Whale sharks are intelligent, gentle giants that migrate into the Caribbean waters of Belize from April to June. In these months, mostly during the full moon periods, snappers spawn in large numbers off Belize which attract the hungry whale sharks that feed at night. It is usually a hit-and-miss when guessing their arrival; even experienced dive instructors cannot predict which moon and which location the while sharks will be from year to year. Whale sharks are filter feeders, which means that they feed on the suspended fish spawn of snappers. They migrate from great distances to mate.

Whale Sharks In Belize

Interestingly, it is safe for scuba divers and snorkelers to swim and play around with these huge and curious creatures. When you spot them in the water, they are big and intimidating but surprisingly graceful and non-threatening. Some catch a ride on the larger whale sharks; while some younger whale sharks, reportedly, are so curious that they will actively engage with human swimmers. It is a real privilege to be able to swim with the largest fish in the world.

Whale sharks are the largest living fish species on earth. They are also the largest living non-mammal in the world. Contrary to their name, whale sharks are not whales; they are the largest shark, and one of three filler feeding sharks, along with the mega mouth shark and basking shark. The genus and species of the whale shark is Rhincodontypus, the sole species in the family Rhincodontidae which originated some 60 million years ago. Whale sharks feed on fish spawn, plankton, algae, crab larvae and krill, among other organisms that they can filter. It is beautiful to swim with the giants, watching them flow through the water and taking in the food that sustains their large bodies.

Whale Shark Sightings In Placencia

The most popular places to dive with the whale sharks of Belize are Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, an area approximately 25 miles off the coast from the village of Placencia, south of the three coral atolls of Belize. These sites are popular dive sites and are famous for whale shark sightings. There is a wall sloping to about 150 feet then drops off into the abyss; along this wall is a popular spot to see the whale sharks. Most dive shops recommend diving down about 60 feet to scuba alongside the sharks. Snorkelers can also get close encounters when the whale sharks come up the surface to feed then plunge down again and again.

Ambergris Caye And Whale Shark

Ambergris Caye, located north in the country, is another popular place to arrange to swim with whale sharks. Many dive shops throughout Belize and Mexico offer specific trips specifically centered on getting in the water with the whale shark. Local dive captains know the usual areas where the snappers spawn and when the best chances to see these majestic giants. Even after the spawning periods in summer, whale sharks are still commonly spotted off Belize. Anyone who is a lover of whale sharks and marine life, in general, would definitely enjoy a trip to Belize.