Snorkeling With Whale Sharks In Belize: A Beginner's Guide

Swimming with whale sharks in Belize is a breathtaking experience and a bucket list item for many. Whale sharks, the largest living fish, congregate near Gladden Spit off Placencia, Belize, to feed on plankton and other spawning fish. The ideal time to snorkel or dive with them is around the full moon in March, April, May, or June. Whale shark tours are offered seasonally based on their migration, and the tours typically last six hours. It's important to note that snorkelers must be experienced, strong swimmers, and above the age of 14.

Best time to snorkel with whale sharks in Belize

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the ocean, growing up to lengths of 60 feet (18 meters). Despite their enormous size, they are gentle and do not pose any significant danger to humans. They are filter feeders, consuming minute plankton and spawn. Whale sharks are migratory and only visit Belizean waters for a short period each year.

The best time to snorkel with whale sharks in Belize is during the springtime, around the full moon in the months of March, April, May, and June. Whale sharks are attracted to the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, located about 30 miles (48 km) east of Placencia, during these months because it is a spawning site for many tropical fish species, including the Cubera, mutton, and dog snappers. The whale sharks feed on the tons of fish eggs produced during this time.

Traditionally, April and May have been the best months to spot whale sharks in Belize, with the season typically lasting from 2 days before the full moon until 10 days after. The Southern Environmental Association (SEA) manages tour boats in Placencia and only permits six boats in the Gladden Spit Whale Shark Zone at any given time, so it is advisable to book your tour early.

Whale shark tours normally last a full day, with divers getting 2 dives and snorkelers getting 2 snorkel sessions in the whale shark zone. Most of the time on the trip is spent having lunch and snorkelling inside the barrier reef while waiting for the next session.

While the opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks does not guarantee a sighting, it is still a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

How to prepare for a whale shark snorkelling tour

Swimming with whale sharks is a dream for many, and Belize is one of the few places in the world where you can make that dream come true. Whale sharks are the largest living fish and congregate near Gladden Spit off Placencia, Belize, to feed on plankton and other spawning fish. Here is how you can prepare for a whale shark snorkelling tour:

Timing

Whale sharks are usually spotted in Belize during the springtime, from March to June, with the ideal time to spot them being around the full moon. The whale shark season in Belize typically begins two days before the full moon and lasts until 10 days after in March, April, May and June. April and May are traditionally the best months to visit.

Location

Gladden Spit, Placencia, is the best departure point in Belize to snorkel with whale sharks. It is approximately 26 miles off the coast and takes about an hour and a half to reach by boat.

Book in advance

It is important to book your tour well in advance as these tours are extremely popular and slots fill up quickly.

Choose a reputable company

Ensure you choose a reputable company that follows safety guidelines and procedures to ensure your safety and limit any harm to the whale sharks.

Be a strong swimmer

Snorkelling with whale sharks is not for beginners. It is important that you are a strong swimmer and have prior snorkelling experience. Most companies will require you to be of a certain experience level and set a minimum age of 14.

Be prepared for the conditions

Whale shark tours are conducted in the open ocean, with no visible bottom. The conditions can be rough, and you will be snorkelling at a depth of no more than 60 feet.

Follow the rules

When snorkelling with whale sharks, it is important to follow the instructions of your guide or dive master. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3-4 feet from the whale shark's head and at least 10 feet from its tail. Do not touch the whale sharks, as this can result in a hefty fine. Also, remember that flash photography is not allowed, and a permit is required for professional photography.

Be flexible

While the tour companies will do their best to ensure you see whale sharks, there is no guarantee of a sighting. Whale sharks are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Be prepared for the possibility that you may not see any on your tour.

Bring necessary equipment

Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for snorkelling, including a snorkel, mask, fins, and a wetsuit or rash guard. Some companies may provide this equipment, but it is always good to check in advance.

Research the area

Familiarise yourself with the area and the whale shark behaviour before your tour. This will help you know what to expect and make the most of your experience.

Enjoy the experience

Snorkelling with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remember to enjoy the moment and take in the beauty of these gentle giants.

Where to go whale shark snorkelling in Belize

Whale sharks are the largest living fish, and Belize offers a rare opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures. Whale sharks are common visitors during the summer months in southern Belize, but the ideal time to snorkel with them is between March and June, around the time of the full moon.

The best chance of an encounter is at Gladden Spit, approximately 26-30 miles off the coast of Placencia in southern Belize. This is a spawning site for many tropical fish species, including the Cubera, mutton, and dog snappers, which produce tons of spawn, attracting the whale sharks.

Gladden Spit is the only place in the world where the timing of whale shark visits is reasonably predictable, and Placencia is the best departure point to enjoy these trips. The travel time from Placencia to Gladden Spit is approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

It is important to note that snorkelling and diving with whale sharks do not guarantee a sighting or an up-close encounter. The experience is dependent on the whale sharks' natural migration patterns and behaviours.

To book a whale shark snorkelling tour in Placencia, you can reach out to companies such as Seahorse Dive Shop, Splash Dive Center, or Avadon Divers. These companies monitor the arrival of the whale sharks and follow guidelines to ensure the safety of both the participants and the whale sharks.

Remember to adhere to the instructions given by your guide or dive master, and maintain a safe distance from the whale sharks.

What to expect when snorkelling with whale sharks

Swimming with whale sharks in Belize is a breathtaking experience, but it's important to know what to expect before you go. Here's what you should know:

When to Go

Whale sharks are typically found in the waters off Belize during the springtime, with the peak season falling between March and June, around the time of the full moon. The whale shark season in Belize usually begins two days before the full moon and can last until 10 days after. April and May tend to be the best months to spot these magnificent creatures.

Where to Go

Gladden Spit, located about 26-30 miles off the coast of Placencia in southern Belize, is the prime spot for snorkelling with whale sharks. This area is a spawning site for various tropical fish species, which is what attracts the whale sharks. It's the only place in the world where the timing of whale shark visits is reasonably predictable.

What to Expect

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, growing up to lengths of 20-40 feet and weighing around 20 tons. Despite their enormous size and abundance of teeth, they are gentle filter feeders that pose little danger to humans. They feed on plankton and spawn, sucking in their food rather than biting or chewing.

When in a playful mood, whale sharks can be quite curious and may hang around for long periods. Snorkelers can expect to swim alongside these gentle giants, following the bubbles of scuba divers, which resemble spawn and draw the whale sharks in.

It's important to note that even with the predictable timing, there is no guarantee of a whale shark sighting. The Southern Environmental Association (SEA) manages tour boats in Placencia and only permits six boats in the Gladden Spit Whale Shark Zone at any given time.

Safety and Regulations

While whale sharks are not known to be dangerous, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Snorkelers must be experienced, strong swimmers and at least 14 years old. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3-4 feet from the whale shark's head and at least 10 feet from its tail. Do not touch the whale sharks, as this can result in a hefty fine. Also, no flash photography is allowed, and a permit is required for professional photography.

Safety tips for snorkelling with whale sharks

Snorkelling with whale sharks can be an exhilarating experience, but it's important to keep some safety tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable encounter. Here are some essential guidelines for your next adventure:

• Choose a Reputable Tour Operator: Opt for a reputable and experienced tour operator who adheres to sustainable tourism practices and has a proven track record of successful whale shark encounters. They should provide a detailed safety briefing and follow guidelines to ensure the safety of both swimmers and the whale sharks.
• Timing and Location: Time your snorkelling trip to coincide with the peak whale shark season, which, in Belize, is typically between March and June, with April and May being the most reliable months. The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is a renowned whale shark hotspot, attracting these gentle giants with its spawning events.
• Experience and Fitness: Whale shark tours can be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Some operators may have minimum age requirements, and snorkelers should be strong swimmers. For divers, it is recommended to have Open Water Certification and ideally 20 or more dives under your belt, as the tours are conducted in open ocean conditions.
• Follow Guidelines: To ensure the safety of both swimmers and whale sharks, follow any guidelines and procedures provided by your tour operator. Maintain a safe distance from the whale sharks and avoid touching or attempting to get too close. Respect these magnificent creatures and their natural habitat.
• Be Aware of Other Marine Life: Whale sharks are not considered dangerous to humans, but divers and snorkelers should be aware of other marine life in the area. The Gladden Spit area is known for its diverse marine life, including Caribbean Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, dolphins, and various species of snapper.
• Book Multiple Trips: Whale shark appearances cannot be guaranteed, so consider booking multiple snorkelling trips or a whale shark scuba diving package to increase your chances of an encounter. This also allows for flexibility in case the whale sharks arrive earlier or later than predicted.
• Prepare for Open Ocean Conditions: The whale shark tours in Belize are conducted in open ocean conditions, which can be challenging for inexperienced divers and snorkelers. Be mindful of potential strong currents and ensure you have the necessary swimming skills and comfort level for these conditions.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the latest whale shark behaviour and research. The more you know about these creatures, the better you can understand their movements and behaviour during your encounter.

Remember, whale sharks are wild animals, and every encounter is unique. Always respect their natural habitat and follow the instructions of your tour guides to ensure a safe and memorable experience.

Frequently asked questions