Swimming With Whale Sharks in Belize 2024: An Underwater Encounter Like No Other
Snorkeler alongside a Whale Shark for Scale
Every year between March and June, the balmy waters off the coast of Placencia, Belize, come alive with the arrival of the whale sharks. These massive yet utterly peaceful creatures are the largest fish species in the world, growing over 40 feet long and weighing upwards of 20 tons.
Their annual migration to the nutrient-rich seas off Belize to feed on plankton and spawn new life has become an unmissable event for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts worldwide.
In 2024, Placencia will be the best location when it comes to where to see whale sharks in Belize. locally guided whale shark tours from Placencia will give you the chance to swim just an arm's length away from these majestic beasts during the peak viewing times.
Best Dates For Belize Whale Shark 2024 Sightings:
- April 23-30, 2024
- May 23-30, 2024
- June 21-28, 2024
Imagine arriving in Placencia for the this year's Belize whale shark season and coming face-to-face with the wide-open mouth this magnificent creature, seeing their polka-dotted skin up close, and swimming alongside their massive yet graceful forms. It's an almost indescribable experience to be dwarfed by the sheer size of these gentle giants, the largest known extant fish species on our planet.
Your knowledgeable local guides in Placencia will locate the whale shark sightings each day and lead you out via boat to the best areas for snorkeling or diving with them.
The most popular location in Belize to see Whale Sharks is known as the Gladden Spit.
- Location: 26 nautical miles east of Placencia
Depth: 60 Feet/18m
Access: One hour and thirty minute boat ride from Placencia
Expertise Rating: Advanced
Whale sharks are docile filter-feeders, allowing adventurers to swim alongside at a respectful distance. It's an extraordinary privilege to be able to view these vulnerable migratory creatures in their natural habitat.
Here are some fun facts about whale sharks:
- Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world. They can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length and weigh up to 21.5 tons (19,500 kilograms), about the weight of a large semi-truck.
- Despite their massive size, whale sharks are docile and harmless to humans. They are filter feeders, eating only tiny plants and animals called plankton.
- Whale sharks have over 300 rows of tiny teeth, but they use these teeth to filter feed, not for biting or chewing.
- The whale shark's mouth is almost 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide, making it one of the biggest mouths in the animal kingdom.
- Whale sharks are believed to live for about 70 years or more, making them one of the longest-lived fish species.
- These gentle giants can be found in tropical and warm temperate oceans around the world, often migrating long distances to find plankton-rich waters.
- Whale sharks are known for their unique pattern of light spots and stripes, which is different for each individual, similar to human fingerprints.
- Despite their massive size, newborn whale shark pups are only about 2 feet (0.6 meters) long at birth.
- Whale sharks are classified as endangered due to threats from hunting, accidental capture in fishing nets, and boat strikes.
- Swimming with whale sharks is a popular ecotourism activity in several locations around the world, providing opportunities to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural environment.
The waters off Placencia offer some of the best whale shark viewing in the world thanks to the islands, atolls, and marine reserve providing the perfect staging ground for their annual migration.
Book your stay at Tranquility Beach Suites today and you will be in the best place to see whale sharks. We will assist you to book your whale shark snorkeling or diving tour for 2024. You still have May and June to get your chance to swim with this magnificent animal. Remember, availability is limited for this once-in-a-lifetime oceanic encounter!
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience one of the ocean's most awesome wonders in beautiful Belize.