Diving with Belize's Whale Sharks

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Whale shark diving at Isla Marisol

Join us during the full moons of March, April and May to dive with the whale sharks, the gentle giants of Belize's Gladden Spit. You will stay on a remote, pristine and palm-studded island at the laid back Isla Marisol Resort and spend 3, 4 or 7 nights enjoying world-class diving.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. Despite their confusing name, whale sharks are not mammals, but in fact, sharks. These huge creatures feed mainly on plankton and other small marine life by sucking enormous amounts of water into their large mouths and filtering organisms out. Because of their non-aggressive nature, whale sharks are favorite subjects for scuba divers to watch and photograph.

During the spring months, whale sharks congregate in the Gladden Spit area to take advantage of the snapper spawning. This usually occurs around the full moon, and because it is a fairly predictable event, divers come from all over the world to see these giants.

Isla Marisol Resort is a located on a secluded island on Glover's Atoll in Belize. It is one of the most spectacular, untouched reef systems in the Caribbean and a UN World Heritage Site. Located some 30 miles from the mainland, Isla Marisol offers diving, snorkeling, and beachcombing that is among the best the Caribbean has to offer. Because of the atoll's protected status, grouper, moray, colorful trigger fish and large parrot fish abound. Enjoy encounters with dolphins, eagle rays and sea turtles. Incredible wall diving is a stone's throw from the resort, with a 2,000-foot wall right in front. Snorkel or dive on guided trips around the 80-square-mile atoll, or in the crystal clear lagoon within the resort. Other activities include kayaking and excellent fly-fishing and trolling.

Join us this spring for spectacular whale shark diving!

For an all inclusive Belize vacation that combines Isla Marisol Resort with a jungle experience, see our Belize Vacation Packages.

Choose from the following activities:

Isla_whale_shark_230

Diving
Isla Marisol offers each guest 15-17 dives per week. Each of the 15 dive sites in the area showcases a different view of Belize's unique underworld. No two dives are ever the same.

The PADI certified dive masters will guide you through a maze of corals along the atoll's steep drop-off. Each dive lasts roughly 45 minutes after which you return to the island for meals or simply to gather your breath for the next dive.

Isla Marisol is a PADI dive resort, so if you are not yet a certified diver, you will still be able to enjoy the aquatic wonderland. There is an instructor available who can certify non-divers upon request.

Whale Shark Dives (during season only): Divers may, for an additional charge of $175/diver per trip, join our daily trips to nearby Gladden Spit to dive with whale sharks.

Snorkeling
The reef around the resort provides a huge range of beautiful places where surface snorkeling and dives can be made. A short boat ride takes you through the shallow turquoise waters of the reef for the darker blues of the Caribbean.

Anchoring off the reef you can descend for surface dives around the reef. Over the reef is a pristine white sandy floor up to a depth of forty feet. On the western side of the Caye the coral shelf drops away, passing over colonies of garden eels; you may also leave the white sands for towering coral formations along the edge of the 2600 foot vertical wall, where schools of brilliantly colored fish drift over the vast depths below.

Kayaking
Isla Marisol resort can provide single or double kayaks that can be paddled around the reef. The resort will ensure that you have adequate instruction and a guide if required.

Kayaks are perfect for exploring the stunning reef systems of Glover's Atoll. Paddle between the small islands that make up the eastern wall of the atoll.

Please inquire at time of booking if you would like to reserve the equipment. If you wish to bring your own kayaks to Belize please advise us in advance so that arrangements can be made to transport them to the Caye.

Fishing
Guests interested in sport fishing will not be disappointed. The bone fishing at Isla Marisol is superb, and it is common to pull in up to a dozen bone fish per session.

Permit, jack, wahoo, barracuda, bonefish, tarpon, kingfish, trigger fish, grouper, rock fish and bonito also provide great action for the sea fisherman.

Choose from one of our three fishing packages: fly-fishing, blue water trolling or drop fishing.

Date Information

Isla Marisol Is offering one week whale shark dive packages during the

following date ranges:

2012

I: March 3 - 17

II: April 4 - 18

III: May 2 - 16

IV: June 2 - 16

Boat transfers depart on Wednesday and Saturday only. Please see below for pricing and contact our office for further details.

Rate Information

All prices are in USD per person based on double occupancy. Boat transfers depart on Wednesday and Saturday only. Please contact our office for further details.

Whale shark season surcharges:

$175 USD per diver per trip to Gladden Spit. 12 divers to a boat, plus 2 dive masters.

High Season: October 29 2011 - June 29, 2012	7 Night	4 Night	3 Night
Dive Package Three dives per day, air, tanks, weights & belts	$1,795	$1,595	$1,295
Snorkel/Kayak Two guided snorkel or kayak trips per day	$1,495	$1,295	$1,095
Beachcomber/Wade Fishing	$1,295	$1,095	$ 995
Fly Fishing	$2,395	$1,995	$1,595
Fishing	$2,395	$1,995	$1,595

Low Season: June 30, 2012- Nov 3, 2012	7 Night	4 Night	3 Night
Dive Package Three dives per day, air, tanks, weights & belts	$1,695	$1,395	$1,095
Snorkel/Kayak Two guided snorkel or kayak trips per day	$1,395	$1,195	$ 995
Beachcomber/Wade Fishing	$1,195	$ 995	$ 895
Fly Fishing	$2,195	$1,795	$1,395
Fishing	$2,195	$1,795	$1,395

All packages include transfer from Dangriga air strip to boat dock in Dangriga, boat transfers, lodging, meals, and hotel tax.

Not Included:
Package prices do not include air from Belize's Phillip Goldman International Airport, bar drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages), gratuities and dive/snorkel equipment rental. We are happy to book the air from Belize City to Dangriga for you on Tropic Air for $145 pp RT.

All of the private cabanas overlook the reef and have private porches with hammock. All cabanas have a private bathroom with hot water shower and daily maid service. Isla Marisol Resort is a small, family owned and personal, with only 11 air-conditioned cabañas and 2 larger Reef Houses-- you won't have to share paradise with large crowds!

The Cabanas
These tropical cabanas are all situated on the white, sand overlooking the reef or creek. Accommodation features a well-designed cabana for two people with a porch and hammock area. Charming and rustic, each cabana includes a private bathroom, hot and cold water, air conditioning and daily housekeeping service.

Configurations of beds vary from cabana to cabana, from singles to doubles and queen beds. The cabanas are spaced to offer you peace and quiet. The azure waters of the Caribbean are only a few steps away. You will be close to the creek and pier offering you some of the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets imaginable.

The Reef House
The family style Reef House is designed with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, livingroom, small kitchen and bar. The main attraction of the reef house is the view from the 40 feet verandah overlooking the blue sea a stone throw offshore. Please ask for price details.

The Restaurant
The cuisine at Isla Marisol Resort is said to be some of the best in Belize. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, offering a variety of local cuisine. The evening meal is served to you in the restaurant -- perhaps seasonal conch, lobster, chicken or pork. All of the meals are prepared with seasonally available fresh fruits and vegetables from family farms and gardens around the country. The meals include dishes from Belize, and the Caribbean. The food is all prepared and cooked daily in the kitchen and served straight from the oven. There is an all-day supply of iced water and freshly brewed coffee, along with a selection of teas and juices for your refreshment and convenience.

Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced notice.