Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I sign up for an encounter with whale sharks?

A: Trip schedules are dependent upon weather and boat availability. The cost is $50 per person with a minimum of 5 people required. Alternatively for less than 5 people you can privately charter the boat for $250. This can be paid in cash or by credit card. Please send an email to us at info@wsorc.com to schedule your trip. Let us know when you will be arriving, and how many people are interested and we can work towards scheduling your request.

Q: Are we guaranteed to see a whale shark on these trips?

A: Unfortunately we cannot guarantee you a whale shark sighting, as they are wild animals. They are not marine mammals, so they do not have to come to the surface to breathe. However, that being said – Utila does have whale shark sightings during all months of the year. So, whenever you find yourself here on Utila, your best bet is to give it a try! Remember – you definitely will not see this elusive giant from land!

Q: Where does the funding for WSORC come from?

A: Currently WSORC is primarily funded through the original founders of the Center. Donations, whale shark encounter trips, naturalist courses and merchandise sales also generate money for the center.

Q: Do I have to be a certified diver to take WSORC naturalist courses?

A: For the majority of the courses we teach, you must have at least a PADI Open Water certification. The Whale Shark Distinctive Specialty and the Coral Identification course can also be done by snorkellers. In this case you will receive a WSORC certificate of completion but you will not be able to receive the certification from PADI…

Q: How long do these courses take on average?

A: All of the courses WSORC offers with the exception of the Advanced Naturalist course take an average of one full day (a morning and an afternoon session).

Q: What is the fish diversity like around Utila?

A: On an average 45 min dive, we usually record between 50 and 60 species of fish. We may record as many as 75 species on an exceptional dive.

Q: Where are the naturalist training dives conducted?

A: Utila has roughly 90 permanent mooring buoys that encircle the island. We use any and all of these dive sites for training dives.

Q: How can I find out more about these courses?

A: Email your inquiries to info@wsorc.org