Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort - Reef & Jungle in Hopkins, Belize

About Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is an award-winning beachfront property in the Garifuna village of Hopkins, perfectly positioned between the Belize Barrier Reef and the lush jungles of the interior. The name "Hamanasi" means "almond" in the Garifuna language, referring to the majestic almond trees that shade the resort's beachfront.

What makes Hamanasi exceptional is its dual focus: world-class diving on the Belize Barrier Reef and equally compelling jungle adventures in the Maya Mountains. Very few resorts in Belize can offer both reef and rainforest experiences without requiring guests to relocate, and Hamanasi delivers both with expertise and genuine passion.

Since opening in 2000, Hamanasi has accumulated an impressive collection of accolades. It has been named the number one resort in Belize by TripAdvisor multiple times, earned Condé Nast Johansens recognition, and received the World Travel Award for Belize's Leading Dive Resort. The resort's PADI Five-Star dive operation is considered one of the finest in the country, and its adventure program covers everything from Maya ruins to jungle waterfalls.

The resort is also deeply committed to sustainability and community engagement, supporting local Garifuna cultural initiatives, employing primarily from the Hopkins community, and maintaining environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations.

Location

Hamanasi sits on the Caribbean coast in the village of Hopkins, Stann Creek District, approximately 110 miles south of Belize City. Hopkins is a traditional Garifuna fishing village that retains its cultural authenticity while offering the infrastructure to support responsible tourism.

The resort's location is strategically extraordinary. The Belize Barrier Reef lies just 12 miles offshore — closer than from most other coastal destinations in Belize — meaning shorter boat rides to dive sites and more time underwater. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover's Reef Atoll (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Tobacco Caye are all accessible for day trips.

Inland, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (the world's first jaguar preserve) is just 30 minutes away, and the Maya Mountains with their rivers, caves, and waterfalls are within easy reach. The ancient Maya sites of the Cayo District are accessible via day trips.

Hopkins is reached by a 2.5-hour drive from Belize City's Philip Goldson International Airport via the Hummingbird Highway — widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Central America. Domestic flights to Dangriga (20 minutes from Hopkins) are also available. Check our Belize airport arrival guide for transportation options.

Rooms & Accommodations

Hamanasi offers distinctive accommodations that celebrate their tropical setting:

• Beachfront Rooms – Ground-level rooms directly on the beach with private porches, king or queen beds, air conditioning, and views of the Caribbean Sea. Approximately 40 m² with tasteful tropical décor and locally crafted furniture.
• Honeymoon Suites – Elevated beachfront suites with king beds, oversized bathrooms with garden showers, private balconies, and romantic touches. These suites are set among the beachfront almond trees for a secluded feel.
• Treehouses – Hamanasi's signature accommodations are elevated treehouse-style rooms set among the tropical canopy. Each treehouse features hardwood construction, wraparound screened porches, king beds, and an immersive feeling of sleeping in the jungle. They are the most popular rooms at the resort and should be booked well in advance.
• The Hamanasi House – A private two-bedroom beachfront home with full kitchen, living room, private garden, and dedicated staff. Perfect for families or groups wanting complete independence with resort access.

All accommodations include Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, safes, organic toiletries, and complimentary use of kayaks, bicycles, and snorkeling gear.

Things to Do

Hamanasi's dual reef-and-jungle location provides an unparalleled range of activities:

Reef & Ocean Adventures

• Scuba Diving – The PADI Five-Star dive center offers daily two-tank dives to the barrier reef, wall dives, and special excursions to Glover's Reef Atoll and the Turneffe Islands. Night dives and full-moon dives are available seasonally. Dive equipment rental and PADI certification courses from Open Water to Divemaster are offered. Learn more about diving the Belize Barrier Reef.
• Snorkeling – Daily snorkeling trips to pristine reef sites teeming with tropical fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant coral formations.
• Whale Shark Encounters – Seasonal guided trips (March–June) to Gladden Spit, where whale sharks congregate during snapper spawning events.
• Fishing – Flats fishing for bonefish and permit, deep-sea fishing for dorado and wahoo, and river fishing arranged through local expert guides.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Complimentary sea kayaks and SUP boards for exploring the coastline and nearby mangroves.

Jungle & Cultural Adventures

• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – Guided hikes through the world's only jaguar preserve, with opportunities to spot howler monkeys, tapirs, hundreds of bird species, and with luck, jaguar tracks.
• Maya Ruins – Day excursions to Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and the remote Caracol deep in the Chiquibul Forest.
• Cave Tubing – Float through illuminated underground river caves in the Caves Branch area.
• Waterfall Hikes – Trek to Bocawina Falls, Antelope Falls, and other cascades in the Maya Mountain foothills.
• Garifuna Cultural Experiences – Drumming lessons, traditional cooking classes, and cultural tours in Hopkins village, experiencing the vibrant Garifuna heritage firsthand.
• Birding – The diverse habitats around Hopkins support exceptional birding, from coastal species to jungle raptors. Guided tours available.

Dining

Hamanasi's dining celebrates the flavors of Belize and the sea:

• The Restaurant at Hamanasi – An open-air beachfront dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Belizean-Caribbean cuisine. The menu features daily-caught fish prepared grilled, blackened, or in traditional Creole style, alongside dishes like coconut curry, Garifuna-style hudut (fish in coconut broth with plantains), and grilled lobster tail (seasonal). Vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available.
• The Bar – A thatched-roof beach bar serving tropical cocktails, Belizean Belikin beer, fresh fruit smoothies, and appetizers. The house specialty is a rum punch made with locally distilled One Barrel rum, fresh citrus, and a splash of coconut cream.

The resort offers beach BBQ nights, private dining on the sand, and packed lunches for dive and adventure excursions. Many ingredients come from local farms and fishermen, supporting the Hopkins community.

Why Stay at Hamanasi

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort represents the best of what Belize has to offer in a single destination. The ability to dive the barrier reef in the morning and hike a jaguar preserve in the afternoon — all from the same base — is genuinely rare, and Hamanasi executes both with world-class professionalism.

The treehouse rooms alone are worth the trip, offering an accommodation experience that is uniquely Belizean. Combined with the warmth of the Garifuna community in Hopkins, the expertise of the dive team, and the range of inland adventures, Hamanasi delivers an authentically Belizean experience that large resort chains simply cannot replicate.

Hamanasi consistently ranks among the top hotels in Belize and is the definitive choice for divers and adventurers who want reef access without sacrificing comfort or cultural immersion. It pairs perfectly with a stay in Ambergris Caye or the San Ignacio area for travelers wanting to explore multiple regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver to enjoy Hamanasi?

Not at all. The resort offers Discover Scuba introductory dives for beginners, as well as full PADI certification courses. Snorkeling trips to the reef are equally spectacular and require no experience.

How far is the reef from Hamanasi?

The Belize Barrier Reef is approximately 12 miles offshore — closer than from Ambergris Caye or Placencia. Boat rides to dive sites typically take 30–45 minutes.

What is Hopkins village like?

Hopkins is a small, friendly Garifuna fishing village with a handful of restaurants, shops, and cultural centers. It has not been heavily developed for tourism, which is part of its charm. Garifuna drumming can often be heard in the evenings.

Is Hamanasi family-friendly?

Yes. The resort welcomes families and offers kid-friendly snorkeling trips, beach activities, and jungle excursions. The treehouses are particularly popular with children. The Hamanasi House provides full family independence.

What is the best time for whale shark encounters?

Whale sharks visit Gladden Spit from March through June, typically around the full moon when snappers spawn. April and May generally offer the highest encounter rates.