Learn the Truth About Sharks — and Why the Ocean Needs Them

Underwater research frame used to collect shark population data during marine conservation surveys at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.
Blacktip reef shark swimming above coral reef during shark monitoring research dives at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.
Instructor explaining shark monitoring research methods during classroom training at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

A 1-day course designed to change the way you see sharks. Through interactive theory and guided snorkeling, you’ll explore their ecology, behavior, and vital role in keeping coral reef ecosystems balanced.

Learn how to identify species, collect population data, and help protect one of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures.

Sharks are not the villains of the sea — they are its protectors.

Through this Shark Ecology & Population Studies course, you’ll gain a scientific understanding of shark behavior, learn about their population trends around Koh Tao, and discover how crucial they are to maintaining healthy reef ecosystems.

You’ll start with a classroom presentation covering shark biology, feeding strategies, and conservation challenges, followed by a guided snorkel at Aow Leuk — one of the best spots in Thailand to observe juvenile blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat.

What you’ll learn:

  • Identify the main shark species found in the Gulf of Thailand.
  • Understand shark ecology, behavior, migration, and reproduction.
  • Learn about global and local shark conservation efforts and population decline.
  • Collect and analyze real observation data using a combination of roving diver surveys and Remote Underwater Video (RUV) systems — a non-intrusive approach to monitor shark populations over time.
  • Contribute your findings to long-term shark monitoring projects focused on assessing the impact of tourism on nursery habitats and supporting sustainable management across Thailand.

This program is ideal if you want to:

  • Experience sharks safely in their natural habitat and learn how to observe them responsibly
  • Build a solid foundation in shark ecology and conservation before advancing into research or diving programs
  • Contribute real data to local shark population studies and ongoing conservation efforts
  • Deepen your understanding of marine ecosystems by combining this course with Sea Turtle Ecology, Coral Watch, or Marine Plastics Monitoring
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WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Sharks are essential to the health of marine ecosystems — yet millions are killed each year due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and fear-driven misinformation.

By joining our Shark Ecology & Population Studies course, you’ll not only learn the facts about sharks but also become part of the growing global movement working to protect them.

Your data and observations directly support ongoing shark monitoring projects across Thailand, conducted in collaboration with other marine conservation organizations. Together, we study the impact of tourism on shark nursery habitats to better understand population dynamics and promote responsible, science-based ocean management.

price

6,000 THB

DURATION

1 day

classes

1 class

DIVES

1 snorkel

CERTIFICATION

Conservation Diver

LEVEL REQUIRED

None
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* Not a diver yet? No problem! You can start your journey by learning to dive with us.
Our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses are the perfect first step before joining our marine conservation programs.

START WITH A DIVING COURSE

Course Overview

This 1-day course combines engaging theory and a hands-on snorkel survey to help you learn, observe, and protect sharks responsibly.

Sharks

Day 1
Morning 09:00 Study time/e-Learning
Lunch
Afternoon 13:00 Sharks Lecture
15:00 Sharks Survey - Snorkel
Evening 17:00 Debrief

* Please note that the following schedule is indicative and may vary.
* Exact times for each session and dive will be confirmed before the course begins.

Classroom Session

Shark Ecology & Conservation Presentation

Your instructor will guide you through the biology, behavior, and evolutionary adaptations of sharks. You’ll explore how different species — from reef sharks to whale sharks — fit into the marine food web and maintain the balance of ocean life. You’ll also discuss key conservation threats such as finning, bycatch, and loss of habitat.

Field Session (Snorkel Survey)

Guided Shark Observation Snorkel

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Aow Leuk, one of Koh Tao’s most iconic shark nursery habitats. Before diving in, you’ll help prepare the survey equipment and set up our Remote Underwater Video (RUV) system — the same non-intrusive method used by marine researchers to monitor shark populations.

Once in the water, you’ll conduct roving diver surveys, recording sightings of blacktip reef sharks and other key species for the study. You’ll learn how to collect high-quality ecological data, observe sharks ethically from a safe distance, and recognize the behaviors that indicate healthy reef ecosystems.

This experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness these incredible predators in their natural environment while directly contributing to research assessing the impact of tourism on shark nurseries in Thailand.

By the end of the course, you’ll not only gain a deeper appreciation for sharks and their role in reef ecosystems — you’ll also develop the practical skills and confidence to participate in real shark monitoring and conservation projects around the world.

Contact us
Price:
6,000 ฿
BOOK NOW
Includes:
  • Conservation Diver E-Learning
  • 1 class
  • 1 Guided snorkel survey
  • Conservation Diver Certification
  • Snorkel equipment & dive computer
  • Dive insurance

Testimonials 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Chee yen Wong 
 
1 days ago
 
 
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+1
This dive shop is highly recommended!
The diving guide Isbella is very professional, enthusiastic and patient in explaining everything.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 matthias p 
 
1 days ago
 
 
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Ich war jetzt bereits zum wiederholten Male tauchen bei Black Turtle Dive und bin begeistert. Der Service, die Hilfsbereitschaft & Professionalität sind überragend!

Vor allem meine Fun Dives mit den Dive Master Nils und Hailey waren perfekt.

Danke für diese tolle Erfahrung!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Amy Burnett 
 
2 days ago
 
 
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If you’re looking to complete your PADI open water course, I could not recommend Black Turtle Dive more. We completed the 3 day course. Learnt so much about the ocean and the safety behind diving, that we can take forward to any future dives.
Our instructors Jaa and Arisa were so encouraging and patient when it came to learning new skills.
As well as the incredible dive locations they take you too.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Zoe Clark 
 
2 days ago
 
 
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If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The staff were so friendly and welcoming as soon as we stepped through the door.
Our instructors were more than perfect Jaa and arisa. Could not recommend them more. Hope to dive with them again sometime. Highly recommend
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Alya F 
 
3 days ago
 
 
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Ich durfte meinen Open Water Diver hier absolvieren und war wirklich sehr zufrieden. Meine Tauchlehrerin war Nadine, sie ist wirklich mega super! Ich habe mich in der Ausbildung immer sehr wohl und verstanden gefühlt. Sie hat mich immer mit viel Geduld und Passion in meinem Lernprozess begleitet, VIELEN DANK Nadine!
Ich schätze generell bei Black Turtle die Professionalität und Hilfsbereitschaft sehr! Man merkt das sie viel Leidenschaft im Tauchen leben (das ganze Team) und ihnen Sicherheit beim Tauchen sehr wichtig ist. Ich habe mich vom Empfang bis zur letzen Ausbildungseinheit gut betreut und beraten gefühlt. Komme gerne wieder 🤟🏼
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Federico Bertorello 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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Hice el curso de open water, la atención de las chicas 10! Mi instructora Rhi excelente!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Toby profile picture 
 
 
 Toby 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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If your looking for low cost, high quality dive school to do your scuba open waters and/or more through, black turtle is the place to go.  Ask around for an instructor named Naim and a soon-to-be instructor named Annie.  They were great company and even better instructors.  Strongly recommend.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Miriam schlenker 
 
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 Michael Clarke profile picture 
 
 
 Michael Clarke 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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Chae was awesome. Super patient and helpful with the refresher course we did together.

I had some serious trouble equalising and he kept me calm, was really understanding, and managed to get me down for two great experiences.

Totally recommend him and the whole staff.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mats Lory 
 
5 days ago
 
 
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Amazing dive center, super professional and chill people!
Marine conservation team conducting a shark population survey while snorkeling in Koh Tao, Thailand, as part of the Shark Monitoring program.

Keep Learning After Your Shark Ecology Course

Many students combine the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course with other 1-day programs like Sea Turtle Ecology, Coral Watch, or Marine Plastics Monitoring.

If you’re an Advanced Open Water diver, you can also join our Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) or the 1 week Core Conservationist or the 2 weeks Conservation Specialist Program.

This allows you to build a personalized path — connecting your interest in sharks with broader marine science and conservation training.

Scuba diver conducting an ecological monitoring survey along a transect line during the EMP marine conservation course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

Prerequisites: AOW

The Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) introduces reef survey methods and scientific diving techniques. You’ll learn to assess fish, invertebrates, substrate, and coral health, and report your findings to an international database.

4 days 6 dives 11,900 ฿
Close-up photo of branching coral polyps used in the Coral Taxonomy I course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Learn to identify coral species based on skeletal and anatomical characteristics, both on land and underwater.

This course builds essential skills for research, restoration, and monitoring projects.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Sea slug (Costasiella sp.) photographed during the Sea Slug Ecology course at Black Turtle Conservation, exploring nudibranch identification and behavior in Koh Tao, Thailand.

NUDIBRANCH & SEA SLUG ECOLOGY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Dive into the world of nudibranchs and sea slugs, key indicators of reef biodiversity and water quality. You’ll explore their taxonomy and ecology while participating in an ongoing research project at Black Turtle Conservation.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Diver restoring corals by attaching fragments on artificial reef structures during the Coral Restoration course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL RESTORATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Explore the science behind coral restoration.

You'll learn about restoration strategies, site selection, coral health assessment, and attachment methods.

1 day 2 dives 8,000 ฿
Marine conservation divers assembling artificial reef modules underwater during the Artificial Reefs course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

ARTIFICIAL REEF THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Restoration

Artificial reefs help restore damaged habitats and provide alternative dive sites. You’ll explore the science behind their design and even create your own reef project as a classroom exercise.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), a major coral predator, documented during the Coral Predators course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL PREDATORS: POPULATION MANAGEMENT & MONITORING

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Identify and monitor coral predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, and understand their impact on reef health.

This course teaches practical techniques for population control and long-term reef protection.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Detailed macro image of coral polyps used in the Advanced Coral Taxonomy course to teach species-level identification with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

ADVANCED CORAL TAXONOMY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Expand your coral identification skills by learning to recognize more challenging and rare genera.

This course deepens your knowledge of skeletal and anatomical traits, strengthening your abilities for advanced research and monitoring.

2 days 4 dives 10,000 ฿
Bleached coral branch showing disease patterns used for training during the Coral Disease course at Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL DISEASES & COMPROMISED HEALTH

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Discover how to identify and record common coral diseases and signs of stress in reef ecosystems.

This course equips you with the skills to assess reef health and contribute valuable data to monitoring efforts.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Green sea turtle resting on a coral reef while snorkelers observe from the surface during the Sea Turtle Ecology and Identification course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

ADVANCED EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy + Coral Disease + 3 Monitoring Courses

Gain experience using additional monitoring techniques, including quadrants, transects, and advanced survey methods. This course enhances your ability to collect accurate data and analyze long-term changes in reef ecosystems.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Scientific diver performing advanced coral reef monitoring using quadrats during the Advanced Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY & MONITORING

Learn about the ecology, behavior and threats facing sea turtles, all of which are endangered. Develop skills in turtle ID and data collection, allowing you to contribute to real conservation initiatives by recording sightings to support ongoing monitoring efforts in Koh Tao and internationally.

1 day 1 snorkel 6,000 ฿
Group of marine conservation divers studying shark behavior and population ecology during the Shark Ecology course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

SHARK ECOLOGY & POPULATION STUDIES

Sharks play a crucial role as apex predators, yet many species are now critically endangered. Explore their evolution, anatomy, and ecological role. Learn population monitoring techniques and how to contribute to local and global shark databases to aid conservation efforts.

1 day 1 snorkel 6,000 ฿
Coral Watch coral health chart being used to assess coral bleaching levels during the Coral Watch course with Black Turtle Conservation on Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL WATCH SPECIALITY

Learn how to assess coral health and contribute to a global monitoring effort using a powerful method developed by CoralWatch and supported by PADI AWARE. Gain insight into coral biology, bleaching, and climate change, while participating in real reef surveys.

1 day 1 snorkel or 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Students conducting a beach microplastic survey using quadrats during the Plastic Pollution Monitoring & Assessment course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

PLASTIC POLLUTION: MONITORING & ASSESSMENT

Learn about the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean. Gain hands-on experience monitoring microplastics and help protect reef ecosystems by removing macroplastics.

1 day 1 beach clean up, 1 snorkel or 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Open Water Diver training session in clear tropical waters, ideal conditions for learning safe and controlled scuba diving in Koh Tao.

3 DAY PADI OPEN WATER DIVER

3 days 5 Confined Dives, 4 Ocean Dives 12,950 ฿
Advanced Open Water Diver training with a strong focus on safety, control, and relaxed diving techniques in Koh Tao, Thailand.

PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

2 days 5 Adventure Dives in the Ocean 11,900 ฿
Rescue Diver student practicing underwater emergency response skills and regulator management in a controlled training environment in Koh Tao.

PADI RESCUE DIVER + EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE (EFR)

3-4 days Focus: Self-rescue diver assistance, emergency management 18,000 ฿
Contact us

Grow Your Skills with Our Conservation Programs

All our marine conservation programs begin with the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), providing a solid foundation in scientific diving and hands-on conservation.

From there, you can continue learning through our carefully designed programs, which follow a progression we’ve developed to maximize learning and practical experience. Each course builds on the last, helping you
develop your skills step by step while contributing to meaningful conservation projects.

Whether your goal is to specialize in coral restoration, turtle research, or broader reef monitoring, our programs guide you along a clear path, so you can grow as a marine conservationist while enjoying every step of the journey.

Marine conservation students conducting coral reef surveys during the Core Conservationist one-week program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy
1 week 19,900 ฿
Two marine conservation divers collecting coral reef monitoring data underwater during the Conservation Specialist two-week program at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy
  • Sea turtles
  • BTD Sea slugs
2 weeks 33,000 ฿
Diver inspecting coral restoration structures during the Reef Conservationist four-week program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTC Marine Pollution
+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿
Marine conservation divers conducting advanced ecological monitoring surveys during the Master Conservationist six-week program at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks
+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿
Marine scientists and conservation divers conducting long-term reef monitoring and research as part of the Scientific Diver eight-week program with Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP
+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿

Learning Pathway

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →

courses

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
  • Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring
  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Shark Ecology & Population Studies
  • Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Coral Taxonomy & Identification
    • Advanced Coral Taxonomy
    • Coral Disease Monitoring
  • Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology
  • Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
    • Artificial Reefs Theory
  • Coral Predators Monitoring & Mgmt
Advanced
EMP

programs

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
3 days

CITIZEN SCIENCE

  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Citizen Science Initiatives
  • Marine Ecology

This infographic shows the progression of the different marine conservation courses and programs we offer at Black Turtle Conservation.

Developed in collaboration with Conservation Diver, PADI AWARE, and our own in-house certifications, these courses and programs provide hands-on opportunities to learn, dive, and actively contribute to real conservation and research efforts.

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
1 week

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I
2 weeks

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I & II
  • Sea Turtles
  • BTD Sea Slugs
+ 2 weeks

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTD Marine Pollution
+ 2 weeks

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks
+ 2 weeks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP

pro

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Dive Master Required

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
COURSE (IDC)

EMP
INSTRUCTOR

EMP

SPECIALITY
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥5 courses

MASTER
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥10 courses

INSTRUCTOR
TRAINER

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →
Contact us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course on Koh Tao?

The Shark Ecology & Population Studies course is a 1-day marine conservation experience that teaches you how to identify, observe, and understand shark behavior. You’ll learn the fundamentals of shark ecology and conservation through a classroom presentation and a guided snorkel with blacktip reef sharks in their natural environment.

Do I need to be a scuba diver to take the Shark Ecology course?

No — you don’t need any diving certification. The Shark Ecology & Population Studies course is open to everyone and takes place while snorkeling, making it ideal for beginners, ocean lovers, and families interested in shark conservation.

Where will we see sharks during the Shark Ecology course?

The practical part of the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course takes place at Aow Leuk, one of Koh Tao’s most famous locations for blacktip reef shark sightings. This sheltered bay is a nursery area where juvenile sharks can often be seen swimming in the shallows.

What will I learn in the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course?

In the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course you’ll learn to:

  • Identify the main shark species found in the Gulf of Thailand, including blacktip reef sharks and other key predators.
  • Understand shark ecology, feeding behavior, and life cycles — from nursery grounds to adult habitats.
  • Recognize major threats such as overfishing, finning, habitat degradation, and the impact of tourism on shark populations.
  • Collect and analyze population data using both roving diver surveys and Remote Underwater Video (RUV) systems — real research techniques used by marine scientists to monitor shark activity and abundance over time.
  • Contribute to ongoing shark population studies and conservation efforts in collaboration with other marine research organizations in Thailand.

By the end of the course, you’ll gain a scientific understanding of shark ecology, a practical foundation in marine research methods, and a deeper appreciation for the essential role these species play in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems.

How long does the Shark Ecology course take?

The Shark Ecology & Population Studies course takes one afternoon, combining an educational presentation with a guided snorkel survey in Aow Leuk.

What is the price of the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course on Koh Tao?

The Shark Ecology & Population Studies course costs 6,000 THB and includes e-learning, theory, snorkel survey, certification, snorkeling equipment, and insurance. Everything you need for an unforgettable shark conservation experience in Thailand.

Can I combine the Shark Ecology course with other marine conservation courses?

Yes! Many students combine Shark Ecology with our Sea Turtle Ecology, Coral Watch, or Marine Plastics courses for a more complete understanding of the reef ecosystem.

If you’re an Advanced Open Water diver, you can also include it in the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) or the Conservation Specialist Program, and add Shark Ecology to it.

Why take the Shark Ecology course on Koh Tao?

In Koh Tao you can regularly observe blacktip reef sharks in their natural environment. By joining the Shark Ecology & Population Studies course, you’ll not only experience these incredible animals up close but also contribute to real conservation work that helps protect shark populations and their ecosystems.

Still have questions?

contact us