Whale shark swim, Belize

In Belize, Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn Resort (Placencia Village; phone 011 501 523 3244 or, in the US, 800/746-3743) offers 2-tank dives off Gladden Spit, where whale sharks swim in the spring. The world’s largest fish, the filter-feeding whale shark, has been recorded to reach as long as 41 feet and weigh up to 21½ tons.

Dives take place from two days before to 10 days after the full moon in March, April, May, June and July. Dives cost $215 per person per day, or you can snorkel for $140 per day. The price includes tanks, weights and gear but no taxes, entry fees or lunch.

Available at the resort March 14-June 23, 2014, a 7-night “Whale Shark” package costs $3,035 per person, double occupancy, and includes accommodation in a Seaview Cottage, breakfasts, five picnic lunches, five dinners, three dives and airport transfers. 

Rooms at Turtle Inn range from Garden View Cottages ($279 per night, summer season, no minimum stay, to $389 per night, peak season, 3-night minimum) to the 2-bedroom, 2-bath Pavilion House (sleeps six, has a private pool and attendant and costs $1,679 per night, summer season, no minimum stay, to $2,629 per night, peak season, 3-night minimum).