Swim with whale sharks

Science Days

Join us for a day at sea

*NEW IN 2024*

 

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

This year, we are finally launching our day trips, in partnership with our long-term partners Baleines Rand’eau.

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
• 14:00: Picnic at sea on the boat
• 15h30: Return to Nosy Be

 

Price per person: 150€, depending on availability. Small groups only. Private bookings available.

Science Weeks

16.11.24–23.11.24 & 23.11.24–30.11.24

 

After a great first edition, we are running own whale shark science trip, where we will provide unique expertise and insights into our daily work. Join us for a week of dedicated research trips with our founder Stella Diamant and collaborator Dr. Clare Prebble from Marine Megafauna Fondation and learn more about whale shark science and conservation, while staying in a beautiful villa and 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.

 

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
• 5 days at sea with the dream team: expert captain, guide, our founder and staff
• Accommodation in a shared private villa
• Breakfast, lunches and snacks (except on your free day)
• Airport transfers
• Photographs from your trips

 

Price per person: 1500€. A single supplement applies.

Freediving X Science

28.09.24-05.10.24 & 02.11.24-09.11.24

 

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
• Airport transfers
• Water & lunch on board
• Entrance fees to Tanikely Marine Reserve
• Freediving equipment if required

 

Price per person: 1100€.

Disclaimer

The success of our research activities can never be guaranteed, and will depend above all on the whale sharks, which, we remind you, are free and wild animals. Swimming with whale sharks will always be done in compliance with the code of conduct.

Your participation to our trips directly supports our work.