Gladden Spit

Best time to dive

February to May; March to June

What you might see

• Grey reef sharkLikely
• Sea turtleLikely
• Whale sharkPeak season

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes — snorkeling with whale sharks is a popular, regulated activity; full-day tours typically include 2 snorkel sessions in the designated Whale Shark Zone alongside diving

Safety notes

Blue-water diving with no bottom/reef reference requires close depth-gauge monitoring; whale sharks are a protected species with strict no-touch/no-chase rules (violation fine reported at BZ$10,000); mandatory distances of 15ft for divers/snorkelers and 50ft for boats, 200ft between vessels, idle speed (max 2 knots) near sharks; max 6 dive/snorkel boats permitted in the Whale Shark Zone at once on rotating 1.5-hour time slots; water activity must end by 4-5pm

Permits & fees

Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve conservation/whale shark fee of US$15 per person, mandatory for all visitors, collected by licensed tour operators on behalf of the Southern Environmental Association (co-managed with Belize Fisheries Department)

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Placencia