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#62798 02/11/03 07:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 215
Loie Offline OP
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Anyone out there have the skinny on the best time/place to dive & see whale sharks? Planning our next trip (sigh).

Thanks!
Loie


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"Everywhere I turn all the beauty just keeps shaking me." Amy Ray, World Falls
#62799 02/11/03 07:42 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,133
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Loie,
Found this website: Whale Sharks in Belize


Gela's AC Motto: "All Roads Used to Lead to BC's - Now They Lead to Hurricane's!"
#62800 02/11/03 07:55 PM
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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Mary is very knowledgeable. <see link above> . Definently give her an email

[email protected]

#62801 02/11/03 08:21 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
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Guaranteed to seee them april and may only one small problem you have to be in Placencia or hopkins (courtesy of green guide).

#62802 02/11/03 08:49 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 232
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Unfortunately there really are no guarantees as to when they show up. We went last year three days after the full moon at the end of May, exactly when they were supposed to be there. No whale sharks. They did not show up until a week later. If you have a longer visit it may not be a problem, you can just go down when they get there.
You have to go way out to Gladden Spit to find them, about 18 or 20 miles off the Placencia coast as I recall. It was disappointing not to see them, but we were able to fish and snorkel so the trip still fun.

#62803 02/12/03 10:00 AM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 256
M
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M
Figure March to July and best time to plan your dive or snorkel trip would be 3 days before and after the full moon.

They roam up and down the coast, but best place to see them is Gladden Split, where they congregate for the snapper eggs, about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia.


Maya Travel Services
#62804 02/12/03 10:22 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 232
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Another thing is that it can be very rough out there. Conditions are often not optimal. It is a long boatride out (and therefore costly), but if you get to see the whale sharks it would certainly be worth it. I would wait to make arrangements for a boat until after you get to Placencia. Everyone there will know if the whale sharks have arrived at Gladden. There are several tour companies that can arrange trips once you are there.

#62805 02/12/03 10:41 AM
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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from a friend...
3 DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER THE FULL MOON ARE THE MOST OPPORTUNE TIME TO SEE
THEM EN MASSE, HOWEVER, THERE ARE ALWAYS A FEW STRAGLERS IN THE AREA TO BE
FOUND.

HAVE YOU GONE MARTY? DO IT, EITHER SNORKELING OR DIVING, JUST INCREDIBLE,
VERY HUMBLING.

LAST YEAR I WAS ON SILK CAYES WITH THE RESEARCHERS TRYING TO IMPLANT RADIO
TRANSMITTERS BUT REALIZED THESE FISH SWIM DEEPER AND QUICKER THAN I'LL EVER
BE ABLE TO.

#62806 02/12/03 10:44 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 915
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When we were in Placencia last week, mention was made that there may be an early spawn this year (I don't know who makes the prediction confused .) We've been there during the all the months whale sharks come through since there have been guided trips and it's all about luck and timing and full moons to see them. One man we know (age mid-70s eek ) comes in May for the whole month and he dives every day that it's possible to do so. Needless to say, he's one of the lucky ones who has had several encounters.

#62807 02/12/03 11:06 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13
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From what I understand, the full moon in April is the best time to go. We did it two years ago about a week after the April full moon and saw about 5 of them. It was one of the best dives of my life and apparently we missed out on the big numbers. A few stick around through the full moon of May. We stayed in Placencia and went out with Sea Horse Dive Shop. Brian runs the place and has been diving with the whale sharks for over a decade. I have no problems recommending him. Very professional. I would give them a call and reserve your space though. We called them this past April and they were booked solid around the full moons. Since National Geographic did their special on the Gladden Spit Whale Sharks, all the dive shops have been quite busy.
You will not regret going even if you only see 1. They are such amazing graceful creatures. I hope to go again this year.

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