Lamanai and the New River Safari in Belize

While some may argue that exploring ancient ruins and wildlife spotting might be mundane, the Lamanai and the New River Safari in Belize offers a unique blend of history and nature that is anything but ordinary.

As travelers venture into the heart of Belize’s jungle, they are greeted by the majestic temples of Lamanai and the vibrant ecosystem along the New River. The journey promises encounters with crocodiles, howler monkeys, and a peek into the intriguing Mayan civilization.

This expedition is a perfect fusion of adventure and education, making it an enticing option for those seeking a deeper understanding of Belize’s treasures.

Key Points

• Explore ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai, cruise the New River, spot wildlife, and enjoy a guided tour experience.
• Discover temples, plazas, and artifacts while learning about Mayan history and culture.
• Enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch by a lagoon and encounter diverse wildlife along the river.
• The Lamanai and New River Safari offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure in Belize.

Tour Details

Set out on an immersive exploration of the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai in Belize and cruise along the New River, where exotic wildlife awaits your discovery. This full-day tour includes a guided journey through the significant Mayan site, where you’ll explore temples like the Jaguar Temple and High Temple.

The adventure continues with a boat cruise on the New River, offering opportunities to spot native bird species and lush vegetation along the way. Don’t miss the chance to visit the site museum, view artifacts, and enjoy a short jungle hike to temples, plazas, and stone carvings.

Wildlife sightings are abundant, with travelers often encountering crocs, bats, birds, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and iguanas during this unforgettable experience.

Logistics and Policies

Discover essential logistics and policies to ensure a seamless experience when embarking on the Lamanai and the New River Safari tour in Belize. The tour provides pick-up from all hotels and Air B&Bs in Belize City, but cruise port pick-up/drop-off is not available. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. It’s important to note that the tour is weather-dependent, offering a refund or reschedule option for poor weather conditions.

Policies	Details
Cancellation Policy	Can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, service animals allowed
Maximum Travelers	Maximum of 200 travelers on tour
Refund Conditions	No refund if canceled less than 24 hours before start time
Weather Policy	Weather-dependent; refund or reschedule for poor weather

Customer Reviews

Upon browsing the reviews, travelers have shared their experiences and opinions on the Lamanai and the New River Safari tour in Belize. The overall average rating of 4.5 stars signifies a positive impression. Highlights include praise for knowledgeable guides and the well-preserved Mayan site.

However, some customers mentioned communication issues, particularly regarding cancellations and reservation status. One common recommendation was to book upon arrival for better pricing strategies. Despite these minor setbacks, most visitors enjoyed the informative commentary during the river trip, the diverse wildlife sightings, and the impressive Lamanai temples surrounded by lush vegetation.

Bringing snacks for the journey and being prepared for a memorable encounter with monkeys were suggested for an enhanced experience.

Tour Highlights and Recommendations

Visitors on the Lamanai and the New River Safari tour in Belize consistently praise the informative commentary provided during the river trip. The tour highlights and recommendations include:

• River Wildlife: Spot a variety of animal life such as crocodiles, bats, and birds during the cruise.

• Impressive Lamanai Temples: Explore ancient temples surrounded by dense vegetation, providing a unique experience.

• Lunch Options: Enjoy a homemade lunch closer to the ruins, receiving high praise from visitors.

• Snack Recommendation: Bring snacks for the trip to enhance your experience.

• Comfortable Transportation: Experience punctual van pickups and a comfortable small boat ride for close views of wildlife.

Tour Operator Experience

Experiencing the tour operator’s service with Discovery Expeditions in Belize provided travelers with a well-guided exploration of the New River and the ancient Mayan ruins at Lamanai. The reservation process was straightforward, booked online with Viator before the trip.

However, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of information on tentative reservation status and the inconvenience of tour cancellation due to low sign-ups. Customer service was a mix of positive and negative feedback, with some travelers praising the informative and fun presentation by the tour guide, Vel, while others mentioned dissatisfaction with Viator’s reservation process and a lack of courtesy in informing customers about changes.

Despite these issues, Discovery Expeditions offered an enjoyable experience with knowledgeable guides and exciting wildlife sightings.

Common questions

Are There Any Specific Clothing or Footwear Recommendations for the Tour?

For the tour, comfortable clothing is recommended for the jungle hike and boat cruise. Footwear should be sturdy for walking and hiking. Bringing along insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen is advised for protection.

Is There a Restroom Available on the Boat During the River Cruise?

Restroom availability on the boat during the river cruise is limited, so travelers are advised to use facilities before boarding. Regarding clothing recommendations, light, breathable attire is suggested for comfort during the tour.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour to accommodate food restrictions or dietary preferences and meet their hydration needs. It’s advisable to pack accordingly for personal comfort and enjoyment.

Are There Any Opportunities for Swimming or Water Activities During the Tour?

Water activities are not part of this tour. Safety precautions are in place to ensure a smooth experience. Participants cannot engage in swimming or other water-related activities during the tour. It’s best to follow the guidelines provided.

Is There Any Specific Souvenir or Gift Shop Available at the Lamanai Site?

At the Lamanai site in Belize, visitors can find a gift shop offering various souvenirs. This provides shopping opportunities for those looking to take home a piece of their Mayan adventure. Explore unique items reflecting the rich history of the site.

Last Words

Experience the magic of Belize with the Lamanai and the New River Safari. From ancient Mayan ruins to vibrant wildlife and delicious cuisine, this full-day tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure.

With knowledgeable guides, impressive sights, and unforgettable experiences, this excursion is a must for anyone visiting Belize. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of Lamanai and the New River – book your tour today!