Itinerary at a Glance

You will arrive at the water taxi terminal on San Pedro at approx 5:30am to check in at the cashier widow.  Once your ticket is validated and registered, join the Belize City queue. Present your departure ticket. Hop aboard the water taxi for the 90-minute ride to the mainland, Belize City.  On arrival, make your way to the left side exit where your guide will be waiting for you with your name on a sign.  Keep your return ticket safe as tickets are not replaceable.
Departure Options: The water taxi departure is at 6:00am. The optional air upgrade departs the island at 7:00am.

 Join your guide for the road transfer. The air-conditioned road transfer is approximately one hour. At the boat landing, you will join other tour groups and board your open-air, canopy-covered boat. Enjoy the incredibly scenic 45min jungle ride along the New River which empties into the New River Lagoon – one of the largest fresh-water lagoons in Belize.  Along the way keep a lookout for the exotic plants and animals along the river bank including Morelet’s crocodile, howler monkeys, many species of birds, insects and even bats!

 The Lamanai Archaeological Reserve features three main excavated temples: the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the High Temple. The High Temple is a popular highlight for climbing to get a panoramic view over the jungle. The ruins are nestled in a remote, subtropical forest, creating a dense, natural atmosphere where you can see other, still-buried structures being reclaimed by the jungle.

After a picnic lunch at the site, you will return via the same route back to the island.  Typically all guests meet the 4:30pm water taxi return.

Nestled along the New River Lagoon, Lamanai is one of the most remarkable Maya sites in Belize, with over 3,000 years of continuous occupation dating from around 1500 BC through the colonial era and beyond. Unlike many Mayan cities that were abandoned, Lamanai remained inhabited, making it a key site in Mesoamerican archaeology for understanding long-term cultural continuity. Its name comes from the Yucatec Maya term meaning “Submerged Crocodile,” inspired by the crocodiles and imagery found throughout the area.

The site is known for its three main temple structures: the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the towering High Temple, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding jungle. Lamanai is considered one of the best-preserved Maya sites due to its remote jungle setting and the fact that much of it remains unexcavated, protecting its original structures.

Visitors can expect a scenic journey along the New River through lush rainforest teeming with wildlife before arriving at the ruins. What guests on the Lamanai Mayan Ruins from San Pedro love most is how accessible it is from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye! Immerse in the sense of adventure, fewer crowds, the ability to climb ancient temples, and the blend of history, nature, and wildlife all in one unforgettable experience!  How to get to Lamanai from San Pedro? It’s as easy as:
1. Hop on an island transfer
2. Meet your guide and journey to the boat landing
3. Skim along the New River through to jungle to arrive at the site!

For even more on Lamanai Mayan Ruins, visit

Lamanai

Spotlight on Lamanai Belize

Belize| Maya City of Lamanai

Who is the best operator for a Lamanai tour from Belize City?

When choosing the best operator for a Lamanai adventure, experience, safety, and local knowledge matter, and that’s exactly where UpClose Belize stands apart!

Established in 2009 and Lamanai Mayan Ruins being the very first tour ever executed, we’ve grown with years of hands-on experience guiding travelers through the legendary Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. UpClose Belize offers more than just a tour. We deliver a deeply immersive journey into Maya history and Belize’s rich natural landscape. As a locally owned and operated company, the team knows the New River route intimately, from spotting wildlife along the banks to timing arrivals for a quieter, more personal experience at the ruins.

Every tour is conducted in full compliance with Belize Tourism Board licensing requirements, with trained, Spanish and English guides who bring the ancient city of Lamanai to life through storytelling, history, and cultural insight.

UpClose Belize takes care of every detail. Comfortable transportation and seamless coordination every step of the way from your meet & greet to river boat travel and authentic Belizean meals.  Sit back and enjoy and focus entirely on the experience. Small group sizes ensure a relaxed pace, meaningful interaction with your guide, and time to truly connect with the site.

If you’re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and locally rooted operator, UpClose Belize offers one of the most complete and memorable ways to explore Lamanai Mayan Ruins.

Last Updated Lamanai Mayan Ruins from San Pedro on 20 April 2026