7 Days / 6 Nights

This package will take you to Placencia for a week where you'll dive with Whale Sharks as well as dive the Barrier Reef. Whale Sharks are one of the biggest fish in the sea. The largest one ever measured was 40 feet in length with a mouth almost 5 feet wide. However, despite their size they are quite gentle. During the months of March, April, May and June, around the time of the full moon, a variety of reef fish such as mutton snappers spawn (reproduce) at Gladden Split Marine Reserve, just off the coast of Placencia. They release millions of baby fish eggs and it is this event that attracts the Whale Sharks every year, who come to feed on the eggs. For this year, 2008, you can dive with them March 19-31, April 18-30, May 18-30 and June 16-28. Diving with these gentle giants of the sea is an experience you will always remember. The Barrier Reef is located 18 miles off of Placencia and offers excellent wall dives (included in package). Along the reef there are several deserted tropical islands, and one of the nice things about diving here is that you'll do your surface interval on these islands. Located on the southern coast of Belize, the Placencia peninsula is sandwiched between a lagoon and the sea. But of particular appeal is its 16 miles of sandy beaches. At the very tip of of the peninsula is Placencia Village, a laid-back and quiet place to relax. It has a very long side walk that runs the lenght of the village, paralleling the beach. It is lined by quaint bars, guesthouses, restaurants and stores. No visit to Placencia is complete without a stroll along this sidewalk. During a free day when you're not out diving, you can explore the village or just relax on the beach. In the afternoon you can grab a cold drink at one of the local beach bars. For a beautiful sunset, head towards the back of the village on the lagoon side. You can see the brillinat colors of the sunset reflected across the lagoon as the sun melts behind the Maya Mountains. Overall, Placencia is a beautiful and relaxing place with excellent diving.

Read more about Diving with Whale Sharks in Belize
Read more about Diving in Belize
Read more about Placencia

Itinerary & What's Included:
-  You will be welcomed at the International Airport by a representative of DiscoveringBelize.com
-  The transfer from the Airport to Placencia is not included. Your options include a public bus, rental car, private transfer by SUV or a puddle jumper flight. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
-  6 Nights Accomodation in Placencia. You have a choice between staying at Laru Beya Resort or The Inn at Robert's Grove.
-  2 Days of Whale Shark Diving at Gladden Split Marine Reserve(2 tanks each day) - includes dive gear, park fee, lunch and drinks.
-  1 Day of Barrier Reef Diving with surface interval on Deserted Island (2 tanks) - includes dive gear, park fee, lunch and drinks.
-  After your stay, the transfer from Placencia to the International Airport is not included. Your options include a public bus, rental car, private transfer by SUV or a puddle jumper flight. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
-  The smile on your face at the end of the trip is free

Doesn’t Include:
-  Departure Tax
-  International Flight
-  Transfers within Belize as specified above, but we can easily arrange these for you.

Rates are per person and in US Dollars
Low Season: Apr 16 - Nov 15, 08
High Season: Jan 6 - Apr 15 & Nov 16 - Dec 15, 08
Peak Season: Dec 16, 08 - Jan 5, 09
Children under 12 years stay FREE with parents.

Rates are per person and in US Dollars
Low Season: Jun 1 - Nov 30, 08
High Season: Jan 6 - May 31, 08
Peak Season: Dec 1, 08 - Jan 5, 09
Children under 12 years stay FREE with parents.

Laru Beya Resort in Placencia

This is a relatively new resort with condo-style apartments. They have taken great care in ensuring that the level of service matches the elegant property. With its contemporary design, the center piece is its central 4 story tower with roof-top jacuzzies. The pool is just steps from the beach while the open-air restaurant overlooks the pool. It’s not too far from the village so it offers a bit of privacy while at the same time a short drive will take you to explore all the village has to offer. Overall, it offers great value.

The Inn at Robert's Grove in Placencia

This resort has established a solid reputation over the years. The rooms are spacious with lots of wood and color. A few of the rooms even have nice rooftop jacuzzies. It’s a sprawling property that cover a large portion of beachfront with rows of coconut trees and beach chairs. There are 3 pools all just a few steps from the beach. The dock has a nice hammock at the end under a palapa, ideal for relaxing. The service is very good. Overall it has a comfortable atmosphere, with a touch of luxury.

Whale Shark Diving at Gladden Split Marine Reserve

And now for the highlight of the trip. During the months of March, April and May Whale Sharks can be found at Gladden Split, along the Barrier Reef. During the full moons they feed on the eggs of spawning snappers, and this is what attracts them year after year. You will be taken by a dive master who actually tracks the migration of these sharks and gives you the absolute best opportunity to see them. You will head into the open ocean, just past the Barrier Reef, and descend with your dive group to about 80 feet. Attracted by the bubbles from your regulator, they come by. Belize is one of the few places left where you are still allowed to dive with whale sharks. And they are huge! This is a 2 tank dive.

Placencia Barrier Reef Diving with surface interval on Deserted Island

The Barrier Reef lays about 20 miles off the coast of Placencia. Its relative isolation, generally makes for more marine life and pristine corals. You may see the occasional sea turtle or spotted eagle ray gliding along the steep walls that characterize the dive sites along this reef. There are several picturesque islands along the reef as well, where you can relax on the beach for your surface interval. Lunch is usually served on one of these islands as opposed to a swaying boat, which is nice. This is a 2 tank dive and the whole trip lasts about 4-5 hours.