It’s Whale Shark Season. Miss This Opportunity and You’ll Regret it!

May 3, 2021
1 min read
It’s Whale Shark Season. Miss This Opportunity and You’ll Regret it!

Rotten Tomatoes is the place to go when seeking irreverent movie reviews. This site uses a “tomatometer” to tell consumers why they should see or skip a film and when addressing the topic of sharks, even non-movie goers can expect to see the 1976 Steven Spielberg classic “Jaws” at the top of the list.

As a result of watching this and equally scary other films that feature thrashing waters, blood, and heart-pounding orchestral accompaniments, you would be the rare exception if the thought of consorting with sharks didn’t send a chill down your spine.

But allow us to enlighten you: Some sharks are downright shy. Whale sharks, a species that should be menacing given the name, are extremely gentle. Are you hungry for new experiences, want to check something off your bucket list or you want to test your mettle? Swimming with whale sharks in Belize isn’t just suggested – it’s recommended!

All about these fascinating creatures

According to the World Wildlife Fund, whale sharks (their scientific name is Rhincodon typus) are the largest of all fishes found in oceans today. They are truly huge at an average of 40-feet long and weighing in at around 11 tons, so you couldn’t miss these massive mammals if you tried.

Whale sharks may look menacing but they’re not and for divers and snorkelers who have “met” them, they are pleasant companions that seem to have respect for the humans who love to swim with them, but remember that they don’t stick around all year long. Whale shark season began two days after the March full moon and lasts only until July 5th.

whale shark diving in belize
Where’s the best place to consort with whale sharks?

The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, just off the coast of Belize’s Placencia peninsula. What’s the best way to enjoy a complete whale shark experience? By staying on Raye Cay Island Resort, near the Gladden Spit. Resort guests put themselves into the capable hands of guides who know as much about these creatures as do some marine biologists.

Ray Caye has already started welcoming guests for the 2021 season, and if you would like to follow in their swim fins, you’re going to have to act pretty quickly. This island won’t disappoint. It’s small, luxurious and Ray Caye caters to folks who love privacy, seek excellent service and plush accommodations. You could be one of them.

Stay where you play

Your dives can be part of a Belize whale shark vacation package deal, so everything about your island stay is included. Add one or two tank dives separately if you want more. Your tour covers guides (trained in first aid), gear, lunch, and snacks. Every tour is tailored to guest wishes so your experience will be unique.

This is likely to be the dive of a lifetime and since tourism in 2020 came to an abrupt halt due to Covid, you’ve still got time to make up for last year, curious traveler. Come for the sharks. Stay for the island experience. Just don’t be surprised if cavorting with these enormous fish changes the way you see the world now and in the future!