Utila -- Chance of diving w/ Whale Sharks

[reefdiver1]

I have time off at the end of August/ beginning of September. Is this a good time to find Whale Sharks? This is my primary goal, so if it's only a 10% chance, I would take my vacation elsewhere.
Please advise!

 

[DeepBlueResort]

Hi

Here in Utila we do not see Whale Sharks on the reef, we see them feeding on the surface in deep ocean therefore we snorkel not dive with them.

September is traditionally a good month but they are wild creatures and I am afraid they do not stick to our schedules LOL.

We have seen 2 in the last couple of days and with them feeding was an Oceanic White Tip, which was very exciting to see.

Not all in one year but we have records of seeing Whale Sharks in every month over the last 5 years, we are the only place in the world to get this.

 

[reefdiver1]

Why do I see so may photos of divers with the Whale Sharks? Is this just the commercial end?

 

[Doc]

Why do I see so may photos of divers with the Whale Sharks? Is this just the commercial end?

No. Whale Sharks are attracted to the EMP (electromagnetic pulses) from the camera strobes.

My best advice to you: chill. Go and dive, have fun. The more you dive, the more likely you are to see Whale Sharks. In the Caribbean, you can't much beat Utila for opportunity and odds.

In many thousands of dives, only twice have I encountered them without a movie crew spending many dollars on spotter aircraft. Well, that and the 3# of frozen Brine Shrimp in my BC Pocket and trailing off in the leg of a pantyhose. I really think that part was irrelevant.

I know a guy on Utila that guarantees you'll see a Whale Shark. Regular weekly rates apply, but you also throw down for a $1,000 Whale Shark Guarantee. He guarantees you will have a Whale Shark to snorkel with or your $1000 guarantee money will be refunded at the end of the week.

You in, Sparky?

 

[reefdiver1]

Curmie:
I really want to increase my odds of the encounter, but my "throw down" funds have less zero's. How about if I just do 3 dives a day, a positive attitude, the pantyhose trick and get my self some EMP's to light up the water like a disco?
Sparky

 

[DeepBlueResort]

Hi

If you can show me photos of divers in Utila with Whale Sharks I would love to see them as I have not, unless it is people doing research.

Mexico, No diving allowed
Australia No diving allowed

Many more countries are moving towards not diving with Whale Sharks, also can you imagine letting, inexperienced divers dive in 5,000ft of blue water, I would hate to think of the consequences.

 

[reefdiver1]

Steve:
Please visit AboutUtila.com

This photo is not too hard to find
http://www.aboututila.com/PhotoGallery/Anon/Photos/Whale-Shark-01.jpg

 

[DeepBlueResort]

Hi

That is a famous photo, it is all over the internet, I think that was taken in Australia or Thailand, many years ago.

See The Badger's Set: Swimming with Whale Sharks
And
The Roelle Kids: July 2005

They are all the same photo, that one is used all over the world, it was not taken in Utila.

 

[reefdiver1]

It is a crying shame that the website claiming to be the OFFICIAL Website of Utila is using false advertising to lure travelers to the island.

 

[UTLgirl]

If I had a dime for everytime that photo pops up

Steve is right though, typically late August/September/October is a good time of year, although it seems to vary slightly year to year. What causes the variation? Weather patterns, moon phase, food chain, water temps, price of oil - who knows, it's nature. That's why we all do the research we do But September 'seems' to be a general time frame these gentle giants are making a pass back out to sea.

Where ever you decide to go, go for the diving. Wild encounters of any type are the added bonus.