Swim with whale sharks

Benefit from our expertise and witness science in action

We are not a tourism operator. As a small foundation, we choose to welcome tourists on board to raise awareness about the reality of scientific research and its essential role in the conservation of endangered species such as whale sharks.

We do not guarantee any encounters, nor the realisation of our activities. Whale sharks are free and wild animals, Swimming with them will always be done in compliance with the code of conduct. We take our time, and try our best to provide unforgettable encounters while we carry out out our research. This unique experience means you can directly witness scientific research in action, as well as interact with our team members, including our Malagasy students.

Your participation directly supports our work and our actions to protect whale sharks in Madagascar.

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Science Days

Join us for a day at sea

Want to join us for a day at sea, and discover how a scientific program works on a daily basis?

On a dedicated research boat, you will be accompanied by our founder Stella Diamant, as well as the rest of the science team, such as our Malagasy students and scientific partners. We leave with our picnic to be able to adapt to the animals and stay longer at sea!

 

Program:

  • 8:30: Departure from Nosy Be and briefing on board
  • 8.30 -14.00: Morning at sea to encounter whale sharks and collect data such as photo identification, biopsies, deployment of acoustic and/or satellite tags, collection of prey samples, marine megafauna data collection
  • 12:00: Picnic at sea on the boat
  • 14:00 Return to Nosy Be

 

Price per person: 150€, depending on availability. Maximum 8 people. Private bookings available.

 These trips are run thanks to our long-term partners Baleines Rand’eau.

I want to book a science day!

Science Week

1-9 November 2025

 

For the third year, we are running our own whale shark science week, where we provide unique expertise and insights into our daily work. Join us for a week of dedicated research trips with our founder Stella Diamant and science team, and learn more about whale shark science and conservation, while swimming with whale sharks every day. You will also have the opportunity to participate in data collection, and your participation in this trip will support our work directly.

Space is limited to 6 people. This trip is run in partnership with travel agency Whisper & Wild.

 

Prerequisites:

  • Be comfortable snorkelling and be able to swim 200 meters with fins
  • Be able to spend several hours on a boat in the open sea
  • 18 years old minimum
  • Medical certificate confirming ability to travel to a remote location and freedive
  • Full repatriation insurance
  • Interest in scientific research and whale shark conservation
  • Adaptability, enthusiasm and humour are strongly required!

 

What we offer:

  • A unique insight into a global scientific programme
  • A freediving training session
  • 6 days at sea with the dream team onboard our research boat
  • Accommodation in a private room included
  • Lunches and snacks (except on your free day)
  • Photographs from your trips

 

Price and brochure upon request.

I want the full brochure!

Freediving X Science

22-29 November 2025

 

This trip is run in partnership with local freediving school Freedive Nosy Be, and is designed for nature lovers who wish to improve their freediving skills (depth and exploration) while diving into the the daily life of a scientific program dedicated to whale sharks.

Every day you will have a freediving session first, then head out to swim with whale sharks. You will also have the opportunity to participate in data collection, and your participation in this trip will support our work directly. You will also be able to undertake SSI freediving certifications.

Space is limited to 8 people.

 

Prerequisites:

  • Be comfortable snorkelling and able to swim 200 meters with fins
  • Ability to spend several hours on a boat in the open ocean
  • 18 years old minimum
  • Have a freediving insurance (DAN, Lafont…)
  • The desire to learn more about freediving and progress
  • Interest in scientific research and whale shark conservation

 

What we offer:

  • 5 days at sea
  • Presentations and scientific expertise
  • Personalised freediving coaching
  • Water & lunch on board
  • Freediving equipment if required

 

Price and brochure upon request.

Please not accommodation and airport transfers are not included.

I want the full brochure !

Anything else?

We can accommodate private bookings or itineraries on our research boat. Just contact us directly.