The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve off the coast of southern Belize remains one of the few places in the world where divers can get fin-to-fin with whale sharks. From April through June, the sharks congregate there to feast on spawn under the full moon, when at least 25 species of fish reproduce. Although the world's largest fish often grows to about 30 feet -- and reportedly may reach twice that length -- it prefers to munch on plankton and fish eggs (so cast away those Jaws nightmares). The best way to get close to these behemoths is to take a dive trip offered by one of these local resorts: Blue Marlin Lodge >> on Southwater Caye, 14 miles southeast of Dangriga >> nine guest rooms, three domed cabins and five seaside cottages >> thatched-roof open-air clubhouse >> restaurant serving fresh seafood and local produce >> PADI Resort Association member >> barrier reef diving just offshore >> call 800-798-1558 or visit bluemarlinlodge.com

Hamanasi Resort >> on the mainland, one mile from Hopkins One village >> eco-resort on 21 acres of coastal forest >> 12 beachfront deluxe rooms with ocean views, two honeymoon suites and six private tree houses >> freshwater infinity pool >> restaurant with international cuisine with Caribbean flavor >> PADI Gold Palm resort >> daily dive trips >> call 877-552-3483 or visit hamanasi.com

Isla Marisol >> on Glover's Atoll, a UN World Heritage Site and Belizean National Park >> rustic beachfront cabanas >> local cuisine in a ocean-view restaurant >> personally guided tours around the island >> PADI Resort Association member >> dive the Belize Barrier Reef system >> call 011-501-522-0235 or visit islamarisolresort.com

Manta Resort >> on Glover's Atoll >> 30 miles from the mainland >> 12 mahogany cabanas overlooking the beach >> restaurant with Belizean and international cuisine >> guided trips around the 80-square-mile atoll >> PADI dive center >> wall diving just offshore >> frequent sightings of manta rays >> call 206-463-0833 or visit mantaresortbelize.com