What to Bring

Belize has a warm climate year round and Hamanasi is just steps away from the Caribbean Sea. Beach clothes are definitely in order! But you’ll also want to be prepared for a rain storm, and some of our adventures call for warmer clothing or long pants. See which adventures catch your fancy and pack accordingly – you’ll enjoy yourself more if you’ve brought the right gear! Please consider leaving some room in your suitcase for something to donate to one of our community programs, like school supplies or medical supplies. A list of currently needed items is available on our Pack for Purpose page.

Packing FAQs

Q. What do I need for the sun?

A. Belize is close to the equator and the sun is powerful all year round. We highly recommend bringing Reef Safe Sunscreen with a high SPF rating. We also recommend wearing SPF rated clothing to reduce the amount of sun exposure on both offshore and inland excursions.

Q. What is reefsafe sunscreen and why am I supposed to bring it?

A. Reef Safe Sunscreens are those that do not contain any ingredients that are know to kill coral reefs. The scientific research is clear, many of the ingredients in standard sunscreens are actively harmful to coral reefs. Sunscreen pollution is an immediate threat to kill the very reefs that you come to Belize to enjoy.

But the good news is that we now know how to make sunscreens that work great without using those harmful ingredients. There is a long list of ingredients to avoid but there are lots of great products that meet the criteria, and they work just as well as what you are used to and protect the reef at the same time. Click here to learn more, or ask us and Hamanasi will happily help you find a Reef Safe product to use on your vacation with us. If you don’t bring it with you, you can also buy some great products in our gift shop.

But be aware that we do not allow non Reef-safe sunscreen to be used on our boats. Thank you for helping us protect our reefs for generations to come!

Q. Do I really need long pants and long sleeves? Isn't Belize warm year round?

A. Yes, we do recommend that all guests bring light long pants and light long sleeve shirts (plus some sturdy tennis shoes). Belize is a very warm climate, but these items are particularly useful for bug protection on our rainforest hikes but they can also come in handy for sun protection. You’ll be glad you brought them!

Packing List

Clothing & Personal Care Items

Shorts
T-shirts
Long comfortable pants
Jeans
Long sleeve shirt
Socks
Fleece or sweater (especially in the winter)
Bathing suit
Sandals
Hat
Sunglasses
Sturdy shoes like hiking boots
Water shoes (not necessary, but nice)
Wind breaker or rain slicker
Umbrella
Snorkel or dive gear if you don’t intend to rent
Reef Safe Sunscreen — high SPF

Insect repellent with high DEET concentration
Hydrocortisone cream
Baby oil for additional protection against sand flies
Toiletries — Note: soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided in rooms, but other toiletries are difficult to get in Hopkins
Benadryl Tablets
Disinfectant wipes
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes
Face masks (optional)
Other Medicine
A flexible, positive attitude that’s ready to learn and experience new things!

Other Travel Items

Passport valid for 6 months beyond your anticipated date of return
Visa (if necessary)
Dive Card – you need this to dive unless you do a course!
Insurance cards
Credit cards
Cash

Camera
Tickets
Book
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Binoculars, especially if birding
Maps, guide books & field guides

Keep up the high level of service – Wonderful vacation!

Thomas and Patricia, Chathan, NJ

Continue the course and emphasis on personal treatment. Service is outstanding, we are grateful. Loved the consciousness to reducing waste and the natural environment was noticeable and appreciated.

Josh and Ashley, Tucson, AZ

Pack For A Purpose

We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families. Items that are always helpful are Backpacks and school supplies to be distributed to the school children of Hopkins and the nearby villages, medical supplies for the Hopkins clinic, and Pet supplies to be donated to the Hopkins Belize Humane Society. See a more detailed list at our Pack for a Purpose page and learn more about our work in the community. Thank you for your contributions!