Belize - Whale Shark Diving Extension
Extreme Adventures Difficulty Rating System
4 - SEVERE
These programs take place in the most inhospitable places on earth and entail prolonged strenuous activity. Superior physical and mental condition is required to participate.
3 - DEMANDING
These programs take place in remote environments or require prolonged activity such as rafting, horseback riding and hiking. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to "rough it" for long periods.
2 - MODERATE
These programs take place in environments with potentially extreme temperatures, and may include light physical activity.
1 - MILD
These programs make no physical demands on the participant.

Purchase Equipment & Clothing

Environment & Conditions

  • difficulty 4 [ 3 - demanding ] 2 1
  • Temperatures of 23-28° C
  • Scuba diving
  • Excellent physical condition required
  • Latitude 17° 32' N
  • Longitude 88° 18' W

Travel Facts

Country Name
Belize
Capital
Belmopan
Coordinates
17 15 N, 88 45 W
Area
  • Total: 22,966 sq km
  • Land: 22,806 sq km
  • Water: 160 sq km
Elevation Extremes
  • Low: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  • High: Victoria Peak 1,160 m
Population
314,275
Demonym
Belizean
Climate
Month High Low Rain
Jan 80 70 4.50
Feb 80 71 2.60
Mar 83 74 1.90
Apr 85 76 1.70
May 87 79 4.00
Jun 87 79 8.60
Jul 86 79 8.10
Aug 86 78 7.00
Sep 86 77 9.50
Oct 84 75 10.0
Nov 82 73 7.00
Dec 80 71 6.70
Time Zone
Central Time (UTC-6)
Currency
Dollar (BZD)
Voltage
110V/220V
Calling Code
+501

The whale shark moved slowly and deliberately against the current in search of food. I was amazed at its grace, and the docile manner in which it swam by without alarm. I kept to a respectful distance, but trailed as long as I could, until my tank gauge indicated that it was time to head to the surface.

Expedition Log: Days 2 - 3

Thirty feet below the surface, the bottlenose dolphins frolic within arm's reach, and at 80 feet we're engulfed by hypnotic schools of snapper and grouper. We dive deeper, into the still waters beneath the fish, when our guide gives the signal: up from the darkness emerges a 40-foot whale shark, attracted to our air bubbles, which mimic fish-spawn in the blue Caribbean abyss. Mouth agape, filtering for food, the whale shark ignores both us and the reef sharks patrolling the area with curiosity. Instead, this ancient fish ascends slowly to feed in warmer waters. Unthreatened, it allows us to swim alongside.

Expedition Timeline

Day 1
Belize City / Placencia

This morning transfer to Belize City airport and board your flight for Placencia. After arriving at Francis Ford Coppola's resort - Turtle Inn, meet with the dive master and review the plan for the next two days of diving Gladden Spit, famous for its heavy concentration of whale sharks.

Turtle Inn D
Days 2-3
Placencia

Head to Gladden Spit in search of the whale shark, at 60 feet long the largest and perhaps most majestic fish in the sea. Jacques Cousteau saw only two specimens in his lifetime. During the full moon, the sharks congregate near the coral reef, feeding on fish larvae. It is also common to see hammerhead sharks, tuna, sail fish and marlin. There is also the option to dive at the reef nearby for a change in underwater scenery.

Turtle Inn B L D
Day 4
Placencia

Your day is at leisure to do some exploring on your own. Or relax and enjoy the amenities of the Turtle Inn.

Turtle Inn B D
Day 5
Placencia / Belize City

This morning after breakfast, depart for your flight home from Belize City.

B

Departure Dates & Pricing

Price Per Person
  • 2011:On Request
  • 2010:On Request
Single Supplement
  • 2011:On Request
  • 2010:On Request
Internal Air
  • 2011:N/A
  • 2010:N/A

This diving program is for certified advance open water divers. Call A&K for details on qualifications.

Alternate Departure Dates can be arranged. Prices are subject to change.

Price Per Person
  • 2010:On Request
  • 2011:On Request
Single Supplement
  • 2010:On Request
  • 2011:On Request
Internal Air
  • 2010:On Request
  • 2011:On Request