The whale shark is the largest fish species with confirmed lengths of over 40 feet and weighing in at over 20 tons. Found in warm tropical waters it is thought to have originated over 60 million years ago. Fortunately for guests of Roatan vacation rentals and residents of the Honduras Bay Islands, this area is one of the few in the world where whale sharks can be found almost all year round. Swimming with these plankton feeding giants is an unforgettable experience.
The Whale Shark Capital Of The World
Utila, the smallest of the Bay Islands, is home to the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre (WSORC), the recipient organization of the only whale shark research permit granted by the Honduran Environmental Department. The consortium offers Eco-tours for visitors while gathering data about the mysterious giant fish. And, yes, it is a cold-blooded, but gentle fish (of the Family Rhincodontidae , not a whale, which is a warm-blooded mammal. As the whale shark is classified as endangered, WSORC plays a large role in promoting responsible whale shark tourism through education, research and community outreach.
Planning Your Trip
Although whale sharks can be found off the coast of Utila year round, the best months for encounters, especially for the Roatan area, occur between April and May or September and October. That said, as whale sharks are wild animals, there is no guarantee that you’ll be lucky enough to spot one, never mind get close enough for a snorkeling selfie. Typically spotted by the action of seagulls and jumping fish, Whale Sharks seem to prefer warm, calm seas. However, in the Bay Islands, they have been spotted year round in all types of conditions – the only place in the world that can make such claims. All you can do is get out on the ocean and hope for the best. Luckily the Bay Island waters have plenty of other attractions such as dolphins, eagle rays, turtles and a wide array of fish species.
Whale Shark Habitat
The Bay Islands appear to be popular among whale sharks because of the area’s unique underwater features. Utila is situated on the northernmost tip of the Honduran shelf and features shallow banks on its southern edge while having a steep and deep bank off the northern coast. It appears this specific topography forces deep ocean currents to the surface around the island and provides a rich source of plankton for the whale shark to feed upon.
Other Bay Islands Attractions
Even if you are not lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the whale shark, a vacation to the Honduras Bay Islands will never be a waste of your time and money. The year round warm climate of the islands makes it a great winter getaway for North Americans and Europeans alike. Utila’s larger island neighbor, Roatan, features plenty of Roatan vacation rentals, great beaches, restaurants and nightlife. The islands offer some of the cheapest diving charters anywhere in the world and the sport fishing is world class. The mixture of sun, sand and saltwater provides the perfect setting for a vacation to be remembered for a lifetime.