Plongée à Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is situated on the southern coast of Belize, positioned between the Maya Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The resort is set within a 45-acre property that includes a private nature reserve and various eco-zones, ranging from beachfront to savannah and forest areas.

As a PADI 5-Star resort, the centre provides access to some of the most significant marine environments in the region. This includes the Belize Barrier Reef and several outlying atolls, offering a variety of diving environments from shallow reef flats to deep oceanic structures.

The centre operates as a PADI 5-Star resort with a strong focus on responsible ecotourism, holding a Green Globe Gold certification. This commitment to the environment extends to how the dive operations interact with the local marine ecosystems.

The resort offers a comprehensive range of training and recreational diving, catering to everyone from those taking their first breaths underwater to professional-level divers. For those looking to advance their skills, the centre provides a structured path through the PADI curriculum.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with the Discover SCUBA programme or the PADI Open Water Certification Course, with referral options available for those completing training elsewhere.

For more experienced divers, the centre offers advanced training including the Advanced Open Water Certification Course, the Deep Diver Specialty Course, and the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course. Professional development is also supported through the PADI Rescue Diver Course and the Divemaster Course.

Specialised training is available for specific interests, such as the Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Course, the Fish ID Specialty Course, and underwater photography. The centre also provides Emergency First Response Primary & Secondary Care training.

The centre provides full kit hire for those not travelling with their own equipment, including wetsuits (available in 3mm short or long styles), masks, snorkels, and fins.

For divers opting for Nitrox, the facility is equipped to handle enriched air requirements. All dive rates include the necessary cylinders, weights, and weight belts, as well as entry fees for specific sites.

The reefs are home to a vibrant array of marine life, including various corals and sponges that form the backbone of the ecosystem. You will frequently encounter Southern stingrays, octopus, and several species of snapper and grouper (Epinephelus) patrolling the reef structures.

Pelagic sightings are a highlight of the area, with reef sharks (Carcharhinus) and other shark species occasionally passing through. You may also spot rays and various large fish species moving along the reef edges.

In the sandy areas and reef flats, look for orange starfish and diverse reef fish such as angelfish and parrotfish (Calotomus). The biodiversity is supported by a healthy population of various fish species and corals.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include octopus and various invertebrates. The ecosystem is rich enough to support a wide range of life, from large predators to the smaller organisms living within the coral architecture.

Diving in this region is influenced by the seasonal patterns of the Caribbean. The centre organises atoll trips based on favourable weather conditions, and these trips typically require a minimum of 8 divers to proceed.

Divers should be aware that certain sites, particularly the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, are designated for experienced divers due to the nature of the environment.