The area around Placencia and Hopkins is where to go in Belize if you would like to look for these enormous, friendly sharks. The Gladden Split area became famous through a National Geographic documentary on Whale Sharks. During the spring months of March, April, May and June over 20 species of Caribbean fish come to the area to spawn. The whale sharks, who are plankton eaters, feed on their eggs. The sharks are usually found about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia. This area is known to host large concentrations of whale sharks during April and May when Mutton and Dog Snappers are spawning.

The exact time to find these amazing creatures is hard to determine in Belize. The fish normally spawn in the days before and after the full moon and the most common time to look for whale sharks at Gladden Spit are the 10 days after a full moon. However, sightings have also been reported in the days before full moon and around new moons. Also, sole whale sharks can accidentally be found in the area any time of the year. The probability of finding the kind sharks is about 40% during the right time (opposed to 100% from June to September in the Mexican Caribbean). Nevertheless, local dive operations will be able to inform you whether the whale sharks are there or not before you go out on tour. An encounter with these creatures is a lifetime experience and if you are an experienced scuba diver you can enjoy these animals up to 80 feet deep. Snorkeling is also possible as they often come close to the surface. Waters are regularly pretty choppy in this area, which makes diving the better option. At the same time, researchers believe that snorkeling puts less stress on the friendly sharks than diving.

Either Whale Shark Diving or Snorkeling you will be doing one of the best adventure travel tours available.