| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80 | 70 | 4.50 |
| Feb | 80 | 71 | 2.60 |
| Mar | 83 | 74 | 1.90 |
| Apr | 85 | 76 | 1.70 |
| May | 87 | 79 | 4.00 |
| Jun | 87 | 79 | 8.60 |
| Jul | 86 | 79 | 8.10 |
| Aug | 86 | 78 | 7.00 |
| Sep | 86 | 77 | 9.50 |
| Oct | 84 | 75 | 10.0 |
| Nov | 82 | 73 | 7.00 |
| Dec | 80 | 71 | 6.70 |
The whale shark moved slowly and deliberately against the current in search of food. I was amazed at its grace, and the docile manner in which it swam by without alarm. I kept to a respectful distance, but trailed as long as I could, until my tank gauge indicated that it was time to head to the surface.
Thirty feet below the surface, the bottlenose dolphins frolic within arm's reach, and at 80 feet we're engulfed by hypnotic schools of snapper and grouper. We dive deeper, into the still waters beneath the fish, when our guide gives the signal: up from the darkness emerges a 40-foot whale shark, attracted to our air bubbles, which mimic fish-spawn in the blue Caribbean abyss. Mouth agape, filtering for food, the whale shark ignores both us and the reef sharks patrolling the area with curiosity. Instead, this ancient fish ascends slowly to feed in warmer waters. Unthreatened, it allows us to swim alongside.
Days later, as we trek through jungle vegetation en route to the Painted Cave, the raucous birds go suddenly silent. The lead guide freezes and points down the trail. Just ahead, a jaguarundi, four feet long from nose to tail, shoots us a glance with its sharp golden eyes, before darting gracefully into the forest. The birds resume their concert and we continue our hike ... perhaps a bit more slowly and cautiously than before.
For more than 35 years, Dr. Gil Boese has guided treks through wilderness areas, ranging from Uganda to Belize. Dr. Boese, a former Zoo president, has won many international awards for his lifelong work in conservation.
Arrive and transfer to Placentia, your base during the dive portion of your adventure.
Cruise to Gladden Spit, one of the best spots in the world to dive with the whale shark. Up to 60 feet long, whale sharks evolved about 200 million years ago, shortly after dinosaurs first appeared. While Jacques Cousteau saw only two in his lifetime, your excursion today takes you to an area rich with these majestic fish. In the midst of their breeding season, the sharks are congregating near the coral reef, feeding on fish larvae. Later, explore the Barrier Reef at Laughing Bird Marine Reserve.
Dive three excellent coral reef sites. Bull and reef shark frequent the crystal clear Blue Hole. Parrotfish, eel, ray, and giant sponge inhabit Half Moon. The current along the Elbow's slopes and drop-offs attracts game fish and hammerheads.
After a final morning dive, return to Belize City for a voyage up the Sibun River, starting by boat and then continuing through the narrow channels in kayaks. Switch to ATVs for a ride through Peccary Hills Nature Reserve. At Runaway Creek, settle into your mobile tent camp, your base in the jungle.
Investigate this reserve's forest and river ecosystems. One day, canoe the Sibun in search of nesting jaribu storks and crocodiles. Or paddle to the mouth of Runaway Creek, a slave escape in the 1800s. Later, navigate a river segment, home to iguana, tapir and coatamundi. You may spot jaguar during an after-dinner night drive. The next day, rise early for a rare opportunity to help researchers study netted birds, then continue to Actun Tunichil Muknal. This ancient cave was once inhabited by the Maya and their artifacts remain, some permanently fixed to the cave floor.
Depart for the acclaimed Chaa Creek eco-resort, your base for two days of adventures that include exploration of nearby Mayan ruins and a canoe trip through the cave system at Barton Creek. Return to Belize City the next day for flights home.
