Hamanasi: A Belize Dive & Adventure Eco-resort

Hamanasi Dive and Adventure Resort is a luxury eco-resort located on the beach of the Caribbean Sea, south of Hopkins and among the Maya Mountains. Guests have access to reef adventures along with rainforest adventures during their stay, exploring inshore and offshore ecosystems. Hamanasi’s full service adventure center works with you to create an itinerary specific to your desires and ability.

Reef adventures include exploring the worlds 2nd largest barrier reef through diving or snorkeling. Hamanasi dive trips explore areas in and around the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest marine reserve in Belize, spanning from just north of Tobacco Caye to a cut five miles south of South Water Caye called Grand Channel. The trip out to the Southern Barrier Reef is ten miles and it takes 30-40 minutes to get to the first dive site. This southern section of the reef sees few divers and is typically a wall dive that is interspersed with sand channels and spur and groove sections. With literally dozens of dive sites, Hamanasi divemasters will show you a wide variety of this area.

Be sure to use reef safe sunblock!

Belize is home to the Western Hemisphere’s longest continuous barrier reef, approximately 185 miles of coral formations with a large variety of marine life. The Southern Barrier Reef contains several different snorkeling sites for beginners and experienced snorkelers. With visibility usually ranging between 60 ft to 100ft snorkelers love Belize’s shallow reefs, channels and gentle currents where they often have close encounters with eagle rays, tarpon, cleaner fish, stingrays, octopus and even dolphins.

Inland Adventures include discovering ancient Mayan archeological sites, hiking the Jaguar Preserve, a jungle and waterfall hike, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, cave and jungle tours, birding, jungle river canoeing, monkey river adventure, ziplining, cave tubing, cave tubing, black hole drop, cooking classes, chocolate tours, and much more!

Voted Top 25 in the World and #1 in Belize for service.

2016 Traveler’s Choice Award

Hamanasi is the first beach resort in Belize to be Green Globe Certified. They have since become Green Globe Gold members and achieved bronze certification by Sustainable Tourism International’s STEP program. At Hamanasi it is the goal to regenerate the environment while increasing awareness and appreciation for nature and diverse cultures. Designed and built with sustainability in mind, Hamanasi has made itself part of nature.

Hamanasi has taken many measures to minimize its’ negative impact on the environment. All the products used on site are eco-friendly, bought in bulk and locally sourced when available. Food is grown organically on site or is locally sourced in season. Reusable water bottles are provided, only biodegradable plastics are used, and garbage is sorted to be reused and recycled when possible. Surrounding vegetation and forest is conserved and maintained.

Hamanasi is an active member of Hopkins village and surrounding communities, as well as the Stann Creek District and Belize as a country. Hamanasi is proud to support many projects and aspects of the community. Over 97% of the employees are from local Belizean communities, including tour operators. Partnering with Pack for a Purpose, guests are urged to bring a backpack filled with school supplies to alleviate school related financial burdens placed on local families.

Hamanasi is a part of the Hopkins Belize Humane Society (HBHS) which focuses on the health of wildlife and domestic pets. Guests are able to volunteer at the humane society during their visit. Hamanasi allows guests to donate to the Nature Conservancy when making a reservation. The Nature Conservancy’s Fish for Life program which trains local fishermen on sustainable farming and income management.

The Green Team at Hamanasi is a group of volunteers from each department who is dedicated to conserving and protecting the wildlife and local ecosystem. The Green Team is part of the Hopkins Eco Club, teaching local students about sustainability topics such as composting, gardening, and recycling. Once a week the Green Team puts together a presentation for in-house guests to share who they are and what they are doing.

Rooms at Hamanasi are decorated with a casually elegant decor of handcrafted hardwood furniture and Central American folk art. Accommodations include Deluxe Treehouse Rooms (max occupancy 4), Treehouse Rooms (max occupancy 4), Beachfront Suites (max occupancy 2), Beachfront Rooms (max occupancy 4), and Beachfront Plus (max occupancy 4). Inside the Great House you will find the lobby, reception, gift shop, restaurant, library and bar. Swimming is available in the freshwater infinity pool where hammocks, beach chairs and towels are available or steps away in the Caribbean.

Singanga, “dragonfly” in Garifuna, is the restaurant on site, incorporating locally sourced organic food.  Choose to dine in casually elegant surroundings either under the trusses inside the Great House, on the veranda or al fresco on the deck. There are many options for dietary restrictions.

Garifuna dancers and drummers often perform at Hamanasi. In Hopkins you can check out the Lebeha Drumming Center where you can learn to drum Garifuna style. Group or private lessons can be arranged at the Drum Center to learn the basic Garifuna rhythms such as Punta. These range from beginner to master classes.

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