Summertime is a special season in Belize, not because the weather heats up (Belize enjoys great weather all year long) but because a special group of visitors arrives in the offshore waters as part of their annual circumnavigation of the globe.
Named whale sharks for their enormous size, not because they are actually sharks (technically, whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean), whale sharks can measure up to 41 feet (12 meters) long and weigh up to 21 metric tons (47,000 pounds). Despite their gargantuan size, whale sharks pose little danger to humans as they feed solely on microscopic plankton and fish spawn.
Whale sharks are filter feeders who inhabit the warm waters of the tropics. Beginning in early summer, whale sharks arrive in Belize near the area of Glover’s Spit at the eastern edge of the Belize Barrier Reef. Normally, whale sharks live at deep depths inaccessible to humans, but when the full moon waxes, whale sharks rise to the surface in order to feed.
Whale sharks move surprisingly slowly, allowing scuba divers and snorkelers to get very close. Many whale sharks are curious about humans and enjoy interacting with these strange visitors to their underwater world. Belize is a world-class mecca for snorkeling and scuba diving, but no experience can truly compare to seeing these enormous creatures in the wild.
And after a thrilling day of interacting with whale sharks, you can enjoy exciting activities like Placencia’s Lobsterfest. This three-day non-stop party kicks off in June when the lobster fishing season opens and features live music, fun games, dancing, and plenty of innovative and delicious lobster dishes. Other fun activities you can enjoy include exploring ancient Maya ruins, hiking and bird watching in the vast Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (home to the world’s only jaguar conservation project), and boat tours along the Monkey River.
Chabil Mar is a multiple award-winning luxury resort located in Placencia in southern Belize. Chabil Mar offers guests beautifully appointed villas, a gourmet restaurant, open-air dining on a private seafront pier, a lush tropical garden, and easy access to all of the top attractions, including scuba diving and snorkeling with whale sharks.
In order to protect the whale sharks, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities are strictly limited. If you’d like to scuba dive or snorkel with these gentle giants, book your tour with the Chabil Mar resort today.
For more information about travelling to Belize this summer, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377
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