Hamanasi Reef and Rainforest 4 Day

Continental breakfast, lunch entre, and 3 course dinner daily
Round trip air transfers from Belize City to Dangriga via Maya Island Air.
Round trip air transfers from Dangriga to Hamanasi
Welcome drink upon arrival.
Tanks, weights and belts included with diving. Five days of adventures chosen from the following:
Barrier Reef Diving -- 2 tank
Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Magical Mayan History Tour
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve
Mayflower Waterfall Hike
Jungle River Kayaking & Canoeing
Cave & Jungle Adventure
Tropical Birding

Alcohol, airport departure tax of $USD 35. Atoll upgrades are available!
Souvenirs, bar bill, rental equipment and dive instruction are not included.

Transportation is included

Commercial flight

After landing at the Belize International Airport, fly to the Dangriga airstrip, a 20-minute flight. rom Dangriga, ground transfer to the resort, roughly a 35 minute drive on mostly paved roads.

Our location is ideal as we can easily reach the best diving in Belize, as we are only 10 miles from the Barrier Reef and 24 miles to both Turneffe and Glovers Atolls with some of the best diving in the world. We own three boats and several comfortable vans. We use the boats for trips to on the Ocean.

Our boats:
Hamanasi 43':
Two Yamaha 200 HP outboard engines
14 ft spray hood
Toilet
First Aid kit and Oxygen
Marine Radio and Cellular phone
Dive ladder
Comfortable for 10 to 18 divers (licensed for 30 passengers)

Hamanasi 38':
Two Yamaha 200 HP outboard engines
Spray hood
Toilet
First Aid kit and Oxygen
Marine Radio and Cellular phone
Dive ladder
Comfortable for 8 to 11 divers or 15 snorkelers (licensed for 20 passengers)

Hamanasi 25':
Yamaha 115 HP outboard engine
First Aid kit and Oxygen
Cellular phone
Dive ladder
Comfortable for 4 to 6 divers or 9 snorkelers. Mainly used for training and snorkeling.

By land we are only 10 miles from the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Jaguar Preserve, rainforest, birding, hiking, waterfall), 15 miles to the Mayflower Bocawina National Park (rainforest, hiking, birding, waterfalls, Maya sites), and 70 miles to Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins.

Private Van
Motor Boat
Small airplane

This varies depending on the activities you choose---anywhere from 0-3 hours.

You will enjoy your stay at our Belize resort in our spacious, casually elegant accommodations. All rooms feature gorgeous Belizean hardwood furniture, air conditioning, ceiling fans and private porches. All colorfully tiled bathrooms have plenty of counter and storage space and plush, thick towels. You will enjoy a peaceful night's sleep with fine linens, comfortable mattresses and soft pillows. As an added convenience we provide ample bottled water in all rooms. Escape from everyday life! We aim to have you leave behind the stress of hectic lifestyles. Please note that we do not have phones or televisions in our rooms.

Honeymoon Treehouse – 1 unit
Occupancy: 3 people maximum
Bedding: King
Features: A unique treehouse with the amenities of a honeymoon suite! Has living room with a futon that can be made into a bed. Separate bedroom with king bed. Room also has kitchenette, coffee maker, minibar, bathrobes, CD player, iron & ironing board, wraparound porch with jacuzzi.

Honeymoon Suites – 2 units
Occupancy: 2 people maximum
Bedding: King
Features: Spacious, beachfront location. Boasts romantically draped king bed and a large sitting area. Room has coffee maker, bathrobes, CD player, iron and ironing board.

Treehouses – 8 units
Occupancy: 4 people maximum
Bedding: One king plus a full size futon (6 units) or 2 queens plus a full-size futon (2 units).
Features: Our treehouses offer the utmost in privacy. Each freestanding cabana is raised 12 feet, nestled in the coastal forest. Bathroom has double vanities and skylights above the shower and each room has bathrobes.

Beachfront Deluxe – 2 units
Occupancy: 4 people maximum
Bedding: One king plus two twins
Features: These beachfront units comprise two rooms. The main room has a king bed, table and chairs. The adjoining room has two twin beds. Each room has access to the shared bathroom. These rooms are ideal for family or friends traveling together.

Beachfront Rooms – 8 units
Occupancy: 4 people maximum
Bedding: One king plus a full size futon (5 units) or 2 queens plus a full-size futon (3 units).
Features: Our spacious beachfront rooms boast magnificent sea views. These rooms are excellent for stargazing or watching the sea.

3 Nights Lodge

16-20

31-50

Hamanasi believes in responsible, nature and cultural based eco-tourism. We understand the importance of preserving our environment and indigenous communities. Hamanasi is committed to protecting our ecosystems and their biodiversity by taking continual steps to be more environmentally friendly and aware. We actively encourage all employees and visitors to participate in these endeavors. Together, we can make a difference!

Hamanasi believes in responsible nature and cultural based eco-tourism. So what? Sadly, each day our world becomes a little less green. At Hamanasi, we are taking steps to minimize our negative impact on our environment while increasing awareness and appreciation for nature and diverse cultures. Our policy is to reduce, reuse and recycle! We have a long way to go, but we are implementing our first steps. And yes! We welcome any ideas and feedback that you have. This is a process that we all must do together!

Hamanasi recently was selected to participate in a pilot Environmental Walk-through project! Supported by Conservation International and the Belize Tourism Board and using the Caribbean Association of Sustainable Tourism (CAST) methodology this project is the first step towards educating ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Upon completion of this initial stage will be a more comprehensive second stage involving Rainforest Alliance. We are excited and honored to participate!

When building Hamanasi we kept as many trees as possible. Trees are nature's air conditioners, as well as beautifiers and homes to countless birds, bats, lizards and orchids. They are critical in minimizing erosion and nourishing the soil. We are fortunate to have on property a coastal littoral forest - one of the most threatened types of forests in the world. Usually, these forests are cleared for coastal development. Many birds rely upon these forests for food and rest during migration. Rather than cutting down the forest when we needed to add more rooms we built amidst the trees. You can commune with nature in your very own treehouse!

On the beach we have kept a strip of vegetation roughly 6 feet wide after the high tide point. This greatly reduces erosion and minimizes silting, which chokes the reef. Left alone, Belize's beaches would be covered with vines, a variety of fruit, sea grape and coconut trees and various flowers. We have kept many of these items in tact and minimized clearing. Don't worry, there is still plenty of space to enjoy the beach!

Furthermore, we have set aside over 10 acres as a nature preserve. This area is diverse in terrain from ridge to swamp. It is teeming with life - birds, land turtles, Morelets crocodiles, orchids, lily pads and many types of trees. This area adjoins the swampland savannah that overlooks the Maya Mountains.

We compost all of our vegetable and fruit scraps. The resulting rich soil is then used in our gardens. Most of the plants come from cuttings here on property. After they are used in vases around the resort, many of the cuttings are replanted! We collect seeds from our papayas and replant them throughout the gardens. And the top of our pineapples? Yes, those, too, are replanted. They not only are beautiful, but delicious! We minimize our use of pesticides and chemical based fertilizers.

In our rooms we change linens every third day, unless otherwise requested. Old linens are reused as cleaning rags. Louvered windows and ceiling fans minimize the use of air conditioners. Large windows flood our rooms with natural light reducing our energy usage. Most of our vehicles are powered by diesel. Leftover soap is used by staff, given to the community or made into a solution to spray on plants affected by aphids. Jars and containers are reused. Cans are crushed to save space and reduce trips to the landfill. Paper is reused.

The travel industry must benefit and empower local communities. Traditional cultures should strengthen and play a part in tourism. At Hamanasi the vast majority of our employees come from the surrounding communities. We believe in training our staff and promoting from within. The income they earn and the skills they learn help their families and villages. Hamanasi and its guests assist Hopkin's Village in many ways. Garifuna dancers and drummers perform at Hamanasi. We have helped support a teacher's aid. We have donated items to the health clinic and provided funding to help various projects, including building a playground. Furthermore, we have assisted a number of locals in learning to dive, many of whom now are employed as divemasters throughout the country. Our Education Fund helps finance the education of some students in need.

During our adventures we aim to educate and appreciate while minimizing our negative footprints. Our guides stay on trails to reduce damage to vegetation. We do not allow guests to touch animal life, especially while diving or snorkeling. We strongly discourage taking souvenirs from nature. All trash is disposed of properly. We want you -- and others -- to be able enjoy nature in as pristine a condition as possible!

A long way to go--

Despite steps we have taken already there is much more to do. Some of the things we are doing include:

Establishing a Green Team comprised of interested staff to implement change.
Changing from single use shampoos and conditions to dispensers to allow for bulk purchasing thereby reducing packaging waste.
Collecting rainwater and installing a system to treat and reuse gray water for watering gardens.
Converting to fluorescent bulbs whose life spans are much longer than incandescent bulbs.
Switching to more environmentally friendly cleansers.
Phasing out disposable plates and cups.
We welcome your suggestions!

What can you do?
Refill your water bottle for excursions to cut down on waste.
Reuse your towels to help reduce water and chemical use.
Have respect for local cultures and customs. Don't judge. Listen and learn.
Dispose of all trash responsibly.
Ensure people's enjoyment of nature in solitude by traveling quietly.
When diving and snorkeling never touch plant and animal life. Minimize fin movement, which stirs sand that can choke the reef.
Never chase an animal -- while hiking, diving or snorkeling.
Stay on trails.
Do not take souvenirs from nature or archeological sites.
Turn off lights, water and air conditioners when you leave your room.
Minimize water use. Turn off taps when shaving or brushing teeth.
Join environmental groups and support environmental causes.
Contribute to the local community by donating time, talent or treasure.
Learn more and teach others about ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment!
Together we can preserve our world for future generations!
Thank you for helping us protect our environment. Again, we welcome your ideas feedback and suggestions. Together we can make a difference!

Dive and snorkeling equipment:
Regulators: Sherwood
BCD's: Sherwood and Genesis
Masks: Sherwood
Fins: Akona
Wetsuits: Akona 3mm shorties
Dive Computers: Uwatec Pro Ultra
Lights: Underwater Kinetics

Compressor:
Hamanasi believes in clean air. We have a Max Air 180 Twin 18cfm compressor. We carefully monitor the cleanliness of our air and check and change our filters as recommended by the compressor manufacturer. To comply with PADI Standards we quarterly send air samples to be laboratory tested in the USA.

With Hamanasi, a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort, you will experience Belize's best diving combined with our personal service touch. Our professional, PADI certified staff will help you explore miles of the pristine Southern Barrier Reef, and three of the Caribbean's four atolls.

All of our land excursions are led by professional, courteous, Licensed Belizean guides.

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Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

Escape to a tropical paradise where the azure Caribbean laps against golden sandy shores backdropped by the mysterious Maya Mountains. Discover Hamanasi, a secluded, casually elegant adventure and dive resort where friendly, attentive staff will greet you with warm smiles and exceptional service. Enjoy Caribbean inspired architecture surrounded by lush foliage and fragrant flowers.

Hamanasi is a secluded, casually elegant dive and adventure resort where guests can experience the best of Belize from one comfortable home base.
Convenient location -- Reef and Rainforest excursions
Access to pristine, natural surroundings
Romantic
Beautiful setting & comfortable facilities
Appeals to divers and non divers
Great service & friendly staff

Q. Do I need a passport to visit Belize?
A. Yes! All foreign nationals need a passport to enter Belize. Citizens of some countries also require a visa. Citizens of the United States, Canada and most western European countries do not require a visa. Please check and secure necessary documents before your trip.

Q. In which time zone is Belize?
A. Belize is on Central Standard Time, like Chicago. However, we do not have daylight savings. That means we have no time change in the summer months. During those months we are on Mountain Standard Time, like Denver.

Q. Do I need any vaccinations before I visit Belize?
A. As always, please check with your doctor. We recommend that you have an up-to-date tetanus/diphtheria vaccination, which you should have anyway! The vast majority of our guests do not get any special vaccinations before coming to Belize nor do they take any malaria preventatives. We strongly encourage you to bring an adequate supply of any medications that you may need.

Q. Can I drink the water?
A. While the tap water technically is safe to drink we do not recommend that you do so. We provide bottled water in all of our rooms, the restaurant and on our tours. Please stay hydrated! Our ice, salads and other uncooked food items are safe for consumption.

Q. What kind of electricity do you use?
A. Voltage is 110 like in the USA. Outlets are the same as in the USA.

Q. Are there bugs in Belize?
A. Yes, though most are not a problem. Sand flies, or noseeums, are tiny creatures that bite like mosquitoes. When there is little or no breeze, they come out and can even get through screen. Occasionally, we get mosquito “hatches”. At these times we will have a lot of mosquitoes for a couple of days. We recommend that you wear DEET based insect repellant at all times. A pair of lightweight pants and a long sleeve shirt are also good should the bugs be really bad. You might consider bringing hydrocortisone cream and/or Benedryl to help stop itching.

We also have other visitors on occasion. You might come across a scorpion, ants or sometimes a spider. Our rooms are very clean, but sometimes bugs find their way in. Stay calm! Find the nearest shoe or one of us can come to your rescue!

Q. Is it ok to bring young children to Belize?
A. Yes, it is safe. However, children are more likely to have stronger reactions to bug bites and illnesses. Please take necessary precautions and keep a close eye on them!

Q. What language do they speak in Belize?
A. The official language of Belize is English. In our area people also speak Garifuna, Creole, Mopan Mayan, Ketchi Mayan and Spanish. In other parts of the country people also speak low-German and Chinese, as well as Yucatec Mayan.

Q. Is Belize safe?
A. Yes! Belize is a safe country. However, like everywhere else, you need to exercise caution. Do not wear flashy jewelry and carry large amounts of cash. Do not walk alone at night. If something seems questionable or too good to be true, it probably is. A little common sense can go along way!

Q. Where is Hamanasi situated?
A. Hamanasi is located on the mainland beach south of Dangriga and north of Placencia. We are one mile south of the village of Hopkins.

Q. What kind of nightlife to you have in your area?
A. Hopkins is a fairly quiet town. However, there are several bars with pool tables, as well as some local restaurants offering delicious Belizean fare. During weekend nights there are often villagers playing drums at one of the local watering holes. Occasionally, Hamanasi has Garifuna drummers and dancers perform on our veranda – an excellent cultural performance.

Q. Do you recommend driving in Belize?
A. Yes… and no. In general it is safe to drive here. However, many roads are unpaved and are best with a four wheel drive vehicle. There are many unmarked speed bumps. Additionally, there are numerous one-lane bridges without advance warning signs. During the rainy season some roads are prone to flood. We do not recommend driving at night.

Q. On what side of the road do you drive in Belize?
A. We drive on the right side of the road, like in the USA. (Sometimes we drive on the smoothest side of the road!)

Q. What is the currency rate of exchange? How can I change money?
A. The Belize dollar exchange rate is approximately US $1 = BZ $2. Most hotels can change money in small amounts. Banks also change money. US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country in smaller denominations (20s and under), although US coins are not. Hamanasi accepts traveler’s checks in US dollars. Personal checks are not accepted.

Q. What should I bring with me to Belize?
A. For a list of items to consider bringing to Belize, click here.

Q. Do you have TVs or phones in the rooms? AC?
A. All of our rooms have air conditioning. We have no TVs or phones in the rooms. We want you to get away from it all and relax! If you really need to use the phone or check email we have those services available at the front desk. In the village there are some restaurants and bars with TVs.

Q. What are check in and check out times?
A. Check in time is 3:00 PM. Check out time is 11:00 AM.

Q. How can I pay my bill when I check out?
A. You can pay in Belize or US dollars or by MasterCard and Visa. We do not accept American Express cards or checks in Belize.

Q. What about tipping?
A. Most of Hamanasi’s rates include a service charge. Bar service and meals that are not included in a package do not include gratuity. Tipping is customary in Belize and 10-15% is standard. As always, tipping is at your discretion.

Q. Can I dive if I am not a certified diver?
A. Yes, if you take a Discover Scuba or Open Water diving course. If you are already certified you must bring your dive card or we will not let you dive!

Q. Can I swim in the sea?
A. Yes! Our water is warm and has almost no undertow. We do have some turtle grass off the beach. Sometimes this gets stirred up and washes up on the beach, but it is still safe to swim. The good thing about turtle grass is that manatees feed on it! When in the sea be sure to shuffle your feet so that you won’t step on a stingray that might be in the area. Of course, you can always swim in the pool!

Q. What is the water temperature?
A. The water temperature is 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

Q. What is the Weather like?
A. The weather is similar to Southern Florida with slightly warmer winters and summers. In the winter we get occasional “northerns” whenever a storm system moves across the USA. At these times it can be overcast and choppy on the water. Our dry season is April and May.

The official rainy season in June through November, but the bulk of the rain comes in September and October. The summer and fall are wonderful times to be here! It generally is sunny throughout the day and rains at night. (Great sleeping weather!) Hurricanes are fairly rare in Belize and generally do not pose a great threat. The sea is calmest in August and September.

Payment Policies:
Payments must be made in US Dollars. Sender must pay for any and all bank transfer fees. We also accept MasterCard and Visa.

Upon arrival a MasterCard or Visa credit card is needed as a deposit against incidental charges incurred during the stay. If a guest does not have a credit card then a deposit of US $150 (BZ $300) per person will be required. No personal checks or American Express cards will be accepted in Belize.
Please note: Charges to credit cards processed in Belize will be in Belize dollars. Hamanasi is not responsible for any currency rate of exchange variances applied by banks.

Insurance:
Hamanasi strongly encourages all guests to purchase medical, accident, luggage, emergency trip cancellation and dive insurance.

Deposit Policy:
US $150 per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final balance due 45 days prior to arrival date (60 days if travel is during high season). Reservations are not confirmed until proper payment is received.

Cancellation Policies:
All cancellations must be made in writing and acknowledged as received by the resort.
• No shows or premature departures – no refund.
• Cancellation fees will be deducted from all refunds.
• 45 days (60 days for high season) or more before arrival - full refund
• 30-44 days full refund minus one night’s fee at rack rates. (45-59 days for high season)
• 29 days or less (44 days or less for high season) before arrival: No refund.

Changes in Reservations:
The unused portion of hotel and/or any part of the package plans and trips not taken by customer’s choice are non-transferable and not refundable. Trips cancelled as a result of inclement weather and/or acts of God are non-transferable and not refundable. Hamanasi is not responsible for missed or delayed flights!