Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
The main draw of the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, who spend the months of March through June migrating through the reserve’s feeding grounds. Preying mostly on plankton and small fish, these gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 m) and are the largest fish on the planet.
Listed as vulnerable to extinction, diving or snorkeling with whale sharks is considered by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best chance of encountering a whale shark occurs near a full moon, when thousands of grouper and snapper congregate there to spawn. In addition to whale sharks, this reserve also serves as a feeding ground for the rare loggerhead sea turtle.
The Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve sits 26 miles (42 km) from the coast of Placencia. Scuba, snorkeling, and island hopping trips can be arranged on the mainland, and the boat ride takes approximately 1.5 hours from Placencia.
Gladden Spit and Silk Caye itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Gladden Spit and Silk Caye itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Belize Winter Escape
Belize was delightful we thoroughly enjoyed all the people that we met from drivers to tour guides to Hotel staff and just people we encountered along the way. Spending time both up in the jungle in the mountains and down on the coast was a wonderful contrast and I highly recommend doing both if possible. The weather was variable but over the time of our holiday we had opportunity to do all the things that we wanted, enjoy some tropical rain as well as some beautiful beach days The wildlife, history and scenery were spectacular. Both the lodge we stayed in and the hotel on the coast were well maintained with excellent, knowlegeable staff and good food My biggest negative would probably be that in being a less wealthy Nation their management of garbage and limited recycling capacity was quite noticeable in places.
An Above & Beyond Birthday
Love the options— the hotels were spectacular. I enjoyed having a non-event day to hang out at pool and wall into town to see local events. Drivers were coordinated well, and they served well as tour guides. This country is beautiful, the people are so kind and generous.
Belize for Two - Me & You
Whether this getaway is a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a getaway for two, romance and adventure are waiting for you on the soft sunny beaches and emerald jungles of Belize.
Belize Fun for Everyone!
This vacation, treat yourself to accessible fun for everyone in the family –– no boring museums, no annoying lines, and especially, no bored children! Explore Belize better.
A Private Getaway in Paradise
Treat yourself to an adventure in paradise with this amazing solo trip. From snorkeling with sharks and rays to supporting a jaguar preserve, this vacation has it all.
Magnificent Belize by the Sea
You want adventure, tropical weather, and plenty of indulgence. This Signature Trip to Belize delivers all that and more in large doses.
Jungle Wildlife Adventures
Had such a great time! Everything was so smooth and easy.
Experiences in Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
Explore hand-picked Gladden Spit and Silk Caye tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Whale Shark Experience
Amazing Exploration - Shark Hole (3 Dives)
Explore Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Blue Hole Tour
Amazing Local Reef Snorkel
Where to stay in Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Gladden Spit and Silk Caye accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Turtle Inn
The hotel offers luxurious resort accommodations on one of Belize’s nicest stretches of beach. Designed and owned by famous director Francis Ford Coppola, the hotel has an enviable view and lots of outdoors activities for guests.
Chabil Mar
The resort offers upscale villas on a lovely stretch of beach. While you stay here you'll have a great view of the ocean, and be surrounded by picturesque architecture and tropical flowers.
Hopkins Bay
Hopkins Bay Hotel is a landscaped property that puts you next to a Caribbean beach. Guests here can pick from pleasant lofts and spacious guesthouses.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
