Bull Shark Aggregation on the Costa Maya, Mexican Caribbean

Embark on an unforgettable adventure by joining our research expedition in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where female bull sharks arrive each year to reproduce.

Each year, pregnant bull sharks gather in the warm waters off Playa del Carmen before giving birth to their pups. Working alongside local experts, you’ll use cutting-edge monitoring technologies, photography, and videography to identify and study these formidable “jaguars of the sea.”

Through photo identification and video documentation, your citizen science contributions will help improve understanding of bull shark residency, migration, and reproductive behaviors—supporting local and international conservation efforts. You’ll also have the opportunity to refine your biological monitoring and underwater photography skills in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning marine environments.

Immerse yourself in the following scientific techniques:

• Species ID: Identifying marine megafauna, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and piscivorous fishes, is a crucial aspect of assessing the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. This involves recognizing various species through specific physical characteristics and behaviors, and provides vital data for conservation efforts. Accurate species identification helps scientists monitor population trends, understand ecological roles, and evaluate the health of marine habitats.

• Underwater Visual Surveys (UVCs): During our Bull Shark dives in Playa del Carmen, we will use photo and video to help identify species and individual Bull Sharks. We will also be involved in the collection and analysis of samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA). This data allows us to record Bull Sharks in the habitat, which slough skin and mucus unseen through general observation.

• Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs): These ingenious underwater camera traps offer a glimpse into the world hidden beneath the waves. They are a crucial element in the assessment of shark abundance, diversity, and distribution, alongside other mesmerizing marine species attracted to the bait. You will have the opportunity to set up and retrieve the cameras for data review.

Volunteer with purpose and join us on this unparalleled Expedition, where each moment promises discovery, adventure, and a profound connection with the mesmerizing world beneath the waves.