As one of the region’s top-rated dive resorts, southern Belize’s Hamanasi is, unsurprisingly, a champion of ocean conservation. While World Oceans Day was observed on June 8th, Hamanasi has gone one step further. The resort is joining in on the celebration of Oceans Month, dedicating all of June to celebrating Belize’s blue world and raising awareness about the importance of protecting it. Want to get in on the action? Here’s exactly how Hamanasi Resort is celebrating Oceans Month 2024.
Hamanasi’s Oceans Month Photo Competition
Hamanasi’s World Oceans Month Photo Competition is hoping to shine a spotlight on the beauty of Belize’s barrier reef system and atolls as well as all that they encompass. At the start of this month, the regenerative resort sent out a call for photos that feature the reef in all its glory. Entrants can submit their photos to any of four categories.:
Entries in the Macro Underwater Species category should feature large aquatic animals, such as sharks, turtles, rays, dolphins, or even large corals. Meanwhile, Micro Underwater Species applies to the tinier ocean inhabitants like seahorses, nudibranchs, feeder shrimp, and small fish.
The Diver(s) or snorkeler(s) category is perfect for those underwater selfies or photos of friends enjoying diving and snorkeling. And, entries in the last category, Topside on a Boat, can feature individuals or small groups on a boat, as well as gear or boat equipment.
Entrants have the chance to win a free 3-night stay at Hamanasi (the Grand Prize), among other goodies. The winning photos will be displayed in a gallery at Hamanasi. All photos must be taken within the Belize Barrier Reef system including Glover’s Reef Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, or Turneffe Islands Atoll. Submit your photosby June 30th, 2024.
Conservation & Cocktails: How You Can Show the Ocean Some Love
Photo by Hamanasi
Hamanasi’s special ocean-themed drinks, like the Blue Hole, are a great way to cool down in the June heat. Be sure to ask for one when stopping in at Singanga Restaurant or while lounging by the pool. If you want to truly immerse yourself in all things Oceans Month, though, here are some ways to do just that while in Belize:
Be Mindful of Hamanasi’s “reef-safe sunscreen-only” policy
A testament to its commitment to protecting Belize’s oceans, Hamansi doesn’t sell or permit guests to use sunscreens that are not safe for the reef. Many of the chemicals found in sunscreens can pose a threat to the reef and other marine life, and Since 2019, Hamanasi has been making an effort to educate guests and staff about this issue. This Oceans Month, take things a step further and learn about chemicals, like Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3), found in sunscreens and how they can harm the environment.
Try Out Lionfish Hunting
Dive and hunt for the invasive lionfish with Hamanasi Resort in Hopkins. Photo courtesy of property.
Hamanasi also gives guests the chance to make a positive impact on Belize through tours and packages. Their Belize Regenerative Travel Package, for example, takes travelers from reef to rainforest through a series of sustainable activities over the course of 8 days. One highlight of the package is the Lionfish Spearfishing, which takes divers out to hunt the invasive species that entered Belize’s waters in the early 2000s.
Lionfish can cause immense damage to Belize’s reef system. With venomous spines and a ravenous nature, lionfish do not have any native predators. That coupled with a rapid reproduction rate makes it a threat to Belize’s delicate reef system. After catching them, guests can enjoy it grilled, blackened, fried, or prepared as a ceviche at Hamanasi’s Singanga Restaurant.
All photos courtesy of Hamanasi Resort
