In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know to choose a sustainable and ethical tour operator for your whale shark swimming experience. Recently, I had the honor of swimming with whale sharks for the first time. Gliding beside this brightly patterned giant, calm and unbothered by my presence, I was struck by how surreal the moment felt. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable privilege, but it must be done responsibly.

With the sky still dark, I followed the flickering lights of a rickety old truck parked outside my accommodation. The side of the car read “Birding Trips - Quetzal.” Perfect!  I’m off to a great start. The truck looked like a budget safari ride. Metal poles jutting from the bed, more Mad Max than National Geographic. I climbed in, trying to ignore the slightly terrifying vibe, thankful for my tetanus shot, and hopeful for the journey ahead. The goal? Finding quetzals in Guate