Observe the Whale Sharks with the Belize's Finest Resorts

If you've ever wanted to swim with the largest and most gentle creatures in the sea, now is your chance, and Belize is the place! Every April whale sharks return to the warm Caribbean waters off the Belizean coast and in recent years numerous resorts have created special packages and excursions to enable guests to swim with these gentle giants. Whale sharks, range up to 60 feet in length and can weigh as much as 20 tons, are most easily seen from April through June, although there are sightings throughout the summer months.

Around the time of the full moon, whale sharks congregate in the southern Belizean reef system near Gladden Spit to feed on the spawn (eggs) of red snapper and other fish species. These giant members of the shark family are widely considered to be docile and harmless, despite their formidable size. When found, whale sharks are often less than 20 feet from the surface, making them within easy viewing distance of both divers and snorkelers. Responsible wildlife-watching ethics are strictly observed in Belize and the number of people allowed to view the sharks at one time is limited. The best way to view the whale sharks is through hotels and local tour operators.

Whale Shark Resort Excursions
The Manta Resort, located some 30 miles from the mainland on Glover's Atoll and a UN World Heritage Site and Belizean National Park, offers world-class scuba diving, ranked among the best in the Caribbean. A group of individual cabanas and villas make up this eco-friendly beach front property. The resort offers Whale Shark tours on April 15 - 22, May 13-20, and June 10-17. From the Manta Resort you will have easy access to the whale shark's feeding grounds. For more information please visit the Web site at www.mantaresortbelize.com.

Located on the Placencia Peninsula, Calico Jacks Village is set on a secluded beach in this unspoiled region of southern Belize. The resort provides an environmentally responsible, wholly personalized retreat for off-track travelers seeking an authentic tropical experience. Calico Jacks offers five to ten day whale shark packages that include: continental breakfast and dinner, accommodations in a standard beachfront cabana, a Belize Whale Shark tour and Roundtrip Domestic Air transfer from Belize City to Placencia. For more information please visit the Web site at www.calicojacksvillage.com.

The Inn at Robert's Grove, a well appointed oceanfront resort in the beautiful southern coastal area of Placencia has been offering these tours for several years and has an eight-day package that includes round trip domestic flights from the Belize City airport to Placencia, airport transfers, a luxury standard room with air conditioning, cable television, telephones, private terraces and rooftop Jacuzzis. For more information please visit the Web site at www.robertsgrove.com.

For more information on Belize and accommodations, activities and tours, please visit www.travelbelize.org, or call 1-800-624-0686.

SOURCE www.travelbelize.org