Whale Sharks in Belize

Snorkeling with
Whale Sharks in Belize

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The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and one of the largest creature of any kind alive today. It is classified in the order of Orectolobiformes (five gill slits, anal fin, two dorsal fins, no spines on the fins and the mouth in front of the eyes).

They are most often seen in Belize from Placencia or Hopkins. Unfortunately, since whale sharks are night feeders, there really are no guarantees as to when they show up. We went last year three days after the full moon at the end of May, exactly when they were supposed to be there. No whale sharks. They did not show up until a week later. If you have a longer visit it may not be a problem, you can just go down when they get there. Although 3 or 4 days before and after the full and new moons in April and May are the best times to interact with the sharks, they are often sighted through the summer months as well. 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.

Another thing is that it can be very rough out there. Conditions are often not optimal. It is a long boatride out (and therefore costly), but if you get to see the whale sharks it is certainly worth it. I would wait to make arrangements for a boat until after you get to Placencia. Everyone there will know if the whale sharks have arrived at Gladden. There are several tour companies that can arrange trips once you are there.

The shark's genus name is currently Rhincodon typus (the spelling of the genus name has changed over the years from Rhiniodon typus to Rhineodon typus to the current spelling).

The largest accurately measured whale shark was 40 feet, 7 inches in length, with a 4.5 foot wide mouth, a 4.5 foot high dorsal fin, and 6.5 foot long pectoral fins. This "whale" of a shark was caught in a gill net thrown over the side of a 20 foot long boat in Bombay, India!

However, despite their size, whale sharks are remarkably gentle and curious. The whale shark's gentle natures makes swimming with them a special treat for divers and snorkelers. The whale shark's curiosity even pulls fishing parties into its thrall. We have sometimes had whale sharks seem to be asking to be petted as they glide alongside our fishing boats.

We prefer snorkeling to diving for whale shark interaction because we believe that snorkeling is less harmful and less stressful to the whale sharks.

Click here to see Diving with whale sharks on page two