Discover the unBelizable wonders of Belize on an unforgettable Carnival Pride cruise excursion to the Lamanai Ruins where you just might encounter incredible wildlife along the paths. Be sure to brace yourself for a high-speed boat ride, be immersed in ancient Mayan history, be treated to a locally prepared Belizean lunch. Discover why the locals describe Belize as unBelizable and accompany us on this amazing journey!
Thrilling Boat Ride on the New River Lagoon:
Before embarking on your exciting boat ride, you’ll begin this Lamanai Ruins tour excursion by boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride to the boat launch. This part of the journey takes just over an hour each way, so sit back and relax as you learn fascinating facts about Belizean culture from your knowledgeable tour guide.
Arriving at the boat launch, you’ll find a clean and well-maintained facility with excellent amenities. Take advantage of the clean restrooms, grab refreshing drinks, snacks, and browse through a variety of souvenirs. So be sure to bring cash or a credit card to make any snack or drink purchases. You can even purchase drinks for the bus ride back to the ship.
The boat ride to the Lamanai Ruins takes around 20 minutes each way. It serves primarily as quick transportation as opposed to the “Scenic River Cruise” described under the excursion’s description. The New River is absolutely gorgeous, but if you’re sitting in the front middle you won’t see anything but the inside of the boat. Your visibility becomes limited as the boat raises up during the ride once they start going fast. My advice to fully enjoy the scenic views is to choose a seat along the edges so you don’t miss a moment of the breathtaking journey.
TIP: Remove your hat or risk losing it once the boat speeds up!!
Encounter Wildlife:
Lamanai Ruins is a paradise for nature lovers! Since it’s surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, it’s teeming with wildlife. Part of the fun is trying to spot as many of its natural inhabitants along the way. Keep your eyes peeled and you will more than likely spot howler monkeys hanging out in the trees, spider monkeys, an array of birds, crocodiles resting along the banks of New River and even tarantulas! Some tour guides will even seek out the tarantulas to show guests, but I don’t recommend handling them yourself. We saw plenty of these splendid creatures while walking along the paths of the Lamani Ruins. The howler monkeys here aren’t as active (loud) since their diet is primarily based on leaves instead of fruit, which is their more natural diet. So we were told they tend to sleep a lot.
Immersion into Mayan Culture:
Lamanai means “submerged crocodile” in the Mayan language. While touring the Lamanai Ruins, you’ll explore the physical remnants of the Mayan civilization but you’ll also gain insights into their culture and way of life. The tour guides are experts and have a wealth of knowledge that they’re eager to share about fascinating tales and historical facts, allowing you to truly appreciate the significance of this ancient site. Learn about the Mayans’ intricate understanding of astronomy, their spiritual beliefs, and their impressive agricultural practices.
Tip: Take bug repellent and a poncho in case it rains.
Delightful Lunch:
After an exhilarating adventure of exploring the Mayan ruins, it’s time to treat your taste buds to a mouthwatering, locally prepared lunch. You will be treated to a buffet of traditional Belizean cuisine that bursts with flavors and ingredients sourced from the region. The workers here will spoon the food onto your plates as you walk down the line. There is plenty to choose from and lots of space to sit and enjoy your meal. Here’s your chance to indulge in the vibrant flavors that make Belize’s cuisine so unique.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a Carnival Pride cruise excursion to the Lamanai Ruins in Belize offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, culture, and natural wonders. From the heart-pounding boat ride to the awe-inspiring ancient ruins, and encountering howler monkeys along the paths, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Mayan civilization, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and create lifelong memories as you explore the enchanting Lamanai Ruins. Don’t miss this remarkable opportunity to make your journey with Carnival Pride, or any other cruise ship for that matter, a memorable one! It really is unBelizable!
If you’ve been lucky enough to discover the Lamanai Ruins for yourself, we’d love to hear about your experience! Comment below and tell us about your journey to this remarkable destination!
