In recent years, we experienced expect some excellent encounters with whale sharks between April and early July.  This is when we will be offering trips again this year, 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.

Photographs kindly provided by Sarah Taylor, Andy Oates & Robert Frackman

Dates & Prices

13 days within the period 18^th Jun - 8^th July £2,290 per person sharing

13 days within the period 20^th April - 13^th May and 19^th May - 11^th Jun add £160 pp sharing

Oceanfront junior suite upgrade: Add £385 per person sharing

Oceanview deluxe suite: Add £495 per person sharing

Single supplements

Based on regular beach view rooms:

Add £650 within the period 18^th Jun - 8^th July
Add £765 within the period 20^th April - 13^th May and 19^th May - 11^th Jun

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, Andy Oates & Robert Frackman

Draft Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Belize City where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2
(B,L,D)
You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport.

Fly Belize City to Placencia.

You will be met upon arrival and taken to your hotel.

Days 3 - 10
(B,L,D)
There are limited spaces to see the whale sharks, so your precise itinerary will not be known until you confirm your booking.  At this point we will be able to advise on which days you will complete the following:

- 3 days whale shark diving
- 2 days reef diving
- 1 day manatees in Placencia Lagoon
- 1 day kayaking Stan River
- 1 day visit to Cockscombe Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Days 11 & 12
(B,L,D)
A chance simply to relax in Southern Belize, or make use of the excellent facilities of the hotel.  Additional diving can also be arranged.

Day 13
(B)
You will be taken back to the airport at Placencia and put on your plane to Belize City.
Connect with your flight home.

Photographs kindly provided by Sarah Taylor, Andy Oates & Robert Frackman

Robert's Grove  -  Whale Shark  -  Manatee  -  Rainforest  -  Barrier Reef