Robert's Grove Belize

[tselios]

Hi, has anyone stayed at Robert's Grove in Placencia Belize.
We are looking to go next May to try and swim with the Whale sharks.
We are planning to go during the Full Moon.
I have been to Belize (ambergis caye) before and loved it.
The diving was easy and fun.
Thanks ahead of time for your replies !

 

[chillyinCanada]

Since you enjoyed Ambergris Caye so much, I'm hoping you realize the distance to dives is much greater.

 

[tselios]

Yes, I do realize it is a longer boat ride to dive. It's worth it, to check another area of Belize.
We have always wanted to stay down south. Thanks

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi tselios,

Both the resort & the diving are highly recommended. During season, your chances of whale sharks is relatively high.

Last time I was in Placencia I was diving in Gladden Spit an outing specifically aimed at finding whale sharks. We hung in a tight group at 120-140' with the hope that our collective bubbles would look like Cubera snapper spawn (it was the season) and draw whale sharks out of the deep. Needless to say, this didn't always meet with success. But one dive it did and we ended up seeing a total of 4, but the premier sighting was watching a 25 footer silently easing on by with the sun glinting off its two-toned pattern of light spots on its bluish-gray back and white underside when a group of 4 dolphins, including a baby, swam over and started playing in front of its snout. Wow, it like knocked my socks off.

Robert's Grove is excellent, if pricey. Staff cannot be beat. Food can be uneven, but if you're not happy with it there are some cool & inexpensive places in town.

Have a dive circus.

Cheers,

DocVikingo

And, yes, Placencia is amazingly different (read as undeveloped & personal) compared to Ambergris Caye.

Have a dive circus.

 

[Dom@DiveAdvice]

Totally agree with Doc's input on this and that April/May are the best times to be there for the whale-sharks, the ideal time being a few days after the full moon. Robert's Grove Inn is lovely and has beautiful rooms, but as mentioned above, the ride to the sites can take a little time. In the new year we are planning to bring in a new dive live-aboard - an 85ft Ocean going catamaran that has been around the world, and which will be based in the Robert's Grove marina and offering 7 nt trips from there all over Belize and maybe specialist whale shark trips at the prime time. She is being refitted at the moment and we shall have more news about her in coming months. It might be the ideal way to dive this area but will keep you posted with more news.

 

[tselios]

thank-you DocVikingo and Dom,

I really appreciate your replies. I am really looking forward to diving south Belize. It's a group get together and we understand it will
be kind of expensive but a couple of divers in the group are turning 50 and it's a surprise birthday gift for them. They have always wanted to dive
with the Whale sharks.
I am surprised you have to dive that deep 120-140 feet?
They also offer snorkleing trips and a couple of the wives who don't dive were thinking of doing that?
what are your thoughts about the snorkel trips?

thanks again, tselios