What's our best chance of seeing Whale Sharks, departing from AC. Full moon is Feb 12 and we'll be there then. Should we book a snorkel trip to Caye Caulker that day or snorkel to Hol Chan. Opinions please from those who know?

I like the positive mental attitude in the hope of plural sightings but sadly, from San Pedro, your chances are close to zero - although they are out there, it's a big sea. Reliable sightings are found a week or so either side of the full moon March - June where they feed late afternoon at the Snapper spawning grounds off Gladden Spit east of Placencia.

Contact Brian Young at SeaHorse Diving for more accurate info and if you fancy a trip from there he is your man - I have been lucky enough to see them each time I have been out with him over the last four trips. Words do not do justice to a sighting. Yes Craig, I was looking the wrong way to see the alleged Hammerhead!!

marge,
from what I've read, casa's right: February's full moon might be outside of peak season for Whale Sharks. Ambergris Caye might be a little too far north, as well. But good luck, whneever and wherever you go.

Dan

http://www.belizescuba.com/

Thank you for the link. Wonderful views of these creatures. Sounds like I'm not going to see them personally. Wow, what great video.

Keep a good thought. While you definitely shouldn't count on such a thing happening, some friends of mine saw a whale shark off San Pedro in September, a few years back.

Can anyone suggest a place to go to see Manta Rays or spotted rays? Some guests that we spoke with last August took the kayak out of Capitan Morgans and had a great encounter with a spotted stingray, but I have yet to swim with one...

I've seen many, many, many spotted eagle rays off of San Pedro . . .but never a manta.

Is it suggested that we might see or have visions Of Mantra Rays in Plancia?

No problem,if not, just want to be wishing!!

Manta Rays prefer open waters so chances are slim. I grew up in Belize and only saw mantas twice (and only jumps), once on the way to a two week camping stay at Half Moon Caye and Northern Two Cayes and more recently, a few years ago fishing off of Glovers Reef.
Now spotted eagle rays are fairly common and there is nothing quite like snorkeling eye to eye with one. The areas that I have seen the most (btw...this is one of my favorite fish to observe) is next to Carrie Bow Caye down south and if you are ever at South Water Caye, they come into the lagoon just about every morning to feed. This past summer I "visited" with one just about every day that is was at SWC and the reason I knew it was the same eagle ray is that it had three barbs on its tail.