Spring
is near and while many are looking forward to the blooming of flowers; in the
Caribbean, we sea lovers are looking forward to the arrival of the gentle
giants of the sea. When we hear about sharks our first thoughts may be “danger-man’s
predator”, but there is no need to fear. The whale sharks are not voracious creatures,
on the contrary they are known as passive, easy-going, sea-dwellers.
Whalesharks are one of the most magnificent and mysterious creatures of the sea. It
is not unusual to spot a 40-foot whale shark.
These humongous creatures are known to grow up to 60 feet in length and
to live for 100 years. Little is known of the great whale shark but what we do
know is fascinating. It may be a scary thought to scuba dive or snorkel alongside
the largest fish of the sea, but it is certainly an experience never to be
forgotten and one that certainly needs to be on your bucket list as a diver.
The
whale sharks are considered migratory creatures and are capable of travelling
thousands of kilometers. Preferring warm waters, the Belize Barrier Reef is
fortunate to host the whale sharks once a year. Just 30 miles east of Placencia
is a unique and captivating area called Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve
(GSSMR) where there are spawning aggregations of several species of snapper
every year at the time of full moon in March, April, May and June.
The
local Fishermen of Placencia were the first to notice the amazing whale sharks
feeding at the Gladden Spit. Whale sharks may be found in other tropical areas
but the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve is one of the very few areas
of the world where you can reasonably predict their appearance and dive with
them. Marine biologist, Dr. Will Heyman of the Natural Conservancy describes Gladden
Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve as “a place so magical, so wonderful, and
intact.”
The
Southern Environmental Association (SEA) in Placencia has undertaken the
necessary steps to preserve Gladden Spit as a natural habitat. SEA is
responsible for the development of the Whale Shark Working Group, Whale Shark Tourism
Interaction Guideline, and implementation of licensed Whale Shark Guides and
Boat Captains.
Patricia
Ramirez, co-owner of Splash Dive Center, is an active member of the Whale Shark
Working Group. Patty, as many of her friends call her, not only offers the
incredible whale shark tour to the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve
but also offers a PADI Whale Shark Specialty Course. The PADI Whale Shark Specialty
Course will enhance your Whale shark scuba diving and snorkeling experience.
The
chance to experience the natural wonders of the sea alongside the most
magnificent creature and a variety of fascinating schools of fish is now!
Stay
tuned to find out more about my first whale shark experience and the exhilarating
chance in spotting a whale shark in the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine
Reserve.
