Gladden Spit (Whale Sharks)
Gladden Spit
A spawning hotspot on the outer edge of the barrier reef, where you can swim with whale sharks around the full moon in spring. It's Placencia's signature experience.
Gladden Spit is a headland on the Belize Barrier Reef. Every year, around the full moon in spring, schools of snapper gather to spawn, drawing whale sharks to feed. It is one of the best-known places in the Caribbean to see whale sharks. Diving and snorkelling tours are both available, but you must go with a licensed guide, and boat sizes and time in the water are limited to protect the reserve. Tours depart early in the morning and take about an hour by boat. Sightings depend on the weather and the phase of the moon, so book in advance and allow a backup day.
Opening hours
Seasonal sailings Mar–Jun
Nearby sights
- Silk Cayes
- Laughing Bird Caye National Park
- Ranguana Caye
- Maya Beach
- Seine Bight Village
- Placencia Sidewalk
- Placencia Village Beach
- Placencia Lagoon