápagos, providing insights into ongoing studies on shark populations, habitat use, and migration patterns. Unlike traditional dive tours, these expeditions are structured around real conservation objectives, ensuring that your participation has a direct impact on shark protection initiatives.
This hands-on experience allows divers to contribute to scientific data collection, from documenting individual sharks through photo ID projects to assisting in observational research that helps shape marine protection policies. With every dive, you’ll be part of a larger movement to protect one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
Shark conservation starts before you even enter the water. Choosing the right dive operator is essential to ensuring your experience actively supports marine protection rather than harming fragile ecosystems. Galapagos Shark Diving is committed to real conservation efforts, working closely with scientists, conservation groups, and local sustainable fisheries to create lasting impact beyond eco-tourism labels.
Small decisions like choosing a responsible dive operator lead to big change. Sharing knowledge, making informed purchases, and supporting marine research projects all contribute to protecting sharks and our oceans.
Just as JAWS is about more than just a shark, Galapagos Shark Diving is about more than just diving—it’s about contributing to something bigger. Whether you’ve always dreamed of diving with sharks, helping to preserve ocean ecosystems, or even following in Peter Benchley’s footsteps as a shark conservationist, this is the most meaningful place to start.
Galapagos Shark Diving is now open for bookings.
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