PADI Thresher Sharks – 2x Shark Conservation Dives on Malapascua Island
Two dedicated thresher shark conservation dives at Monad Shoal, contributing directly to the ongoing population monitoring programme for thresher sharks on Malapascua. These dives are part of the citizen science effort run in collaboration with the Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Project — real fieldwork, not just a dive.
Learn to dive in paradise
What’s Involved
Two early-morning guided dives at Monad Shoal with a structured data collection component. You’ll observe, identify, and record individual thresher sharks using photographic ID techniques alongside your dive guide.
- 2 conservation dives at Monad Shoal
- Early morning departures (approx. 5am)
- Data collection and photo ID contribution
- Dive briefing and conservation orientation included
Course Overview
The programme has three parts:
Conservation Briefing
An introduction to the Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Project — its goals, methodology, and what you’ll be contributing. Covers how individual sharks are identified from photos and how the data is used to track population trends.
Dive Briefing and Etiquette
Your dive guide briefs the group on responsible behaviour at the cleaning station, camera use, approach distances, and how to collect useful sighting data without disturbing the sharks or the cleaning station environment.
Conservation Dives
Two dives at Monad Shoal using structured observation protocols. You’ll record sightings, take or assist with photo identification shots, and contribute usable data to the shark monitoring database. Thresher shark encounters are frequent at this site in the early morning.
Equipment
Standard scuba equipment is provided. An underwater camera is useful for photo ID work but not required — your dive guide will handle the primary data collection photography.
Nitrox is recommended for repeat dives at Monad Shoal to extend bottom time at 20–30m depth. Ask about Nitrox availability when booking.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) required. Minimum age is 10. Advanced Open Water or equivalent is recommended given the dive depths at Monad Shoal (up to 30m).
Download medical exam formYour Instructors
Thresher Shark Divers has been involved in shark conservation monitoring at Monad Shoal for years. Every conservation dive directly supports the ongoing research effort and helps build the long-term dataset for this shark population.
PADI Thresher Shark Diver Specialty
If you want to formalise your involvement with the thresher shark dives, the PADI Thresher Shark Diver Specialty course includes the full conservation and biology training alongside four dedicated specialty dives.
Conservation dive participants may request a contribution certificate for their PADI dive log records.
Combine Dives
The two conservation dives can be combined with additional thresher shark dives, the PADI Thresher Shark Diver Specialty, or other dive courses during your stay. Ask about multi-day packages that incorporate conservation alongside certification training.
Inquire about this course
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