Exploring Lamanai: Boat Adventure From Belize City

Lamanai, meaning submerged crocodile in the Mayan language, is one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites in Belize. It is located in the Orange Walk District, on the banks of the New River Lagoon. To get to Lamanai from Belize City by boat, you can book a tour with a company such as Belize Cruise Excursions or Lamanai Belize Tours, or travel independently. The boat ride typically involves travelling up the New River Lagoon, departing from Orange Walk Town. This scenic journey offers the opportunity to spot local flora and fauna, including birds and crocodiles.

Boat tours to Lamanai are available from Belize City

Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, with a rich history spanning thousands of years. The site features several impressive temples, including the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and the High Temple, which can be climbed for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and lagoon. Lamanai is unique among Mayan ruins in that it is located close to a body of water, which allowed it to have a longer occupation span than most other sites.

A boat tour to Lamanai is a great way to combine a scenic river cruise with a visit to a fascinating archaeological site. The tours typically offer a comfortable and convenient way to get to Lamanai, with the added benefit of informative guides and the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.

The journey to Lamanai is an hour-long boat ride

The boat ride is part of a tour that begins in Belize City, where passengers are transported in an air-conditioned van for an hour to the Orange Walk District of Belize. The drive crosses rivers and vast expanses of land, providing a true Belizean country tour. The boat is then boarded at Tower Hill Bridge.

The boat ride is an opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the local area, the river, and the jungle. The guides are described as "kind and informative", with a great eye for wildlife. The boat ride is also a chance to meet other people on the tour and chat with the guide.

The boat tour offers wildlife spotting opportunities

The boat tour offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. As you cruise along the New River, keep an eye out for the 100+ varieties of tropical birds, including toucans, falcons, and black hawks. You might even spot the odd freshwater crocodile floating near the river's edge. The boat ride also takes you through miles of virgin river fauna, where you can admire majestic trees adorned with hanging air plants and colourful orchids. Keep your binoculars handy, as you may catch a glimpse of spider monkeys swinging through the trees or howler monkeys lounging on the huge Ceiba trees.

The river cruise is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Upon reaching the Lamanai Mayan Ruins, you'll find yourself in a lush rainforest teeming with life. The site is home to a family of howler monkeys, and you may spot toucans and other bird species as you explore the temples and monuments. As you wander through the complex, keep in mind that Lamanai means "submerged crocodile" in Mayan—a fitting name given the presence of crocodiles in the nearby New River Lagoon.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins themselves offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. This archaeological site features impressive structures such as the Jaguar Temple, adorned with a boxy jaguar decoration, and the Mask Temple, decorated with a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Maya king. The site also boasts the second-largest Pre-Classic structure in the Maya world, showcasing the unique layered construction style of Lamanai, where successive populations built upon existing temples instead of destroying them.

In addition to the natural beauty and archaeological wonders, the boat tour also provides a true Belizean Country tour. The journey to the Tower Hill Bridge, where you board the boat, takes you across rivers and vast expanses of land, giving you a taste of the diverse landscapes of Belize. So, whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the boat tour from Belize City to Lamanai is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

The Lamanai Mayan site is one of the largest in Belize

Lamanai is one of the few Mayan sites that have retained their original name, which means "submerged crocodile" in the Maya language. The name is fitting, as the New River Lagoon is full of crocodiles. The site was once a major city of the Maya civilisation and is now a popular tourist destination, with a small museum exhibiting local artefacts and providing a historical overview.

The archaeological park covers about 860 acres and is the second-largest site in Belize. It features three main structural groups set around individual plazas, with the main ceremonial structures nicely restored. The site also includes the second-largest Pre-Classic structure in the Maya world, the High Temple, which rises 125 feet above the jungle canopy. Other notable structures include the Jaguar Temple and the Mask Temple, both adorned with impressive stucco masks.

Getting to Lamanai is an adventure in itself, with a thrilling boat ride up the New River through virgin river fauna, offering the opportunity to spot wildlife such as monkeys, tropical birds, and crocodiles. Alternatively, a bus ride or drive through the Mennonite villages provides a fascinating glimpse into their way of life.

The site has three excavated temples that visitors can climb

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins feature three excavated temples that visitors can climb: the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and the High Temple.

The Jaguar Temple (Structure N10-9) is known for its boxy jaguar face shape, with jaguar masks on each side of its base. Close by, there is a Maya calendar on the floor – one of the famous calendars that allegedly predicted the end of the world.

The Mask Temple (Structure N9-56) is adorned by two 13-foot carved limestone masks of an ancient Maya king. The temple features two tombs and showcases the high artistry of the Mayas between 200 BC and 1300 AD.

The High Temple (Structure N10-43) is the tallest temple at Lamanai, rising 125 feet above the jungle canopy. Construction of the structure began as early as 100 BC, and it is believed to have been a ceremonial temple. Climbing to the top is challenging due to the steep ascent, but adventurers are rewarded with a beautiful forest view.

Frequently asked questions