Swim with Whale Sharks in Belize!
Whether your swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in Belize turquoise waters or visiting one of its many picturesque islands, it is always a marvelous experience. Nevertheless, there is not a better time to be in Belizean waters than in springtime which is considered the Belize whale shark diving season. During the springtime, Whale shark frequently visits a unique area on Belize Great Barrier reef called Gladden Gladden Split and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. This reserve, about 30 miles east of Placencia, is used by over 20 species of Caribbean fish to release their eggs. However, it is the eggs of the Black or Cubera snappers that the whale sharks show up on cue to feed on.
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, with the largest shark recorded measuring over 41 feet long. Their mouths alone are between 3 to 5 feet wide, and they can contain over 300 rows of teeth. Whale sharks are filter feeders, however, so these teeth are used mainly to consume plankton, though they also rely on shrimp, anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. Whale sharks prefer warm, tropical waters like the ones found in Belize, and they are very docile. Although you can find whale sharks all over the world, what makes Gladden Split so unique is that this is the only place where you can dive and swim with whale sharks and encounter huge schools of spawning fish at the same time.
Belize has laws to protect whale sharks and limit their exposure to human activity: It is against the law for humans to come any closer than 10 feet to a whale shark, and boats cannot be closer than 50 feet. There are many other rules and regulations to help maintain the safety and conservation of whale sharks, and only licensed tour operators are allowed to bring tourists to view these majestic creatures.
Ready to Book your Whale Shark Experience in Belize?
Whale shark season revolves around the full moon. Most of the time, these giants are too deep in the water and divers can’t access them. However, during the full moon, whale sharks ascend to the water’s surface to feed on fish spawn and tiny plankton. Since their movements are tied to the moon cycle, divers can expect to encounter sharks starting 2 days before the full moon and staying for a week between the months of March and June. Contact Untame Belize today to book your whale shark trip.
