“Dive Belize Gladden Spit from Placencia”
Whale Shark Diving
Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve
30 Miles offshore Placencia 4.3 out of 5 stars 4.3 Rating
Whale Shark Diving at Gladden Spit in Belize is an exhilarating annual experience. Each year, between April, May, and June, divers have the rare opportunity to encounter whale sharks up close. The best time to dive is during the days following the full moon, when these gentle giants migrate to Gladden Split, located about 30 miles off the coast of Placencia in southern Belize.
4 & 7 Nights Dive Packages
- Round-trip air transfers from Belize International Airport to/from Placencia
- Accommodations options from rates table below
-
4 Night package includes 3 days of diving
(2 Days whale shark, and 1 day regular reef diving) -
7 Nights package includes 5 days of diving
(3 Days whale shark, 1 Day Glovers Reef & 1 Day Regular Reef)
Other Dive Site Options include:
Shark Hole, South Water Caye, White Hole, North Wall, and Pompion Caye Wall
Dive Trips Includes
- Seahorse Dive Shop:
- Hotel Transfers
- Dive Instructor, Boat & Gears
- Towels & Lunch
- Sales Tax & Park fees
Jungle day tour add-ons
Monkey River: $99 PPJaguar Preserve & Waterfalls: $135 PP Cave Tubing & Zip Line: $225 PP
The ATM Cave Tour: $225 PP
Transfers, Lunch & Taxes Included
History of Belize Whale Sharks
Some fifty years ago, a local fisherman living on one of the Sapodilla Cayes off the coast of southern Belize was the first person to report sightings of these magnificent creatures. Local fishermen from Placencia out on their annual snapper spawning fishing trips at the Gladden Spit also had sightings, but thought it was only one shark; they named it Sapodilla Tom in honor of the first person who reported sightings.
In the early 1990s, after scuba diving was introduced to the area, divers discovered that the migration involved dozens of whale sharks, not just one. Today, this remarkable event has become Placencia’s most popular diving attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
2026 Rates based on lodging type
| RESORT TYPE | April 01 – 11 & May 01 – 11 | May 31 – June 10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget Cabanas | 4 Nights | 7 Nights | 4 Nights | 7 Nights |
| Tradewinds Cabanas | $1,170 PP | $1,825 PP | $1,170 PP | $1,825 PP |
| Sea Spray Hotel | $1,155 PP | $1,750 PP | $1,150 PP | $1,775 PP |
Mid Range Hotel | ||||
| Nirvana Hotel | $1,530 PP | $2,195 PP | $1,490 PP | $2,125 PP |
Luxury Resort | April 01–11 | May 01–11 & May 31–Jun 10 | ||
| Chabil Mar Villas | $1,875 PP | $2,998 PP | $1,695 PP | $2,695 PP |
Please Note:
– Prices are per person based on double occupancy– Contact us for single rates
– Longer or shorter packages can be customized to suit your needs
– Jungle day tour rates are per person and include taxes
– A deposit will be required to confirm reservations
– Balance due 30 days before arrival
– If the reservation is made under 30 days, the full balance will be due
Gladden Spit Location
Check Availability & Booking
Whale Shark Migration Update at Gladden Spit!
Please be advised that whale shark sightings at Gladden Spit have declined markedly over the last decade. The Seahorse Dive Shop team has been monitoring whale shark activity here since 1995—the first divers to ever encounter them in Belize. Their research shows a steady decline in sightings since 2013. From 2018 to 2022, whale shark sightings were scarce, with virtually no reported observations. The decline is largely attributed to illegal overfishing by foreign fishermen, who enter the protected area at night to target spawning snappers. Because whale sharks are drawn to feed on the eggs of spawning snappers, the depletion of these fish has affected the sharks’ seasonal visits.
Encouragingly, since the 2023 season, whale sharks were spotted again in the days following the full moons of April and May. While this may signal a potential recovery, sightings are not guaranteed. For that reason, our Whale Shark Dive Packages also include a variety of other exceptional dive sites around Placencia, ensuring every trip remains memorable even if the whale sharks don’t appear. In addition, guests can complement their diving adventures with exciting jungle tours available from Placencia as optional add-ons.
Thank you for your understanding and for supporting responsible, sustainable tourism in Belize.