Lamanai Maya Ruins & New River Wildlife Tour from Belize City

Boat past wildlife, then climb Mayan temples in a single afternoon

A full-day tour from Belize City combining a New River wildlife boat ride and the Lamanai Maya ruins, with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, air-conditioned van transport, and a Belizean lunch included. The route starts with an hour's drive to the river, then a boat tour spotting howler monkeys and native birds, followed by a guided hike through several temples at the archaeological site before returning by water. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the fixed itinerary means transport, entry and timing are settled before you arrive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lamanai Ruins and New River Tour

• Drive from port to river bank
• Board boat for river tour
• See native birds and wildlife
• Visit Mayan site of Lamanai
• Hike to temples for views
• Enjoy lunch at site
• Return journey on river

The experience

The day starts with a pickup from Belize City port and a drive inland to the New River. Once you board, the boat moves slowly enough to spot howler monkeys in the canopy, native bird species, and other wildlife along the water before you reach the Lamanai site. The river itself is part of the experience. It is how the Maya would have moved through this landscape centuries ago.

At Lamanai, a guide leads you to several temples scattered across the grounds. The hike takes you through the ruins with stops for views and photographs, and the guide explains what you are standing in front of. After the walking, lunch is served (rice and beans, stewed chicken, potato salad or coleslaw, plus sodas and bottled water), before the return trip downriver to the van and the drive back to the city.

An air-conditioned van handles the road sections, which matters because the inland drive is an hour each way and the afternoon heat is real. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference. The whole tour runs about four hours from start to finish, so it fits into a port day or a free afternoon without eating the rest of your schedule.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned van transport from Belize City port to the river and back.
• New River boat tour with wildlife viewing.
• guided hike through the Lamanai temples.
• Belizean lunch of rice and beans, stewed chicken, and salad.
• sodas and bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jose Tours Belize

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking at Belize City or have one afternoon free and want both ruins and rainforest in a single outing: the van, river guide, and meals are bundled together, so you move between sites without gaps.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I actually see on the New River boat ride?

Howler monkeys and native bird species are the main sightings on the river tour. The boat moves slowly enough to spot them in the canopy and along the banks as you travel upriver to Lamanai.

How difficult is the hike through the Lamanai ruins?

The tour involves hiking to several different temples at the site, so you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The guide leads you through the grounds with stops for photos and explanation at each temple.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and consists of rice and beans, stewed chicken, potato salad or coleslaw, plus sodas and bottled water. Dietary needs beyond this menu are not mentioned in the tour details, so confirm any restrictions when you book.

How long is the drive from Belize City to the river?

The trip from Belize City port to the river bank where the boat tour begins is an hour's drive in an air-conditioned van, then the same drive back after the tour ends.