We asked Ronan (Half the dynamic Duo of the Hannan brothers – ahem – owners.) about his experience diving Belize’s famous Blue Hole!

What was your first thought when you saw the Blue Hole?
First sight of the Blue Hole – way bigger than it looks in photos.  Everyone has seen photos of it from the air but when you get there it is pretty incredible since it is such a perfect circle even with such a large diameter – boating from one side to another takes a while!  Overall one of the greatest things about going to the Blue Hole is actually “going” to the Blue Hole. It does takes a couple of hours to get there, but as you stop to snorkel or dive, viewing the spectacular colors of the reefs and marine life along the way, you can’t help but be amazed with its awesomeness.

Was this your first time scuba diving?
No.  I learned to dive on Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.  I’ve dived the Great Barrier Reef, as well as in the Maldives and numerous other warm water destinations.  I have to admit I have never dived in cold water!

How does the Blue Hole experience compare with other scuba diving excursions?
The Blue Hole is a very different diving experience due to its size, and obviously fish need to feed, so away from the walls there isn’t much sea-life.  In the center it can get quite confusing as to which way is up and which way is down!  It’s like an abyss!  But over by the wall there are multiple stalactites and innumerable small cave systems.  This is where the sharks hang out so its certainly interesting from that perspective.  It is one of those dives that any diver absolutely has to do in their lifetime!

We took a helicopter ride this weekend overseeing the natural beauty of Belize. This unique adventure took us over the Maya Mountains, which practically covers the lower half of Belize. This trip can be taken from Belize airport straight to Ka’ana’s own on site helipad.

It comprises of the Blue Hole National Park (665 ac.), (not to be confused with the “Blue Hole” atoll in the Barrier Reef), the Chiquibul National Park (265,262 acres) and Caracol, the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve (96,000 acres), the Five Blues Lake National Park (4,060 ac.), the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the Colombia Forest Reserve.

Next up, our eyes were glued to a stunning waterfall somewhat hidden in a crescent of a large mountain. This is actually the largest waterfall in Belize and in Central America; called 1000 ft Falls. This has recently been proclaimed a National Monument and has been opened to the public. Even though the name suggest otherwise, this waterfall is closer to 1,600 feet. This isn’t the only waterfall- there’s many around this area.

After viewing all these amazing waterfalls, we then flew over Caves Branch where we were able to see the beauty of the river as it flows through the cave system. This area encompasses 58,000 acres that are situated beneath a 100 ft rainforest canopy and is bordered by turquoise waters of Caves Branch River.

We then flew across the Sibun Forest Reserve and finally the Southern and Northern Lagoons as we headed for our final landing on the helipad at Ka’ana Resort with these unforgettable images forever imprinted in our heads.

“Ka’ana Resort is located inland in the heart of the mountains and jungle, and what a change it was from San Pedro!  The resort was 5-star quality with excellent service, attention to detail, and our room got upgraded too!”

Read more about what this special couple had to share in their review.

Swim with Whale Sharks in Belize!

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and one of the largest creature of any kind alive today. They are most often seen in Belize from Placencia or Hopkins. Unfortunately, since whale sharks are night feeders, there really are no guarantees as to when they show up.

3 or 4 days before and after the full and new moons in April and May are the best times to interact with the sharks, they are often sighted through the summer months as well. They roam up and down the coast, the Gladden Spit area about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia is known to host large concentrations of whale sharks during April and May when Mutton and Dog Snappers are spawning (the whales ingest the spawn as food).

Despite their size, whale sharks are a remarkably gentle and curious creature. The whale shark’s gentle natures makes swimming with them a special treat for divers and snorkelers. The whale shark’s curiosity even pulls fishing parties into its thrall. We have sometimes had whale sharks seem to be asking to be petted as they glide alongside our fishing boats.

An opportunity to share the water with a creature larger than a school bus does not come often in life – and is definitely not soon forgotten!

Hiking on Victoria Peak, Belize.

Climbing Victoria Peak is an adventure few Belizeans or visitors get to experience. It’s 3,675 feet high but the going is mostly through tropical rainforest. The entire trip is approximately 40 miles and doing the hike usually takes about 4 nights and 5 days.

Ensure your backpack is fully equipped with all your necessary gear and equipment and your on your way to triumph when you hit the summit! No easy feat – it is said that less than 300 people have actually made it all the way to the top. Will you be one?

Photo Credit: mybelizeexperience.com

We are always on the look out for cool travel items. Here, with the help of Restoration hardware, we want it all! Swiss army money clip, anyone?

It’s amazing and pretty fun to see what puns you can come up with using the word “Belize.”

“Un-belize-able!”

We couldn’t help ourselves, and we thoroughly enjoyed making  a list of our favorites to share with you:

1.  Unbelizeable!
2. Don’t stop Belizing.
3. Belize it or not!
4. Do you Belize in love?
5. You better Belize it!
6. Belize you can, and you’re halfway there!
7. The less you know, the more you Belize!
8. Do you Belize in magic?
9.  I can’t Belize I ate it all!
10. “Belize Navidad” – Merry Xmas!

Share yours with us!

“Friends and family stayed here for my mother’s birthday. The place was simply THE best. The staff was amazing. Above and beyond anything we could have imagined. They created a special dinner for our group for her birthday evening (without us asking) and I do mean created. They made dishes they had never made before for us and it was outstanding. Not only that but we asked them if they could make her a birthday dessert, she is not a cake fan so I left it up to them, telling them only that she didn’t like cake but loved fruit. They made the most wonderful fruit tart, it was really a work of art. We almost hated to eat it…almost.

They do have spa, but we didn’t have time to make use of it but given everything else, I’m sure its awesome. The grounds are lovely and serene. The pool is nestled in the middle of the property surrounded by flora and fauna… Okay, I wanna go back…”

October 16, 2012 Review by Beth B. from Huntington Woods, Michigan.

We can’t believe it’s November! Fast forward through the turkey drawstring pants, cranberry hiccups and office parties… Where do you want to go to deal with your post season’s holidays? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you some ideas.

You walk into your private Pool Villa.

You lounge around your fancy digs.

You, of course, have a cocktail.

You have breakfast at La Ceiba to get you ready for today’s adventure. Shown here, our layered tortillas!

You swim into a cave opening, it’s dark and you’re drenched. You explore ATM Cave and and follow the trail of the old Maya civilization, may even spot some human remains. It was scary, but now you feel accomplished! (Read More)

You’re back at Ka’ana and stop by Frieze Lounge for some victory cocktails!

You’re back in your villa taking in some sun and dipping in the pool.

Back to La Ceiba for dinner! Shown here is our popular Res Snapper on Cedar Plank.

You stop by the Organic garden to see where the ingredients came from.

You have that fourth – err second drink.

You’re in bed feeling great. You can’t wait for what the next day will bring and are wondering if these are 1000 count sheets. (Yes, they are.)