Swim for Sharks 2026: Our Biggest Event Yet in Thailand

This year’s Swim for Sharks was nothing short of incredible. What began as a simple idea, one swim with a few passionate ocean advocates, and a desire to raise awareness for shark conservation has evolved into a global movement powered by community, conservation, and hope.

And this year, that impact was felt stronger than ever with funds raised that will support the work of Shark Guardian and the Thai Whale Sharks project, helping fund vital initiatives in shark education, marine conservation, citizen science, and whale shark research around Thailand and beyond.

Swim for Sharks: From a Small Idea to a Global Movement

Swim for Sharks first began in Koh Tao with 2 instructors from Big Blue Diving more than 15 years ago, inspired by a love for sharks and a determination to change the way people see them. What started as a grassroots community swim around Koh Nang Yuan has since grown into an international fundraising movement supporting shark conservation projects around the world.

Today, Swim for Sharks is about far more than a swimming challenge.

It is about:

• Bringing people together through a shared passion for the ocean

• Inspiring positive action for sharks

• Educating communities about marine conservation

• Creating real conservation impact through fundraising and awareness

This year’s event reminded us exactly why this movement matters.

A Weekend of Ocean Action with Swim for Sharks

Across an inspiring weekend in Koh Tao, swimmers, divers, snorkellers, conservationists, local businesses, volunteers, and supporters came together with one common purpose: protecting sharks and our oceans.

The event began with a Shark Education Evening, where participants learned more about:

• The critical role sharks play in healthy marine ecosystems

• The growing threats sharks face globally

• Whale shark research efforts in Thailand

• How individuals and communities can help protect marine life

The atmosphere throughout the evening was energising and hopeful. Conversations sparked new ideas, new friendships formed, and people from around the world connected through a shared passion for ocean conservation.

Next was the swim itself. A total of 86 participants, surpassing the previous record of 79, tackled the iconic 3.4 km Swim for Sharks challenge around Koh Nang Yuan. Meanwhile, others participated through snorkel swims and community activities aimed at making the event inclusive for all. Some individuals pushed their physical limits, others conquered their fears, and many entered the water with the desire to contribute to a meaningful cause. Regardless of their reasons, every participant became part of something larger.

Swim for Sharks 2026 winners: Rhiannon, Liam and Nick

Supporting Whale Shark Research in Thailand

Part of this year’s fundraising efforts will support the Thai Whale Sharks project, which has been collecting whale shark sighting data in Thailand since 2017 through citizen science contributions from divers and ocean enthusiasts.

These sightings help researchers better understand:

• Seasonal whale shark movements

• Habitat use

• Migration patterns

• Long-term population trends

The project is now expanding into tagging research to deepen scientific understanding of whale shark movements in Thai waters — essential information for improving future protection measures. Community-driven events like Swim for Sharks help make this work possible.

Thank You to Everyone Involved

To everyone who supported Swim for Sharks this year:

• Swimmers

• Snorkellers

• Volunteers

• Donors

• Raffle contributors

• Local businesses

• Conservation partners

• Support crews

• Cheer squads

Every ticket purchased, every donation made, every kilometre swum, and every conversation shared contributed to something meaningful. A special thank you goes to Big Blue Diving Koh Tao and Crystal Dive Koh Tao for generously donating their boats and helping make the event possible. Their continued support plays a huge role in ensuring the safety and success of Swim for Sharks each year.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Koh Tao community, whose support, energy, and passion continue to help this event grow year after year.

This Is Just the Beginning

This was our biggest Swim for Sharks event to date. But we are only getting started. With continued support, we can:

• Expand Swim for Sharks internationally even further

• Reach new communities

• Support more shark research and conservation initiatives

• Inspire more people to protect our oceans

Want to Get Involved?

If you would like to organise a Swim for Sharks event in your country, we would love to hear from you.

And don’t forget to pencil in April 2027 for the next Swim for Sharks Koh Tao event. Together, we swim for sharks. Together, we protect our oceans.

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