Ever thought of swimming with the world’s largest fish? Well, you definitely can—and right here in Belize nonetheless.
Clocking in at over twenty thousand pounds, whale sharks are gentle giants that frequent the waters of Southern Belize during the springtime and especially in April and May. Able to live for up to 100 years (perhaps more), they’re usually 20 – 40 feet in length. And while their name might be misleading, they’re neither whales nor are they predatory like some other sharks. In fact, these massive creatures, despite having plenty of teeth, are filter feeders that consume microscopic organisms like plankton and krill as well as fish eggs, anchovies, and mackerels.
Fun Fact: Whale Sharks appear with the full moon. They’re most likely to be spotted by divers two days before and up to two weeks after the full moon in March, April, May, and June.
Where’s the best place to see a whale shark?
Whale sharks are known to pass through the waters off the coast of Southern Belize, especially the Placencia Peninsula. The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, located 26 miles or an hour and a half away from Placencia, is the recommended dive spot for whale shark enthusiasts looking to catch a rare glimpse of these aquatic titans.
From March to June, the whale sharks are drawn to the area by the thousands of Cubera Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Dog Snapper that come to spawn after the full moon.
To get to Gladden Spit, visitors need to book a tour with one of several Southern Environmental Association (SEA) approved tour operators.
The dive, an open ocean dive, will take you no more than 60 feet below the surface—though, you still won’t be able to see the ocean floor. And while there is a chance that you may be unable to catch a glimpse of a whale shark, diving in Gladden Spit is in itself a breathtaking experience. Divers also get the chance to witness schools of spawning fish, dolphins, and other aquatic animals.
Know Before You Go
If you do manage to spot a whale shark, remember to keep your distance. As your dive instructor will tell you, touching a whale shark can lead to a hefty fine of US $5000. That’s because whale sharks—which are endangered—are heavily protected by conservation laws in Belize. SEA Belize has been working hard to enforce that protection for several years now. They’re the organization that oversees all whale shark tourism in Gladden Spit.
Additionally, try to stay at least three feet away from a whale shark’s head and ten or more from its tail. While these gentle giants pose no threat to humans, getting unintentionally hit by its massive tail can definitely hurt.
Whale shark diving is an extremely unique experience and getting the chance to swim with one is rare—even more reason to put it on your bucket list. So, what are you waiting for?
