Forget that time you cheered when Ian Ziering chainsawed his way out of a shark’s stomach in Sharknado.
Apex predators? Sure. But sharks are having a tough go of it. The entire species is endangered due to overfishing for their fins. Over 100 million are killed annually. Plus, in general sharks suffer from insufficient monitoring and surveillance, which means marine biologists struggle to keep track of populations in fisheries and the wild.
One place we know for sure that’s home to sharks in need of protection is The Exumas, a series of 365 white-sand cays in The Bahamas. Thanks to an adventure hosted by Grand Isle Resort & Spa, you can now play a part in the important process of tagging sharks.
Grand Isle is hosting the initiative in concert with marine biologists from NGO Beneath the Waves. You’ll set off on a one-day “hunt” for tiger, reef, nurse and hammerhead sharks, which you’ll catch and tag with satellite monitors and tracking devices, then release with the help of some on-ship experts. Said experts will also have to document some scientific data, namely measurements and small tissue samples, so be prepared to help with that, too. (Or stand in the back and observe the whole affair, it’s up to you.)
We’ve made little secret of our love of sustainable adventures. Living it up on vacation and contributing something positive to the planet is a new, joyous reality, if you know where to go and what groups to trust. All the better, too, that this program destigmatizes a creature generally portrayed as a blood-crazed villian.
A word on booking: you’ll need to either be staying at Grand Isle or another resort in The Exumas. We’d recommend staying at the resort, though, for ease of transport and because registration for this program has gotten crazy exclusive. (The resort has spotless villas and was featured on The Bachelor — you’ll be fine.) The trip itself will cost you $500, but every cent goes straight to Beneath the Waves, to aid more ocean and marine life conservation efforts.
To request an excursion (the next scheduled trips take place the week of Feb. 20-24), head here.
All images via Grand Isle Resort
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