Whale Sharks: Belize's Seasonal Visitors

Whale sharks migrate to Belize between March and June. The best time to see them is around the full moon, from two days before to ten days after, in April and May. The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia, is a great place to spot them. Here, whale sharks congregate in large numbers near the surface as they rise to feed on spawning fish.

Whale shark season in Belize

Belize is home to the world's largest fish—the whale shark. These gentle giants are a migratory species that circumnavigate the globe annually. In Belize, they can be spotted in the southern tip of the country, in the Stann Creek District, and off the coast of Placencia. The best place to see them is at the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, located about 22 to 26 miles off the coast of Placencia.

The whale shark season in Belize usually begins two days before the full moon and lasts until 10 days after, during the months of March, April, May, and June. The best sightings normally occur a few days after the full moon, particularly in April and May, when the sharks show up to feed on the eggs of the Mutton and Dog Snappers. However, they are often sighted through the summer months as well.

If you want to increase your chances of seeing whale sharks, it is recommended to book multiple days for diving or snorkelling. The tours are conducted in the open ocean and can be quite costly, but the experience of swimming with these gentle giants is well worth it. Keep in mind that no flash photography is permitted, and there are strict rules in place prohibiting diving or snorkelling after 5:00 pm. Only six boats are allowed in the area at one time.

The whale shark expeditions in Belize were founded by Brian Young Sr., owner of Seahorse Dive Shop, in the early 1990s. Brian has spent many years studying the migration of whale sharks, and although he no longer dives, he still captains the boat.

Whale Shark Season Dates

2023

• April 4–April 15 (Full Moon – April 5)
• May 4–May 15 (Full Moon – May 5)
• June 2–June 12 (Full Moon – June 3)

2024

• April 23–May 3 (Full Moon – April 23)
• May 23–June 2 (Full Moon – May 23)
• June 21–July 1 (Full Moon – June 21)

Best times to see whale sharks

Whale sharks are a migratory species that circumnavigate the globe annually. They are filter feeders, consuming small fish, such as sardines and anchovies, and even larger fish such as mackerel. They are gentle giants, and despite their enormous size, they do not pose any significant danger to humans.

The best place to encounter migrating whale sharks in Belize is at the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, located approximately 22 miles (36 km) off the coast of Placencia and other locations in the Stann Creek District. The whale shark season in Belize normally begins two days before the full moon up until 10 days after, in the months of March, April, May, and June. Traditionally, April and May have been the better months for whale shark sightings. The biggest sharks are believed to be in the area in September.

The whale sharks show up to feed on the eggs of the Mutton and Dog Snappers, which are released by over 20 species of Caribbean fish in the Gladden Split area. The sharks are attracted to the area to feast on these eggs. Whale sharks are most often seen in Belize from Placencia or Hopkins. They are night feeders, so there are no guarantees as to when they will show up.

If you are planning on visiting Belize during Easter, it is highly recommended that you book your accommodation as early as possible, as accommodation is usually hard to find during this time.

Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve

The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is a protected marine reserve in Belize, located 22 miles off the coast of Placencia. Covering approximately 25,980 acres, it is part of the Southern Belize Reef Complex, which also includes the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, and South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Gladden Spit is a promontory formed by a sharp bend in the reef structure. This underwater promontory is one of Belize's most important spawning aggregation sites, attracting whale sharks and other deep-water species. It has a short, sloping shelf that drops steeply to a depth of 6,600 feet within 6 miles of the reef. The spit falls about 40-2000 meters within 10 kilometers of the reef. This steep drop-off creates ideal conditions to attract large spawning aggregations of fish, which, in turn, attract whale sharks.

The Silk Cayes are three tiny islands—North Silk, Middle Silk, and South Silk—located south of the Gladden entrance. They provide an ideal location for snorkelling and shallow reef diving. The high sandy beaches of the Silk Cayes serve as nesting sites for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. The cayes are also known for their clear shallow waters, making them a great snorkelling site for families.

The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve was established in 2003 and is managed by the Southern Environmental Association, a community-based organisation. The area was designated a protected zone by the Belize government in 2000, and since then, tourism regulations have been put in place to manage the increasing number of whale shark tours. The reserve is divided into several zones, including a general-use zone, a no-take zone around the Silk Cayes, a conch restoration zone, and a whale shark and reef-fish spawning aggregation conservation zone.

Whale sharks are attracted to the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve by the large numbers of spawning fish. Every year, from two days before until ten days after the full moon of each lunar cycle between March and June, whale sharks congregate to feed on the spawn. While whale sharks typically visit the area during these months, the best time to see them is from two days before the full moon until ten days after.

How to get to Gladden Spit

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and they migrate to Belize every year between March and June. The best time to see them is around the full moon, twice a month for about five days.

Gladden Spit is a promontory off a sharp bend in the Belize Barrier Reef's structure. It is a critical coral reef fish spawning site, attracting whale sharks that feed on the spawn. The area is protected as part of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, which was established in 2000 due to the efforts of local conservation groups.

To get to Gladden Spit, you will need to travel by boat. The main access point is the village of Placencia, located about 22 to 28 miles (36 to 45 km) away. It is recommended to book activities and tours in advance, and most guides can provide snorkelling equipment.

• Fly to Placencia: Placencia is accessible by flight from Belize City. Book your accommodation in Placencia in advance, especially if travelling during peak periods for whale shark viewing (March to June).
• Choose a tour operator: Several tour operators in Placencia offer trips to the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. You can book a trip with a small skiff, a large boat, or even a catamaran.
• Travel time and costs: The boat ride from Placencia to Gladden Spit takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost of the trip will vary depending on the operator and the type of boat.
• What to bring: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and other sun protection, as the Belizean sun can be intense. If you plan to snorkel or dive, ensure you have the necessary equipment, or book with a guide who can provide it.
• Rules and regulations: Familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations for visiting the Marine Reserve. The Belize government is serious about protecting the reef and its wildlife. There are restrictions on the number of boats, divers, and snorkelers allowed in the area, and there are distance regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and the whale sharks.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to an unforgettable experience swimming with whale sharks at Gladden Spit!

Rules for visiting Gladden Spit

Whale sharks are attracted to the Gladden Spit area of Belize during their migration season, which typically falls between March and June. This is when the whale sharks feed on the spawn of Mutton and Dog Snappers, among other fish species.

If you're interested in visiting Gladden Spit to observe these majestic creatures, there are some important rules and guidelines to keep in mind:

• Timing is crucial: The best time to visit Gladden Spit to maximise your chances of seeing whale sharks is during the full moon, which occurs twice a month for approximately five days. The whale shark season usually begins two days before the full moon and lasts up to ten days after, in the months of March, April, May, and June. Traditionally, April and May have been the better months for sightings.
• Book in advance: Due to the popularity of whale shark tours, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation and tours well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons like Easter Holidays.
• Choose a reputable tour operator: Ensure you select a licensed and reputable tour operator who follows the regulations set by the Belize Fisheries Department and the Southern Environmental Association. These regulations are crucial for the conservation of whale sharks and other marine life in the area.
• Experience requirements: To participate in whale shark diving tours, divers must be Open Water Certified and preferably have experience in at least 20 dives. It is also recommended to do a Refresher Course if you haven't been diving in a while. For snorkelers, a minimum level of experience and strong swimming skills are required. Additionally, participants must be above the age of 14.
• Transportation: The primary mode of transportation to Gladden Spit from mainland Belize is by boat. Tour operators provide trips to the marine reserve, offering options such as small skiffs or larger boats and catamarans. The journey typically takes around one and a half hours each way.
• Cost: Whale shark diving and snorkelling tours vary in price. Diving tours typically cost more than snorkelling tours. Prices can range from $195 USD for snorkelling to $265 USD for diving (minimum 5 divers).
• Duration: Whale shark tours are typically full-day excursions, starting in the morning and returning in the late evening. Divers usually get two dives, while snorkelers get two snorkel sessions in the whale shark zone. The rest of the time is spent having lunch and snorkelling inside the barrier reef.
• Conditions: Be prepared for possibly rough conditions and a long boat ride. The tours are conducted in the open ocean, and the journey can be lengthy and costly. However, the opportunity to see whale sharks makes it well worth the effort.
• Flexibility: Keep in mind that whale shark sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even with careful planning, there is an element of luck and timing involved. Consider booking multiple days to increase your chances of a successful encounter.
• Respect the wildlife: Always maintain a respectful distance from the whale sharks and other marine life. Remember that these are wild animals in their natural habitat. Do not attempt to touch, feed, or disturb them in any way.

Frequently asked questions