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This species, despite its enormous size, does not pose any significant danger to humans. It is a frequently cited example when educating the public about the popular misconceptions of all sharks as “man-eaters”. They are actually quite gentle and can be playful with divers. Divers and snorkelers can swim with this giant fish without any risk apart from unintentionally being hit by the shark’s large tail fin.

The area is used by over 20 species of Caribbean fish to release their eggs. Because of this unique event, the sharks are attracted to the area to feast on these eggs.

The Whale Shark expeditions in Belize was found by Brian Young Sr.. In the early 1990′s Brian began to take people out to the Gladden Spit, a place know by local fishermen as a hot spot for sighting whale sharks.
Brian has many years studying the migration and plots dates for each month of the year. These dates change each year and each month we have 10-14 days of very good sightings.

Even if no whale sharks are spotted, divers will have quality encounters with large schools of fish that are in the area to spawn.

The Whale Shark Tours to Gladden Spit are lead by train Whale Shark guides to ensure your safety and the safety of the Whale sharks.

The best dates in spring for sighing these majestic creatures are listed below:

WHALE SHARK SEASON 2012

MARCH 6th – 18th
APRIL 4th – 16th
MAY 4th – 16th
JUNE 2th – 14th

Join us as we go in search for the biggest fish in the sea.

Note: These dives are up to 80 feet in depth and not recommended for divers just learning how to dive.

Whale Shark Rule and Regulations

Southern Environmental Association “is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that continuously works towards improving stewardship and the environmental integrity of key marine areas in southern Belize.
SEA manages whale shark tourism at Gladden Spit in Belize, with direct input from a whale shark working group made up of national stakeholders. A set of guidelines to ensure a safe and ecologically-sound experience for everyone, including the whale sharks, has been developed and is listed below.

2012 Whale Shark Season

March 6 – 18
Full Moon – March 8

April 4 -16
Full Moon – April 6

May 4 – 16
Full Moon – May 6

June 2 – 14
Full Moon – June 4

Belize Whale Shark FAQ

Below are a few questions and answers. If these do not answer any questions you might have about our whale shark trips please feel free to contact us we would be more than happy to help.

1. Is there an Optimum time to see the whale sharks?
We normally begin to see whale shark 2 days before the full moon until 2 days after the last quarter moon. However, the Optimum time to see the whale shark is a few days after the full moon.

2. What if we don’t see any whale shark, is there anything else to see?
The dives out at Gladden Split can be very exciting, even if we don’t see any whale shale sharks. Also, the Gladden Split is a spawning ground for many different species of fish not only Snappers. Sometimes we can find ourselves diving in a school of horse eye or Carville jacks. Divers are also sometimes visited by Dolphins that feed on the fish, as well as other sharks (Caribbean Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, or Hammerhead Sharks) and one time we were even visited by a pod of pilot whales making there migration further south.

3. Do I have to be a diver with an advance certificate to do this dive?
You don’t need to be a diver with an advance certificate to do the whale shark dive. However, because the dives are done in Open Ocean, where most of the time there is no visible bottom, it is not recommend for beginner divers. You basically just hover at a depth of 60ft – 80ft, so proper buoyancy is a must. Therefore we recommend that you be a certified diver with 20 or more logged dives.

4. Can Divers and Snorkelers Be on the same boat?
Yes, Divers and Snorkelers can be on the same boat.

5. If we are not allowed to stay late in the evening when spawning is most likely to take place, how do you attract the whale sharks?
To attract the whale shark we dive in a tight formation over the snappers. The bubble clusters from all the divers simulates the spawn from the snappers, and if the whale sharks are down there, they come up to investigate, because they think it is a meal.

6. What happens if I am bumped by a whale shark, will I get fined $10,000BZ?
You should try your best to get out of the path of the whale sharks if it is approaching. However, we understand that the human body is not designed to move gracefully under water. Just remember, you cannot touch the whale shark, but it can touch you.

7. Are there strong currents on the whale shark dive?
Sometimes there can be strong current and it might require some heavy swimming. It is recommended that you be in good health and physically fitness to do this dive.

8. Does it get rough on the whale shark tour?
Because the whale shark dives are done beyond the barrier reef. It can get rough on the whale shark dive, and as a result some people do get sea sick.