PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL HILTON, GREENPEACE
Swimming with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea is a one of a kind experience and there are only a handful of destinations on the planet where you can see these wonderful creatures. Every year, during the months of March, April, May and June, around the full moon, you can see these gentle giants drawn to Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve near Placencia in Southern Belize.
The whale sharks congregate near Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to feed on plankton and other spawning fish. Slow moving, filter-feeding sharks, these calm creatures live in all tropical and warm temperate seas and are known to be gentle with divers.
“Due to the Whale Sharks relatively brief stay and local protection and conservation efforts, Whale Shark diving is extremely limited in Belize, thus we offer a package that offers a rare opportunity to swim with these amazing aquatic creatures,” says Larry France, Marketing Manager of Chabil Mar, a guest exclusive resort in the charming village of Placencia.
“Our unique Whale Shark Dive Package includes 3 Whale Shark dives, 2 world-class reef dives along the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and 7 nights at the luxurious Chabil Mar Resort,” adds France who recommends that you shouldn’t wait longer to book the whale shark package which will soon be sold out.
According to Wikipedia, the largest accurately measured whale shark in the world 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.
“On non-dive days, you can explore Mayan ruins, hike the trails of the world’s only jaguar preserve, or trek up the Monkey River where nature abounds. Or simply enjoy being pampered in your exquisitely appointed villas, relax on your private veranda, or lounge poolside or on the white sand beach at Chabil Mar” says Larry.
Whale Sharks can weigh up to 47,000 pounds and live for up to 80 years.
For more information about Whale Shark Diving in Belize, you can contact reservations@chabilmarvillas.com or check out the package here: https://chabilmarvillas.com/belize-scuba-diving-snokel-vacations/whale-shark-diving-barefoot-perfect-placencia-belize.html
