In 2008, we experienced expect some excellent encounters with whale sharks in April, May and June.  This is when we will be offering trips again in 2009, combining opportunities to see whale sharks with excellent diving on Belize's Barrier Reef, a chance to see manatees and mangroves, and visit the country's famous jaguar reserve of the Cockscombe Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Whale sharks migrate from far and wide to southern Belize when Mutton and Cuberra Snappers spawn en masse.  Divers put in at the edges of the spawn and wait in the hope of seeing whale sharks as they enjoy this aqueous feast.  There is no spotting from the air as we do in Seychelles, but fish finders help to locate the snappers and spawn gives away the best locations to enter the water.

In terms of timing, a two week period starting three days before the full moon is usually the best time to coincide with the whale sharks.  Nothing can be guaranteed of course, and unfortunately there is little else to see out in open water; but this is certainly one of the world's best opportunities to dive with these magnificent creatures.  This trip includes three day trips out to see whale sharks.

The Barrier Reef

Although whale sharks are a major pull for divers interested in Belize, its Barrier Reef should not be overlooked.  This trip incorporates two days of reef diving which can be extended.

Rainforests and Mangroves

We set aside three days to explore some of southern Belize's best rainforests and mangrove areas.  Manatees are a highlight within Placencia Lagoon and we arrange a natural history boat trip to help you see another of the sea's most admired creatures.

You will have further opportunities to explore the coastal forests of this area by canoe where our focus is on the wildlife and birdlife of the Stan Creek River.  For inland rainforest we venture into the world's first jaguar reserve: the Cockscombe Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.  Although these animals and their smaller counterparts, the ocelot and margay, exist in good population sizes in this park, it is rare that they want to be seen, so don't be disappointed if you don't.  However, you will be able to learn about the flora of the forest here, including local medicinal plants.  You will also be able to enjoy a ride through the forest courtesy of an inflated lorry scale inner tube.

Two full day days are also set aside simply to relax in Southern Belize, or make use of the excellent facilities of the hotel.  Additional diving can also be arranged.

Code of Conduct

Diving with whale sharks in Belize is an activity governed by the Friends of Nature.  Each dive guide receives training from this organization to ensure that dive trips are conducted responsibly.

Please Click Here for a draft itinerary.

Dates & Prices (2009) 13 days within the period 3rd - 16th Jun (£2,350 per person sharing) 13 days within the period 5th - 18th April & 5th - 18th May add £145 pp sharing Oceanfront junior suite upgrade: Add £298 per person sharing Oceanview single room deluxe suite: Add £398 per person sharing Prices include Flights between Belize City & Placencia All land transfers 1 night in Belize City at the Great House* 3 days of Whale Shark Diving (2 tanks per day) 2 days of Reef Diving (2 tanks per day) Small group guided trips to Placencia Lagoon in search of manatees and to the Cockscombe Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Guided kayaking trip on the Stan Creek Dive equipment rental Accommodation in a Standard Room w/private bathroom, A/C, ceiling fans, cable TV, telephone, small fridge, safe, futon couch & private terrace (room upgrades available) All meals coffees, teas, milk and morning juice whilst in southern Belize including continental buffet breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner Breakfast in Belize City Local taxes and service charges Prices exclude International flights Activities not specified Surcharge on some food items at hotel Visas Innoculations Tips Daily marine park entrance fee of $15** payable to Friends of Nature International departure tax *subject to availability at time of booking **correct at time of writing Hotel facilities The hotel has swimming pools, canoes, kayaks, windsurfs, jacuzzis, bicycles, Hobie cats, tennis court, gym - all of which you can use at no extra charge

Photographs kindly provided by Sarah Taylor & Robert Frackman