Renowned for being the world's largest fish, whale sharks are perhaps one of the most curious creatures in the open ocean. Growing up to forty feet (12 metres, or the size of a bus!) and weighing up to 20 tonnes with beautiful polka-dot skin, whale sharks are simply magnificent. However, you need not be intimidated by this species of shark, as they are completely harmless and docile, filter feeding on plankton, small fish and krill!
Preferring warmer waters, the Indian Ocean provides one of the best locations in which to witness this graceful giant and participate in a one-of-a-kind whale shark conservation project. Our whale shark projects offer truly unique experiences, as not only will you be able to get up close and personal with these sharks – measuring and identifying them – but you will also come to recognise them individually as you continually carry out research that will help us to better understand these elusive fish, and therefore help to devise appropriate strategies to aid whale shark conservation.
What better way to explore idyllic destinations such as the Maldives and Mafia Island than by joining a Whale Shark Conservation Project?
Join this unique whale shark internship project on the stunning Mafia Island in Tanzania.
Work towards integral marine conservation in one of the most marine-rich locations on Earth.
Read about the ultimate tale of female empowerment, from our wonderful team at Mafia Island!
To celebrate our latest flash sale (30% off, valid until the end of September), discover what it means to be a whale shark conversationalist...by putting yourself in the shoes of one of our very own volunteers!
Simone is one of our most experienced volunteers, and she is currently planning her 6th trip with us! Today though, why not take a look at the blog she wrote all about her time on Mafia Island, diving amongst the incredible whale sharks. It really is worth the read, so what are you waiting for?
It is International Whale Shark Day today, so take a look...
One of our volunteers kindly wrote us a review of her...
Whale sharks are highly valued on international black markets for their meat, fins and oil, and this means that they are becoming a species targeted by poachers.
There is such little information about whale shark populations that it's hard to determine their status. However, what is gathered from data that is available, we know that whale shark conservation efforts are desperately needed.
If things continue as they are at the moment, the whale shark is at risk of becoming extinct, and we would lose one of the world’s most gentle giants.
Due to their size, whale sharks have very few, if any natural predators and threats in the wild, but problems begin to occur for them when humans get involved.
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