Lamanai Tour from Belize City

A full-day guided trip to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve leaving from Belize City, combining a road transfer north, a 26-mile river safari up the New River and about two hours among the temples with a licensed Belizean guide. It is the shortest and most affordable way to reach Lamanai, and the easiest option if you are staying in Belize City, arriving on a cruise, or flying into the Municipal Airstrip.

US$139 total price per person

Minimum 2 guests required

Check Availability

Tour Description

Lamanai Tour from Belize City.

Join the Belize Fun Tours Family on an educational archaeological tour to the Maya city of Lamanai. “Submerged Crocodile”

Our guides starts the morning at 7:30am picking up guests coming from San Pedro by flight at the municipal airstrip TZA, the water taxi terminals for guests coming from the islands by boat and from hotels and airbnbs in and around Belize City. At 8am we depart Belize city in route to our docks in Orange Walk a short 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic conditions.

On arrival in Orange Walk you get to use the bathrooms if you desire and board the boat for a 1 hour eco river tour to Lamanai located on the banks of the New River Lagoon. Traveling along the New River, your guide stops pointing out birds, crocodiles and all the wildlife that inhabit the area. Time goes by swiftly and 45 minutes to one hour later we arrive.

While your guide pays your entrance fees and get your entrance bands you get to use the bathroom and then its off to tour. Every guide decides the route they start from. You will get to visit, Jaguar Temple, High Temple, Stela 9 (Lord Smoking Shell) the Mask Temple roughly 1.5 hours.

Your guide will give you a history of the Ancient City of Lamanai, its people, their traditions, rulers and practices as well as timelines as this city has always been occupied.

After the tour we sit and have Lunch under the seating area and should time permit your guide will allow you to take a quick dip in the giftshops onsite to grab a souvenir to remember your trip for 45 minutes to an hour.

We then reboard to boat and do the return journey to our docks in Orange Walk and then back to Belize City.

The total tour time for your Lamanai Adventure is 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Before You Go

Most of the tour takes place under the jungle canopy, but you can still get sun exposure. We recommend wearing PFG or other lightweight sun-protective clothing and using sunscreen.

Mosquitoes are common, particularly during the rainy season. Bug spray is strongly recommended.

Keep an eye on the weather before your tour. Rain does not cancel the tour, but we recommend bringing a poncho or umbrella.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting footwear or hiking boots suitable for walking on uneven jungle terrain.

Mobility: We rate this tour 4 out of 6 for physical difficulty, with 1 being easy and 6 being strenuous. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

This is a family-friendly adventure suitable for children and adults.

I particularly like the 1–6 mobility scale because it's useful information rather than marketing. People can immediately understand what they're getting into.

What's Included / What's Not Included

Included in the price

  • Round-trip transportation from Belize City
  • Professional tour guide
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fees to the archaeological site

Not included

  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance

Itinerary

  • 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Pickup from your Belize City hotel or meeting point
  • 8:00 AM: Depart Belize City
  • 9:00 AM: Arrival at the New River launching point (1-hour transfer)
  • 9:30 AM: Scenic boat ride along the New River with wildlife spotting (45 minutes to 1 hour)
  • 10:30 AM: Arrive at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
  • 11:00 AM: Guided tour of the Lamanai ruins including High Temple, Jaguar Temple, and Mask Temple
  • 1:00 PM: Traditional Belizean lunch
  • 1:45 PM: Return boat journey with wildlife viewing
  • 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Return to Belize City

Guest Reviews

Absolutely phenomenal experience! The river boat ride to Lamanai was breathtaking. We saw howler monkeys, crocodiles, and so many tropical birds. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the history come alive. Climbing the High Temple was challenging but the jungle view from the top was worth every step. The traditional Belizean lunch was delicious too!

Jennifer Martinez, Miami, Florida — 5/5 — 2025-10-28

This tour exceeded all our expectations! Departing from Belize City was super convenient. The ruins are absolutely stunning and far less crowded than other Maya sites. Our guide's passion for Maya history was infectious. The boat ride through the New River was an adventure in itself. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Belize!

Robert Thompson, Toronto, Canada — 5/5 — 2025-10-15

What an incredible day! Lamanai is truly magical. The Jaguar and Mask temples were my favorites - the intricate carvings are remarkable. Our guide was fantastic, sharing fascinating stories about Maya civilization. The wildlife spotting on the boat was a bonus - we saw so many monkeys! Best tour we did in Belize.

Sarah Collins, London, UK — 5/5 — 2025-09-22

Perfect day trip from Belize City! The tour was well-organized from start to finish. Lamanai is less touristy than other ruins, which we loved. Being able to climb the temples and get that panoramic jungle view was unforgettable. The lunch provided was excellent. Worth every penny!

Michael Davis, Chicago, Illinois — 5/5 — 2025-09-18

This was the highlight of our Belize vacation! The combination of boat ride, wildlife viewing, and exploring ancient ruins made for an amazing day. Our guide was professional and entertaining. The temples are enormous and beautifully preserved. Lamanai should be on everyone's Belize itinerary!

Amanda Wilson, Vancouver, Canada — 5/5 — 2025-09-08

Spectacular tour! The journey to Lamanai through the jungle waterways was incredible. We spotted crocodiles basking in the sun and heard howler monkeys echoing through the trees. The archaeological site itself is mind-blowing. Standing atop the High Temple overlooking the jungle canopy is something I'll never forget. Highly recommended!

James Peterson, Austin, Texas — 5/5 — 2025-09-02

Lamanai Tour from Belize City: frequently asked questions

How do I get from Belize City to Lamanai?

By road and river. We drive about one hour north from Belize City to the New River, then take a covered boat 26 miles upriver to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. There is no practical road-only route to the site.

How long is the Lamanai tour from Belize City?

About 8 hours door to door. Pickup is 7:30 to 8:00 AM and you are back in Belize City between 4:30 and 5:00 PM.

How far is Lamanai from Belize City?

Roughly one hour by vehicle to the New River landing, then a 45-minute to one-hour boat ride upriver — about 2 hours of travel in each direction.

Is the Lamanai tour good for cruise passengers?

Yes, provided your ship is in port long enough for an 8-hour excursion. Tell us your ship and port time when you book so we can confirm the timing before you pay the balance.

What is included in this tour?

Round-trip transportation from Belize City, the river boat, a licensed guide, Lamanai entrance fees, a Belizean lunch and bottled water. Personal expenses, alcohol, tips and travel insurance are not included.

Can I climb the temples at Lamanai?

Yes, climbing is normally permitted on the High Temple and the Jaguar Temple. The steps are steep and uneven, so it is optional and your guide will advise on the day.

Will we see wildlife?

Usually. The New River is home to Morelet’s crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas and a long list of birds. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the boat captain actively looks for them and slows down for photos.

How many people are needed for the tour to run?

A minimum of 2 guests. Groups of 5 or more adults receive an automatic discount at checkout.

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