Lamanai Mayan Ruins from San Pedro

Lamanai Mayan Ruins from San Pedro via water taxi transfers

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins tour from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is a full-day guided excursion departing at 6:00 AM via water taxi. Guests travel to Belize City via a 90-minute water taxi, next to Orange Walk via air-conditioned van transfer, then aboard a 45-minute jungle river boat ride up the New River to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Tour price is $189 USD + tax and includes all transfers starting with the water taxi, park entry guided tour by a local licesnsed professional tour guide, and a local lunch with beverage.

Experience the #1 Rated Jungle Adventure in Belize

Discover the “Submerged Crocodile” city of Lamanai, one of the oldest and most impressive Maya archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Nestled deep within the rainforest of the Orange Walk District, Lamanai is only accessible by a thrilling river boat safari, making the journey just as unforgettable as the destination!

Tour Highlights for Lamanai Mayan Ruins from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

The New River Boat Safari:
Navigate the winding New River through lush jungle. Spot exotic wildlife, including Morelet’s Crocodiles, Howler Monkeys, Green Iguana, Kingfisher and other riverside birds.

Climb the High Temple:
Stand 125 feet above the jungle canopy for a panoramic view of the New River Lagoon.

The Mask Temple:
Admire the 13-foot stone carvings of an ancient Maya king, a masterpiece of Pre-Classic architecture.

Wildlife Encounters:
Walk through corridors of Ceiba trees while howler monkeys roar overhead and tropical birds nest in the canopy.

FAQ for Travelers on the Lamanai Mayan Ruins from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Can you climb the temples at Lamanai?
Yes! Visitors can climb several temples, including the High Temple for breathtaking views.

Are the water taxi tickets included?
Yes your water taxi tickets are included. You will arrive at the water taxi terminal on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye at approx 30mins prior to departure. Hop aboard the water taxi for the 90minute ride to the mainland, Belize City.

I am a single traveler, can I join this tour?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome to join in!

Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious home-made traditional Belizean lunch with local beverage is provided.
How long is the tour?
You’ll depart the island at 6:00am. Your water taxi departs Belize City typically at 4:30pm.

Tour Details at a Glance:

What is the Intensity Level for this tour:

Easy to Moderate with walking and climbing – temple climbing is optional

What time does the tour depart from San Pedro Ambergris Caye?

The water taxi departure is at 6:00am with check in at 5:30am
Alternate Departure with Air Upgrade at 7:00am with check in at 6:30am

What to wear or bring on tour?

Bring along sunshades, cap, sunblock, bug repellant
Tshirt with shorts, capris or lightweight long pants
Sturdy walking shoes (no flip flops)
Your personal water bottle helps you stay hydrated

What is Included on the tour?

Round trip island transfers
Meet & greet in Belize City on arrival
Tour transfers in air-conditioned van + open air boat transfers
Park entry fee
Guided tour by licensed professional
Local lunch with beverage

What is not included on the tour?

Transfers between your hotel and the island departure terminal on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye are NOT included. If you would like assistance with scheduling a taxi transfer – just let us know in the comments section during checkout! We’ll be happy to help!

Itinerary at a Glance

Island Departure via Water Taxi!

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.

The Road & River Journey

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!

Lamanai Mayan Ruins Exploration

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.

The Return

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.

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