Isla Marisol

Diving With Whale Sharks

Guided Whale Shark Diving As with any wildlife excursion, sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Whale shark trips are half-day excursions to Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, and include 2 blue water dives suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. A local check-out dive at Isla Marisol is required before participating in whale shark Dives. A minimum of 6 participants is required to make the trip to Gladden Spit, which is approximately 40 minutes away. Trips may be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe sea conditions.

Strict regulations exist to protect both the whale shark and the snapper during this sensitive time. Whale shark tour operators require special licensing and tour guides are required to participate in specialized training. Access to the area is restricted to a certain number of boats and only during certain hours.

Add-On Includes

Included in Whale Shark Tour: 2 blue water dives Round-trip boat ride to Gladden Spit Gladden Spit entrance fee Lunch Weight and tanks (does not include scuba gear) Price per person: $198 Rates are in US$ per person. See policies.

Gear Rental: $35/day or $150/week Includes BCD, regulator, mask, fins, and wet-suit

Addon Policies

Diver Expectations Divers must present a dive certification card and complete a liability release prior to diving. Divers are required to demonstrate the ability to set up a full set of gear prior to the first dive. Divers are asked to rinse personal gear, including wet suits, fins, mask and snorkels at the end of the dive day. BC’s, regulators, tanks, and weights will be taken care of by Isla Marisol staff, who will set up and break down equipment and prepare gears for subsequent diving. Divers should pay attention during all dive briefings and adhere to the dive profiles and time limits outlined by the Dive-master. Divers who use a personal dive computer are asked to consult first with the Dive-master if planning to dive a different profile. Divers are responsible for checking dive tables, and staying within the limits of the dive table. No decompression diving. If a diver enters decompression, they may not be able to dive again for the remainder of the day.
Divers are expected to utilize the buddy system. If a diver has no buddy then they will dive with the Dive-master. No solo diving. All dives are drift dives with boat and captain above following the divers' bubbles.
Divers must wait 18-24 hours after diving before flying.

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