Belize's Best Spots For Whale Shark Sightings

Belize is a prime location for swimming and diving with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Whale sharks are common visitors to the southern coast of Belize during the summer months, but the ideal time to see them is in April and May, around the time of the full moon. The best place to encounter these majestic creatures is at Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, located off the coast of Placencia. This area is a spawning ground for fish, attracting whale sharks who feed on the eggs. While sightings are not guaranteed, divers will still have quality encounters with large schools of fish. To swim or dive with whale sharks, it is recommended to book a tour with a company like Seahorse Dive Shop, which offers packages that include transportation, equipment, and a certified guide.

Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve

The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is a protected area located about 22 miles off the coast of Placencia and other locations in the Stann Creek District. Covering almost 26,000 acres, it is known for its diverse marine life, including the presence of whale sharks during certain times of the year.

When to Visit

Whale sharks are typically observed at Gladden Spit by divers and snorkelers between March and June, with April and May being the peak months. Their presence coincides with the full moon, and they can usually be spotted a few days before and after it. The sharks are attracted to the area by the spawning of mutton and dog snappers, which they feed on.

How to Get There

The marine reserve can be accessed by water taxi or private boat from Placencia and other coastal locations in southeastern Belize. The journey takes approximately one hour.

What to Expect

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and an encounter with them is a breathtaking experience. They can grow up to 40 feet in length and weigh up to 20 tons. Despite their enormous size, they are gentle and curious, posing minimal danger to humans. Divers and snorkelers can swim alongside these giants, but caution must be exercised due to the risk of being hit by their large tail fins.

In addition to whale sharks, the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is home to a variety of marine life. Even if whale sharks are not spotted, divers will have the opportunity to encounter large schools of spawning fish and other species.

Tour Operators

Several tour companies offer whale shark tours departing from Placencia, including the Seahorse Dive Shop, which has been operating in the area for several years. It is recommended to book your tour early, as there are restrictions on the number of boats allowed in the Gladden Spit Whale Shark Zone at any given time.

Placencia and Hopkins

Placencia

Placencia is a coastal town in the Stann Creek District of Belize, located about 36km from the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, one of the best places to see whale sharks. Whale shark tours depart from Placencia and take about an hour to reach the open waters. The Southern Environmental Association (SEA) manages tour boats in Placencia, ensuring that whale shark experiences are safe and sustainable. To book a whale shark tour from Placencia, you can contact the Seahorse Dive Shop, which has been operating whale shark tours for over a decade.

Hopkins

Hopkins is a village located on the southern coast of the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belizean Dreams Resort in Hopkins offers luxurious accommodations and convenient access to the reef. They provide all-inclusive Whale Shark Dive Tour packages, including transportation, certified guides, equipment, and meals. Staying at Belizean Dreams allows you to enjoy a pampering resort experience while also having easy access to whale shark encounters.

When to Go

Whale sharks are typically seen in Belize from March to June, with April and May being the prime months for sightings. They tend to congregate in the Gladden Spit area during this time to feed on the eggs of spawning fish. To increase your chances of seeing whale sharks, plan your trip a few days before and after the full moon during these months.

Belizean Dreams Resort

Whale Shark Dive Tour Packages

Best Time to Visit

The spring months of March, April, May, and June are the peak season for whale shark sightings in Belize. During this time, the Gladden Split, located about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia, becomes a spawning ground for various fish species, attracting whale sharks to feed on their eggs.

A Unique Experience

What sets Gladden Split apart is the opportunity to dive with whale sharks while also encountering huge schools of spawning fish. This unique experience is further enhanced by the chance to see other marine life, such as dolphins, Caribbean Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, and Hammerhead Sharks.

Accommodations and Amenities

Practical Information

When planning your trip, keep in mind that whale shark tours are recommended for experienced divers and snorkelers. It is also important to book your accommodation and tours early, especially during peak seasons like Easter Holidays, as they tend to fill up quickly.

In conclusion, Belizean Dreams Resort is the perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious and adventurous vacation, with the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Belize. Their convenient location, comprehensive packages, and dedication to guest satisfaction will ensure an unforgettable experience.

Seahorse Dive Shop

If you're seeking an extraordinary underwater experience, look no further than Seahorse Dive Shop. We are your trusted guides to an awe-inspiring journey to encounter the majestic whale sharks of Belize. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

When and Where to Spot Whale Sharks

Join us during the whale shark season, which typically spans from March to June. Time your visit around the full moon, especially a few days after, for the best chances of sighting these gentle giants. The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, located about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia, is a renowned hotspot for whale shark encounters. This area attracts whale sharks due to the spawning of various fish species, providing a unique opportunity to witness their feeding behaviour.

What to Expect on Your Adventure

At Seahorse Dive Shop, we are dedicated to making your whale shark adventure safe, thrilling, and memorable. Here's what you can expect:

• Experienced Leadership: Our expeditions are led by Brian Young Sr., the founder of Seahorse Dive Shop and an expert with years of studying the migration patterns of whale sharks. Even if the whale sharks are elusive, Brian will ensure your dive at Gladden Spit is a unique and educational experience.
• Diving and Snorkeling Options: We cater to both divers and snorkelers. Our tours include two dives or snorkel sessions in the whale shark zone, providing ample opportunity for up-close encounters.
• Transportation and Equipment: We provide transportation to and from your hotel, as well as all the necessary diving equipment. All you need to bring is your swimsuit, gear, and enthusiasm for exploration!
• Meals and Refreshments: A delicious lunch and refreshments will be provided to keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
• Compliance with Regulations: We strictly adhere to the regulations set by the Southern Environmental Association (SEA), including no flash photography and maintaining a safe distance from the whale sharks.
• Safety and Conservation: Your safety and the well-being of the whale sharks are our top priorities. Our well-trained whale shark guides will ensure that your experience is both thrilling and responsible.

Booking Your Adventure

To secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure, we recommend booking early. The whale shark tours are in high demand, and spaces fill up quickly, especially around the full moons. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the largest fish in the world!

April and May

Whale sharks are a migratory species, so they are only in Belizean waters for a short time every year. Whale sharks arrive in Belize in April and May and rise to the surface to feed when the moon is in its full phase. The best chance for an encounter is at Gladden Spit, approximately 26 miles off the coast. The whale sharks return to Gladden Spit each year when the mutton and dog snappers are spawning, typically in April and May. Whale sharks are most often seen in Belize from Placencia or Hopkins.

The whale shark season in Belize normally begins two days before the full moon until ten days after in March, April, May, and June. However, traditionally, April and May have been the best months for whale shark sightings. The best sightings normally occur a few days after the full moon. If you plan on visiting during the Easter Holidays, it is highly recommended that you book your accommodation as early as possible, as accommodation is usually hard to find during this time.

A whale shark tour can be easily booked from Placencia, Belize. It takes about an hour to get to Gladden Spit from Placencia and other coastal locations in the southeast of the country. The tours normally last a full day, beginning in the morning and not returning until the late evening. Divers get two dives, and snorkelers get two snorkel sessions in the whale shark zone. Most of the trip is spent having lunch and snorkelling the patched reefs inside the barrier reef as you wait for your next session to go into the park.

Frequently asked questions