Utila Whale Shark Research Programme
We are pleased to offer whale shark research trips to the wonderful
resort of Deep Blue on the island of Utila in Honduras.
The whale shark - rhincodon typus - is the largest fish in the sea, averaging 9 meters in length.
The largest seen at Utila was approx 12 meters long.
The whale shark is believed
to be highly migratory and the deep waters of the north side of the island of Utila is on their
migratory path. They cruise at only 2-3 knots filtering thousands of tons of water containing very
small particles of food every hour. Its jaws are lined with 300 rows of tiny teeth, approximately 2mm
in size. It is suggested that whale sharks do not reach maturity until they are over 30 years of age
and a size of 9 meters. They can live to be over 100 years old.
The Research Programme
Deep Blue will be conducting one of the largest scientific research projects ever undertaken in the
Caribbean to find out more about the whale sharks of Utila.
Scientists, and marine biologists will
be brought in from around the world to oversee this project. We will be tagging the whale sharks
and taking DNA samples and will also be putting together one of the most extensive video and photographic
libraries for all to view. Over the next 5 years we will be obtaining new information to help in the
conservation and recognition of the whale sharks of Utila. The project scientists and staff will brief attendees on what to look for and will then assist with
the matching of previous sightings.
While the project is being undertaken attendees will be able to assist by taking video footage, photographs and by logging individual whale sharks,
see the research website at www.utilawhalesharkresearch.com
Deep Blue Utila Resort
The resort is set on a private beach, surrounded by coconut palms with indigenous wildlife and
wild orchids. The resort has ten spacious, deluxe rooms each with a large private balcony
overlooking a white sand beach and the crystal waters of the Caribbean. With a maximum of only
twenty guests at any time it is a place where you can truly relax and make yourself at home.
The tranquility is enhanced by there being no telephones or TVs (although the outside world can be
contacted via free Internet access). Meals are good quality, home-style cooking, with
plenty of choice to accommodate all tastes and some good wines to accompany it.