Offering the one barrier reef in the western hemisphere and the Blue Hole, Belize is obviously a fabulous diver’s destination. But many would agree that neither of those would compare to the awesome, once in a lifetime experience of diving with a whale shark. These massive creatures, the largest fish in the world, are among the most gentle of the shark family. They can grow to 40 feet and weigh up to 15 tons. But they are filter feeders, sometimes consuming the frye of different fish species.

Most information sources I have reviewed suggest that the Whale sharks appear in Belizean waters in April and depart around July. I was so disappointed to discover that these creatures are found off the coast of Belize, but would be gone by the time Liz and I arrived. But, as I was researching this post, I discovered the following piece of information from ambergriscaye.com. Notice the last sentence!

They roam up and down the coast, the Gladden Spit area about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia is known to host large concentrations of whale sharks during April and May when Mutton and Dog Snappers are spawning (the whales ingest the spawn as food).

Based on observations, we believe the biggest sharks are in the area in September.

Is it possible? Could Liz and I snorkel or dive with whale sharks? This would undoubtedly be the single coolest underwater experience I’ve ever had. It would simply blow away the appeal of diving the Blue Hole, and yield amazing video! Whale shark encounters are mercifully shallow, allowing snorkelers and divers alike to view them. Snorkeling is often the recommended method as less impacting or stressful to the shark. This suits me just fine and would permit Liz to participate in the adventure.

Seahorse Dive Shop offers diving and snorkel trips to see whale sharks for $165.00 and $90.00 respectively. I sent an inquiry to ask about the likelihood of a September encounter. We’ll see if we get something back. I’m not holding my breath. Seahorse Dive Shop is in Placencia, a long ways away from San Pedro on Ambergris. We’d have to make some changes to our trip plans to get there and go on one of the trips. But if we could pull it off….