Learn More About The Shark Species Found On Our Brand-New Project!

Learn More About The Shark Species Found On Our Brand-New Project!

Posted by Leanne Sturrock on 6th Feb 2017

Following last week’s launch of our new Shark Research And Conservation Project, we thought it wise to explain a little more about the marvellous species that can be found in the waters at Baja Calfornia Sur, Mexico. While you may be lucky enough to spot such creatures as mobula rays, whales, sea lions and dolphins whilst on your adventures, the project provides volunteers with the opportunity to get up close and personal with some seriously amazing shark species. Allow us to tell you more…

Behold…Bull Sharks

bull shark

Instantly recognisable by their stout appearance, dark tops and white underbellies, bull sharks are just one of the species that you’ll be working with on this project. Bull sharks prefer shallow, coastal waters and are really quite solitary creatures, rarely spending time in groups except to mate. This species of shark is somewhat threatened, being more at risk of pollution and habitat degradation (as well as being more open to threat due to their coastal habitats), and it’s for this reason that the people of Baja California Sur go to great lengths to protect the species.

Cabo Pulmo National Park is a key example of how conservation efforts have helped this species to thrive – after being close to the brink of destruction, Baja’s people and their government put plans into place to ban fishing activities in the park, in the hopes of protecting this fascinating species. As part of the trip, volunteers will of course visit Cabo Pulmo National Park, where they will perform basic shark population census during SCUBA surveys. Behavioural information will also be collected here, which will allow studies to continue in the area, as well as providing an agreeable location for bull shark populations to thrive.

Witness…Whale Sharks

whale shark

Known to many as the gentle giants of the ocean, whale sharks are the largest of all shark (and fish!) species. Indeed, these creatures are incredibly amiable, posing limited threat to humans and filter-feeding on tiny morsels, such as plankton, fish eggs and larvae. It’s quite amazing that these marine mammoths are of any size at all, isn’t it!

While on the project, volunteers will carry out several non-invasive fieldwork protocols, performing photo-ID sessions and size-estimation surveys when snorkeling along the whale sharks. In addition to this, water and tissue sampling may be conducted (though this is not a confirmed part of your trip, and rather will be done wherever possible.)

Take A Peep At…Pelagic Species

blue shark

Finally, let’s talk about the pelagic species found at this project! The term ‘pelagic’ refers to sharks that live in the open waters of seas and oceans, inhabiting temperate and tropical waters and migrating when necessary. Species of shark that fit this category include makos, blue sharks, hammerheads and silky sharks; and volunteers can look forward to performing basic shark census surveys: counting the number of each particular species; identifying all species present at the dive; collecting behavioural data; and even creating a bond with the sharks that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. On top of the important conservation efforts that this trip provides, what more reason do you need to check out volunteering with sharks?


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...

International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation

International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day, as we...

The Celebration Of World Wildlife Day 2023

The Celebration Of World Wildlife Day 2023

The 3rd of March is an opportunity to celebrate the...

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

1-year-old baby orangutan, Iqo, has been freed from illegal...

Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022

Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022

After 2 difficult years, we finally welcomed volunteers...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987