Who We Are
The FINstitute International is a global shark conservation organization advancing science, education, and collaboration. We empower the next generation of ocean leaders by connecting people to real research, real experiences, and real impact.
EXPEDITION 3
ON SALE NOW
HERON ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - Ray-search expedition
Must be a FINstitute member to access this and future trips. Make sure to sign up before tickets go on sale to make sure you don’t miss out!
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Accommodation at Heron Island Research Station (7 nights, bunk-style student housing)
Round-trip ferry transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Daily snorkelling/freediviing sessions across reef flat, lagoon, and reef slope habitats (freediving only available to certified freedivers)
Expert-led talks and species deep dives with two ray scientists
Introduction to research techniques used to study rays
Night time reef walks/snorkels with ecological interpretation
Underwater photography + visual data collection training
FINstitute media session + access to professional photo/video content
Access to HIRS facilities (labs, classrooms, aquaria, common areas)
Sunset cruise on final night
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How scientists study rays in the wild
How to identify and compare multiple ray species
Ray behaviour, movement patterns, and habitat use
How underwater photography can support species identification and data collection
Contribute imagery to global fish biodiversity databases (REEF program)
Underwater photography and Lightroom editing workshop with Adobe tutorial instructor Aliah Banchik
Behind-the-scenes access to a working research station
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$2150 USD
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No — this trip is designed as a snorkel or freediving trip depending on your certification level. If you wish to freedive with dive weights, Heron Island Research Station requires you to have a freediving certification. If you would like to organise scuba diving in your free time, you are welcome to do so but we will not be offering it.
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You will need to fly into Gladstone and stay the night before your scheduled ferry ride. This is not organised or included in the ticket price so make sure you book this along with your flights to make sure you don’t miss your ferry! Missed ferries will be an incurred charge payable by the participant.
Trip Snapshot
Dates: August 7–14, 2026 (8 days / 7 nights)
Location: Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Focus: Ray ecology, behaviour, and species diversity
Who Can Join: FINstitute members, students, early-career researchers, and ocean enthusiasts (no scuba certification required)
Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
Cost: $2,150 USD
Join The FINstitute for an 8-day Ray-Search Expedition on Heron Island — a remote coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef known for its extraordinary ray diversity.
Most expeditions focus on sharks.
This one doesn’t.
Built entirely around rays, this experience is led by two ray scientists and designed to give you a deeper understanding of the animals that quietly shape reef ecosystems.
Over the course of the week, you’ll explore how rays are studied, how they move through reef systems, and why they matter — all while encountering some of the most unique and intersting ray species in the world.
With daily snorkel/freediving (depending on certification) sessions, species deep dives each evening, night time reeg walks, and an introduction to underwater photography and visual data collection, this is a different way to experience the reef — slower, more intentional, and grounded in real science.
EXPEDITION 2
4 spots remaining
CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA— But make it Shysharks!
Must be a FINstitute member to access this and future trips. Make sure to sign up before tickets go on sale to make sure you don’t miss out!
Endemic Shyshark Experience
Cape Town, South Africa | 10 Days | Shark Science, Conservation & Diving
Join The FINstitute for an immersive field expedition in Cape Town focused on shark science, conservation, and hands-on research in one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth.
This is not a dive holiday.
This is a working expedition…ok…and also a holiday!
You’ll live, dive, learn, and contribute alongside marine scientists while exploring South Africa’s extraordinary endemic shyshark diversity — including species found nowhere else in the world.
Why South Africa?
South Africa is a global hotspot for shark diversity but let’s be honest…the first shark we think of when we hear “South Africa” is teh great white shark….While these sharks are AMAZING, this is only half the story!!! Among the most fascinating residents of South Africa, are the shysharks! Which are a type of catshark which is the largest shark family on the planet!!
With over 100 species worldwide — and multiple species endemic to South Africa — these small, patterned sharks play an important ecological role in temperate reef and kelp forest ecosystems.
During this expedition, you’ll work within the Great African Seaforest and surrounding coastal habitats, contributing to real conservation initiatives while building practical field skills in shark research.
What Makes This Experience Different?
Real Shark Science
Participants contribute to active research projects including:
Photo ID and population monitoring
Fin spotting and species identification
Shyshark egg case collection and analysis
Data entry for reproductive success projects
Marine species identification workshops
You won’t just observe research — you’ll be part of it.
Learn From Experts
The program includes dynamic workshops, guest speakers, and lectures led by experienced marine scientists and conservation professionals. Topics range from shark behavior and physiology to ecology, climate impacts, and biodiversity in South African waters.
Dive With Purpose
Multiple boat-based SCUBA dives are built into the experience, focused on scientific data collection and ecosystem observation.
This program is designed for certified divers who want to deepen their understanding of marine research while sharpening field skills.
Explore Cape Town
Beyond the water, you’ll experience the best of the region — from the iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point Nature Reserve to African penguins at Boulders Beach and the vibrant cultural history of Cape Town
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Participants are based in Glencairn, Cape Town, in shared dormitory-style accommodation.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the program. The accommodation is centrally located to research sites and scheduled activities, with transport provided for all official programming.
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9 nights shared accommodation
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
SCUBA dives as part of the research itinerary
Dive equipment
Transport for scheduled activities
Workshops, lectures, and guest speakers
Cape Town exploration days
Cape Point Nature Reserve visits
Exclusive expedition merchandise
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International flights and visa (if required)
Travel and dive insurance (mandatory)
Airport transfers
Optional activities outside the program
Additional meals/snacks outside scheduled catering
Extra dives or specialty gear rentals (e.g., cameras, torches, dive computers)
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This expedition is designed for motivated, open-minded participants who are ready to contribute meaningfully.
You must:
Be 17 years or older
Hold an Open Water SCUBA certification (or higher)
Be comfortable swimming, walking daily distances, and working on small boats
Commit to the full program duration
Have travel and dive insurance
Be willing to participate in research activities and team responsibilities
This is a collaborative, team-based experience. Flexibility and a strong work ethic are essential.
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We work closely with local scientists and communities. Participants are expected to:
Respect the local culture and environment
Follow the buddy system
Represent Cape RADD and The FINstitute professionally
Prioritise personal health and safety
Comply with all local laws and regulations
Cape Town is an incredible city, but like any major destination, situational awareness and responsible travel practices are important.
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Participants have the option to extend their stay and complete an additional course with Cape RADD at a discounted rate. Details are shared upon confirmation.
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This expedition is ideal for:
Marine biology students
Early-career conservationists
Divers wanting field research experience
Shark and ray enthusiasts from ALL wakes of life!
Anyone considering a career in marine science
If you want to build real skills, expand your global network, and contribute to shark conservation in a meaningful way — this is for you.
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$2500 USD total for the trip.
$500 USD deposit to secure your spot and the rest can be paid later :)
UPCOMING EXPEDITIONS
EXPEDITION 1
SOLD OUT
We have a few more we are planning for 2026 (and also 2027) all over the world so if you missed this one, stay tuned for the next!!!
Featured
EXPEDITION 1: MALDIVES
Observational Shark Tagging Trip
Make a donation
Support our mission by contributing today.
| THE FINSTITUTE
| THE FINSTITUTE
We are a student-led, James Cook University-affiliated shark conservation consortium supporting Indonesian and Australian shark conservation initiatives.
OUR GOALS
Change global perspectives surrounding sharks
Sharks continue to be seen as “mindless man-eating machines” all over the world….we will use our international student body to help educate and spread awareness about the crucial role they play in maintaining ocean health.
Stay up to date with the latest elasmobranch research and news
Bridge the gap between studies and action.
Why shouldn’t we students put into action what we learn in our course while we are in school? This club will enable JCU students to take their learning outside of the classroom so that they can make a difference.
Connect shark conservation initiatives with scientific resources
As the world’s leading school for Marine Biology studies, JCU houses a wealth of resources and passionate students who can accelerate and amplify the impact of existing conservation missions.
Learn about Indonesian culture and how to work collaboratively with international organisations.
Support local and global Indonesian shark conservation initiatives through hands on projects and seminars
PURPOSE
The FINstitute is the glue…
Yes. The glue. With so many amazing independent shark conservation initiatives that already exist working in parallel with each other, we aim to support the work of existing organisations to accelerate and amplify these missions collectively.
Our partnered organisations have years of experience in the field and with the local communities….we do not need another independent group; we need to elevate these independent groups and make our impact matter.
THE PLAN
Curate a list of 3-5 Indonesian shark conservation
Organisations and establish working agreements.
Have each organisation give our club 1 project that they need to be completed by the end of the semester.
Designate 3-5 club members to work together on each project for the semester.
Present semester project to JCU and partnered organisations.
Repeat steps 2-5 every semester
WHY INDONESIA?
#1 LARGEST SHARK FISHING MARKET IN THE WORLD
Indonesia is the #1 largest fishing industry in the world, catching an average of 106,000 sharks per year. With our proximity to Indo, we feel our efforts are best focused here to have the biggest impact possible.
THE PROBLEM ISN’T THE FISHERMEN…ITS THE DEMAND
Shark fishing has historically enabled hundreds of Indonesian fishers to support their families due to the steady demand for shark products. Our partnered organisations aim to help break generational shark fishing by providing alternative incomes to these people.
“80% of the species identified in Indonesian markets are either considered ENDANGERED, VULNERABLE or NEAR THREATENED.”