Diving with Whale Sharks in Belize

Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, they grow up to 14m (46ft), weighing up to 15 tons! They are migratory creatures and it has been estimated that they may live up to 100-150 years! They eat plankton and small fish and are harmless to people. Diving with whale sharks in Belize is one of the most rewarding experiences when you are diving in the Caribbean.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in Belize attracts one of the largest concentrations of whale sharks in the world. The presence of the whale sharks is dependent on the health of the spawning fish aggregations. ReefCI actively participate in working on the spawning fish in the area.

Like many of its shark relatives, whale sharks are in decline and they may soon face extinction if we don't act now. Whale sharks' gentle nature makes them an easy fisheries target for meat and fins, highly valued in the international shark fin trade.

ReefCI participate in the Project AWARE Whale Shark Project which engages divers and snorkelers in whale shark data collection efforts in partnership with the UK based Shark Trust. The Whale Shark Sightings Database allows volunteers to report their sighting information online. This public, photo identification database supports photo and sighting data comparisons by scientists, researchers, and others interested in preserving this vulnerable species. Photographic identification is a powerful non invasive technique for studying shark life histories and movement in their natural environment. This is especially important for a highly migratory species like the Whale Shark.

What will you be doing?

Nobody can guarantee a Whale Shark encounter however, if you are lucky enough to experience a Whale Shark we ask you to record as much information as possible, and take photos (without a flash). Displaying a myriad of pale blue spots and stripes, each whale shark has its own unique pattern. Divers and snorkelers are asked to photograph and make notes about each whale shark’s individual skin pattern, size and other identifying factors. Following each sighting divers will be asked to submit the sightings data and images to an online database.

In order to participate in the Whale Shark project you must pledge to follow the Whale Shark code of conduct.

If you would like to learn more about the Project AWARE Whale Shark project please follow the link to the Project AWARE website.

The Whale Shark season is officially March through to June. However, we often spot them throughout the year.

Read below for one of our personal accounts with the Whale Sharks.

During the full moon we try and locate the Whale Sharks. First, we look for the birds in the distance and as we get closer we see the water bubbling away with tuna jumping and birds flying down. But the Whale Shark does not always want to surface.

We follow the whale sharks a few times before our dive. After the dive we look again and this time the Whale Shark decides that it wants to play!!!! As we approach we can see the huge fin and outline of the Shark which ranges in size from 35-60 foot. Sometimes we see the nose out of the water as it is feeding. As we carefully get into the water, we cannot believe the sheer size of the creature - an incredibe, awe-inspiring experience that allows for breathtaking photos.

We often see curious lemon sharks or a feeding Caribbean reef shark in the water with the Whale Shark. After diving with the Whale Sharks, everyone is on a complete high!!!  This is nature at its best and probably the best diving experience that one can have.