Award-winning dive operator funds whale shark satellite tagging, supports girls in science, and gives divers a direct role in ocean conservation.
PUERTA AYORA, GALAPAGOS, GERMANY, February 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Galapagos Shark Diving, a conservation-focused dive travel operator, has donated USD 31,523.40 in 2025 to marine conservation initiatives in the Galápagos Islands, directly supporting whale shark research and ocean education for young girls. As part of this commitment, the company has launched the “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest”, allowing participating citizen science divers to name newly tagged whale sharks in recognition of their contribution to research.
The donations were allocated to two key initiatives.
USD 29,311.06 was donated to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP), supporting whale shark monitoring, photo-identification, satellite tagging, and data analysis.
USD 2,212.34 was donated to Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club), an educational science program empowering girls aged 8–12 in the Galápagos Islands.
With this contribution, Galapagos Shark Diving’s total donations since 2019 now exceed USD 112,000, all generated through conservation-driven dive tourism.
Citizen Science Divers Help Tag and Name Whale Sharks
The Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest is open exclusively to divers who joined Galapagos Shark Diving’s Citizen Science Dive Expeditions in 2025. While all guests traveling with the company contribute to shark research funding, only Citizen Science participants are eligible to submit a name.
Each eligible diver submits one name, and winners are drawn at the end of the year. The number of whale sharks that can be named depends directly on the funding raised, as each satellite tag, including satellite time, represents a significant research investment.
Thanks to the 2025 donation total, six satellite tags have been funded, allowing six whale sharks to be officially named during upcoming research expeditions.
The selected whale shark names for 2025 are Chri, Isabella, Paula, Tayla, Sakura, and Olivia.
Once tagging is completed, each shark will be officially registered by the Galapagos Whale Shark Project in Sharkbook.ai, the international whale shark database used by researchers worldwide.
Supporting Long-Term Whale Shark Research
Galapagos Shark Diving has been a donation-based supporter of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project since 2019. All shark scientists joining the company’s Citizen Science Expeditions are active researchers from the project, ensuring guests are directly involved in current scientific work.
Funds support whale shark satellite tagging, long-term movement and migration monitoring, photo-identification databases, field research logistics, and data analysis.
By combining tourism with research participation, divers contribute directly to expanding scientific knowledge about one of the ocean’s most iconic species.
Investing in the Next Generation: Chicas con Agallas (Gill’s Club)
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 expansion planned to Floreana.
The program empowers girls aged 8–12 through hands-on scientific training, field research exposure, and mentorship by 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 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
In recognition of its work, Galapagos Shark Diving received two major international awards in 2025.
The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025 places the company in the top 10 percent of experiences worldwide, based on reviews from millions of travelers.
The Prestige Awards 2024/25 named Galapagos Shark Diving Scuba Diving Centre of the Year for Ecuador and Latin America, recognizing the company’s integration of exploration, education, and sustainability.
Judges highlighted the company’s small-group expeditions, direct involvement in scientific research, and strong sustainability practices, including responsible sourcing and conservation funding.
A Model for Purpose-Driven Dive Tourism
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 how tourism can actively support marine conservation rather than simply observe it.
Jenny Green
Galapagos Shark Diving
+593 99 966 7219
info@galapagossharkdiving.com
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Name a Whale Shark | How Divers Funded 6 Satellite-Tagged Whale Sharks in the Galápagos
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