During the months of April through June, southern Belize offers divers and snorkelers the unique opportunity for spotting the large pelagic feeder known as the Whale Shark. When in a playful mood, these gentle and curious creatures will hang around for long periods of time. If you are planning a dive trip with whale sharks in mind, the best time to do so during these months would be three days before the full moon to three days after the last quarter moon (It’s during this period that Cubera Snappers spawn, attracting the Whale Sharks). April – June is also spawning season for many other species of fish and mating season for turtles.
Belize is famous for many scuba diving activities, the coral reefs and aquatic life of the Barrier reef, the famous Blue Hole, and also the gentle giant Whale sharks. There’s no other resort destination in the whole of Belize that can offer you access to all these scuba sites in one comfortable dive package except for Placencia.
Gladden Spit
Location: 26 nautical miles east of Placencia
Depth: 60 Feet/18mt
Access: One hour and thirty minute boat ride from Placencia
Expertise Rating: Advanced
The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve located near Placencia in Southern Belize, is a spawning aggregation site for many different tropical fish species including the cubera, mutton and dog snappers which produce tons of spawn. This spawning occurs around the full moon to last quarter during the months of March to June. This is what attracts the Whale Shark to the Gladden spit. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean growing up to lengths of 60 feet/18mt. Divers and snorkelers get a rare opportunity to swim along with this magnificent creature. The wall here slopes down to 160 feet/50mt then drops off into the blue abyss. Diving is done in mid water at a depth no deeper than 60 feet/18mt in groups no larger than 12 divers with their dive masters.
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