Lamanai Maya ruins and New River boat trip from the Belize City cruise port

Ruins & history60-90 minutes by road, then about 1 hour by river boat6.5-7.5 hoursToo far for a typical call

A major Maya city on the New River Lagoon, occupied for roughly three thousand years, with a Mask Temple and a High Temple with jungle views. Many tours add a river wildlife boat ride.

Getting there from the ship

From
Fort Street Tourism Village tender landing
Travel time
60-90 minutes by road, then about 1 hour by river boat
Allow 45 minutes to tender ashore first. Belize City taxi fares.
Cost
Ship tours about US$170+; independent about US$110-130 (Bucket List Guides, 2026). A reseller lists a 6-hour Lamanai tour with lunch at US$189.99.
Time to allow
6.5-7.5 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Not on a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Belize City call: with travel both ways and an hour's margin you would have about 1 h 15 min at Lamanai Maya ruins, not enough for a visit (allow 6.5-7.5 hours). Save it for a long call, or book a cruise line excursion, where the ship waits if the tour runs late.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship anchors
    Tenders usually start running within the first hour; tour groups go first.
  2. 2
    11:15 am · At Lamanai Maya ruins
    60-90 minutes by road, then about 1 hour by river boat from Fort Street Tourism Village tender landing.
  3. 3
    12:30 pm · Leave Lamanai Maya ruins by
    That gets you back to the tender dock an hour before all aboard, with time for the tender queue.
  4. 4
    4:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Belize City; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

This is the longest common tour from Belize City. Book through the ship or an operator that guarantees the ship, not a loose DIY plan.

Belize City cruise port: Lamanai Maya ruins FAQ

How far is Lamanai Maya ruins from the Belize City cruise port?

From Fort Street Tourism Village tender landing it is 60-90 minutes by road, then about 1 hour by river boat. Belize City is a tender port, so add 30 to 45 minutes to get ashore first.

How much does it cost to visit Lamanai Maya ruins?

Ship tours about US$170+; independent about US$110-130 (Bucket List Guides, 2026). A reseller lists a 6-hour Lamanai tour with lunch at US$189.99.

How much time do you need at Lamanai Maya ruins?

Allow 6.5-7.5 hours. Not on a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Belize City call: with travel both ways and an hour's margin you would have about 1 h 15 min at Lamanai Maya ruins, not enough for a visit (allow 6.5-7.5 hours). Save it for a long call, or book a cruise line excursion, where the ship waits if the tour runs late.

Can you visit Lamanai Maya ruins on your own from a cruise ship?

It is easier with a tour or a pre-booked driver, because transport there and back is not simple to arrange on the day. This is the longest common tour from Belize City. Book through the ship or an operator that guarantees the ship, not a loose DIY plan.

Tours that go to Lamanai Maya ruins

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Lamanai Maya ruins

All 10 places
  • Community Baboon Sanctuary · Nature · 60 minutes by taxi from the pier · 25 km from Lamanai Maya ruins
  • Altun Ha Maya ruins · Ruins & history · 60-75 minutes by taxi from the pier · 33 km from Lamanai Maya ruins
  • Cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en · Adventure · 60-75 minutes by taxi from the pier · 43 km from Lamanai Maya ruins
  • Belize Zoo · Nature · 50-60 minutes by taxi from the pier · 45 km from Lamanai Maya ruins