Discovering a passion for the ocean can be a wholesome and transformative experience. The vast, beautiful ocean holds many wonders and mysteries to uncover. It is crucial for the health of our global ecosystem. Moreover, the ocean can be a playground for us land dwelling humans. For these reasons and more, it’s easy for anyone to discover a genuine love and concern for the ocean.
Are you a little nervous and concerned about exposing yourself to large bodies of water? Hamanasi provides many reef adventures that help to educate you about Belize’s habitat for countless marine life and to immerse you in this awesome underwater world. With Hamanasi, discover how you can cultivate a passion for the ocean.
Snorkeling equipment is provided by Hamanasi Resort
Snorkeling is a fantastic way to connect with the ocean and witness its vibrant ecosystems up close. It’s an activity that allows you to explore the underwater world in a very intimate and immediate way. And the great part about snorkeling is that anyone can do it – there’s no need to be a pro! Our certified guides make it easy for newbies to experienced snorkelers.
The colorful marine ecosystem at the Belize Southern Barrier Reef. Photo: @Launce Roberts
Hamanasi offers daily trips (weather dependent) to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve where conservation and safety are key. Here snorkelers get the opportunity to observe a variety of marine creatures in their natural habitat such as colorful fish, intricate corals, stingrays and so much more. After witnessing the immense beauty of underwear, you may feel a sudden urge of appreciation for the ocean’s wonder.
Diver and shark on the Belize reef. Photo: Lorenzo Ballarin
Like snorkeling, scubadiving is offered daily (weather dependent) to the Southern Barrier Reef. This pristine southern section of the reef sees few divers and includes dozens of dive sites. The locations are ideal for viewing sea turtles, moray eels, barracudas, eagle rays and more. You can always choose to do additional dives at one of Belize’s 3 atolls.
Diving allows you to immerse yourself in much deeper waters. You will witness marine life that isn’t accessible through snorkeling. Many have described a sensation of weightlessness while diving, feeling like you are part of the underwater world. There’s such a joy and a thrill involved when diving that can only be felt when you experience it for yourself.
PADI Instructor will teach you necessary skills in Hamanasi’s pool before your first dive. Photo: @Nathan Barratt:
Never dived before? Belize is a diver’s paradise. Hamanasi offers a variety of dive courses from a one day Discover SCUBA class to PADI Open Water Certification to a range of advances courses. With Hamanasi’s experienced PADI Instructors you will learn the techniques, skills and safety of diving.
At Hamanasi, you must be at least 10 years old to learn to scuba dive. A Discover Scuba training starts by watching a short video explaining the upcoming dive experience. This video introduces students to the skills, safety considerations and what to expect during their Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) training. After the video the instructor guides students to the pool to learn some of the necessary skills. This pool lesson helps prepare students for the sensation of breathing underwater and helps them get comfortable with the scuba diving equipment. After a break for lunch students will join their instructor on our custom built dive boat to make their first dive on the reef.
You can also partake in the world’s most popular and widely recognized scuba course, the PADI Open Water Diver Course. At Hamanasi our PADI Dive Instructors help guide students through this course in as little as 3 days. This PADI Open Water Certification will allow you to discover the wonders of the aquatic world. And if you’re trying to take the first step in your dive career to become a PADI Divemaster, Hamanasi teaches courses to reach that level, as well.
A diver about to spear a lionfish. Photo: Chris Liles
A part of being enthusiastic about the ocean involves the desire to take care of it. Some species are invasive to certain waters, like the lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Sea. Their rapid spread and lack of natural predators in these waters have negatively impacted local ecosystems and native fish populations. For this reason, Hamanasi offers scubadivers the chance to spear this invasive species. Belize is supportive of efforts to rid its waters of this voracious eater. This is a direct action that contributes to conservation efforts and the health of Belize’s Caribbean Sea.
The beautiful lionfish is an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea. Photo: @Debra & Andy Harris
On the first dive the Divemaster will point out the Lionfish, its habitat and demonstrate how to spear and bag the fish. If the Divemaster determines that the diver has adequate dive skills, including buoyancy control, the guest may test his skills at spearfishing during the second dive under the supervision of the Divemaster. It’s important to note that all Lionfish caught are recorded to track progress in controlling the population. As a reward for your hardwork, Hamanasi chefs would be happy to prepare your lionfish catch (a sustainable effort) and you can enjoy a scrumptious meal.
Once you’ve developed a passion for the ocean, you’ll want to protect it. Here are some easy steps you can take:
1. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen
Photo: @emily-kaszton
Ingredients like oxybenzone in non-reef safe sunscreens have been linked to coral bleaching, even at low concentrations. Alos, certain chemicals found in non-reef safe sunscreens can cause permanent DNA damage to corals and other marine life. Therefore, it’s important to use reef safe sunscreens to avoid these harmful chemicals. The “All Good” brand is a reef safe sunscreen that can be purchased at Hamanasi’s Gift Shop.
2. Reduce or Eliminate Single Use Plastic
Photo: @jenellifraser
Plastics are a major pollutant, harming marine life and ecosystems. Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers whenever possible. Hamanasi provides reusable water bottles to reduce plastic usage and encourage adequate hydration.
3. Keep Your Distance – Do Not Touch
Touching or interrupting marine life can disrupt natural behavior which may be harmful to survival. There’s a risk of transferring bacteria to marine life and even causing physical harm such as injuries to gills, fins, etc. These acts can damage an entire ecosystem. It’s best to admire from a safe distance and live with a beautiful memory
4. Book with Eco-conscious Tourism Provider
Photo: @Shellyredden
By aligning yourself with responsible and educated providers, you hold them and yourself accountable for making eco-conscious decisions that will benefit marine habitats. These providers meet international and local standards that contribute to the wellbeing of all natural resources. Hamanasi is one of the few eco-resorts that are green globe certified and aligns its policies and training of staff with the goal of regenerating the environment.
Remember, your passion for the ocean can surface at any time. What’s most important is your self-discovery and the euphoric feeling you get from this. Allow Hamanasi to help nuture your passion to enjoy, preserve and protect the ocean!