We just returned from a cruise to Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel. We cruised on the Carnival Breeze and had an amazing time.
We wanted to visit some Mayan Ruins while in Belize and chose to book the Lamanai Mayan Ruins & River Boat Safari through Carnival. The tour was great and I highly recommend this excursions but the phrasing used in some of these excursions can be a little misleading. Hopefully the information below will help you be a little more prepared for you visit.
Belize is a tender port so you will take a ferry from the ship to the dock. You will read varying times that it takes the ferry to get from the ship to the dock but I clocked it both directions and it took 15 minutes both times.
Once you get off the ferry, you will see signs being held for the different excursions. We didn't have to wait long before we met with our group and were escorted to our bus.
Carnival states: "Your adventure will begin when you hop aboard a comfortable air-conditioned bus for a one hour drive through the scenic Belize River Valley. You will pass through the historic villages, which were the original settlements of the colony of British Honduras; all of which form the Belize River Valley, on the way to Ayinha Eco Park."
Reality: The bus is air conditioned and comfortable and we had an amazing guide. The bus ride will take 1 hour and 10 minutes though so add that extra 20 minutes to your day.
Your bus ride will end at the Ayinha Eco Park. This place is beautiful and they have taken great care with the landscaping.
Carnival states: You will then board a riverboat for a 30 minute cruise of the New River Lagoon, with its spectacular rainforest teeming with exotic birds, deer and iguanas, mangroves and orchids. Experience the thrill of gliding along the sparkling New River Lagoon, while viewing the spectacular rain forest. This includes exotic animals and birds en route to Lamana.
Reality: Carnival's statement of a 30 minute "cruise: is a bit misleading. It is true that you will board a boat for a 25 minute ride to the ruins. And there may be a rainforest teeming with wildlife but you will not see it because you will be moving at a high rate of speed. I enjoyed the ride but don't expect to have your cameras out taking pictures of the "teeming" wildlife unless you have a high speed setting.
I was able to capture a few photos with my camera set on high speed.
We arrived at the Lamanai Archeological Reserve and thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
We were told that Lamanai "submerged crocodile" is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and was once a major city of the Maya Civilization, located in the north of Belize.
Most of the site remained unexcavated until the mid-1970s. Archaeological work has concentrated on the investigation and restoration of the larger structures, most notably the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple, and High Temple.
THE JAGUAR TEMPLE
THE HIGH TEMPLE
THE MASK TEMPLE
Not only did we enjoy touring the ruins but as one person in our group stated, you felt like you were in Jurassic Park. The size and varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers surrounded us seemed surreal.
This area is the ball court. Lamanai's ball court features a circular stone center marker, underneath which a ceremonial vessel containing liquid mercury was found. It was the first reported discovery of mercury in the Maya lowlands.
The ball game, which was a common activity of all Mesoamerican peoples and originated about 3,000 B.C., had a ritualistic function for the ancient Maya. Two teams faced off on courts whose measurements could vary. Most ball courts had two sloping parallel walls inset with three round disks called markers or a single stone ring, at right angles to the ground.
Ballplayers wore protective equipment during the game to prevent bodily damage by the hard rubber ball. The balls are made of solid rubber and weighed up to 9 lbs or more, and sizes differed greatly over time or according to the version played. Players would attempt to bounce the ball without using their hands and only touch the ball with their elbows, knees or hips through stone hoops attached to the sides of the ball court.
Ballplayers wore protective equipment during the game to prevent bodily damage by the hard rubber ball. The balls are made of solid rubber and weighed up to 9 lbs or more, and sizes differed greatly over time or according to the version played. Players would attempt to bounce the ball without using their hands and only touch the ball with their elbows, knees or hips through stone hoops attached to the sides of the ball court.
A Belizean Lunch Buffett was provided at the park after our tour. It was around 2:15 before we had a chance to eat so you may want to bring a snack.
The lunch consisted of rice and beans, plantain, chicken, and potato salad. Fruit punch was also served but you could order drinks for an extra fee.
TO KNOW:
- This excursion is for 6 hours so it's going to be a long day. You will be spending 3 of those six hours in travel time. We pulled up at 3:50 and the last ferry left at 4:00. You don't need to worry if you are on a Carnival excursion since they will wait if you are late.
- Dress for warm weather. Even in January, the temperature is in the 80's.
- Wear good shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking
- Bring water. I think I already mentioned that it's hot.
- Bring a small can of bug spray. I only saw one mosquito while there but I'm only speaking from my experience. It never hurts to be prepared.
- Drones are not permitted in the park.
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