I'll be in Belize for the first time in January -- can't wait. I'm traveling with my sister (our husbands dislike flying). Mayan ruins are a "must do", and Lamanai seems most appealing. We see high ratings for Tanisha Tours, and are thinking of booking with them. We're staying at Belizean Shores, and are told that Tuff E Nuff tour operators, who handle most of their tours, also do this trip.

Would appreciate your feedback: which operator/guides you used; length of time of the bus segment that takes you from the boat to mainland to the boat that goes up river to the ruins; recommendations on operators. And/or any other helpful information you may have. Thanks.

Several operators run to Lamanai - but there is only ONE Daniel Nunez (Tanisha). Why not use the best, not only my opinion but of many, and the originator of this adventure? You won't be sorry....you've heard the phrase "often imitated, bever duplicated" ? It cojuld easily have been coined around Daniel. One of the kindest, gentlest, caring and knowledgeable people you will ever come across.

Thanks so, so much, klcman. That's exactly the kind of knowledgeable, thoughtful information I was seeking.

I love message boards! Nothing like them for truly helpful information.

Does anyone know if Tanisha Tours accepts credit cards?? Thanks. Jean

Pretty sure....

tropic@btl.net

We have twice been with Searious to Lamanai and much enjoyed it both times!

If you do Lamanai you have to be patient.

2 boat rides and a bus to get there.

Could someone please give me a current e-mail address for Tanisha Tours? tropic@btl.net comes up on their website, however, it came back as undeliverable. Would one of you locals please give Daniel a call 226-2314 and see if he has gotten a new e-mail address or what is going on. He will want to know if his e-mails aren't going through. Bad for business! I took the best picture of him driving his boat back from Lamanai at sunset. He let a little girl (maybe 4 yr. old) sit in his lap and steer. It is so cute - he could put it up in his tour office. Daniel Nunez is an incredible guide. I personally would not go with any other. If he doesn't have the trip you want to go on - he will arrange it through a qualified operator. Tanisha Tours is all you need to know for your adventures in Belize.

they do have a new email address:
tanishatours@ccvbz.net

I think the Lamanai trip was my favorite out of all I have done. What sold me on Daniel was, I had an awful sinus infection at the time, and he grabbed some bark off a tree stink root I believe) and gave it to me to help clear my sinuses. It worked! He gave me extra so I had relieve for the time I was on AC.

The tour is long, but every mile of it enjoyable from shopping for beautiful carved items in Bomba to the bumpy bus ride and the boat trips that surround it.

I just may do the trip again next year!

Thanks tazzer for the address.

Gela / It is true - Daniel knows volumes about herbal and natural cures. Not to mention his ability to spot wildlife while speeding up the river going 40 miles per hour! He spotted manatee at the mouth of the river and kept circling the boat until we were all able to get a good look. You are right - it was a trip of a lifetime!

Pam&Dave - I agree with Daniels keen abilities. We actually saw a Jaribu in a clearing - we heard him speak of them, and yeah right - a stork 5 feet tall - but low and behold - there it was!

Just home from Belize and I'd like to add my praise to Tanisha Tours and Daniel Nunez. Absolutely wonderful trip. We saw great birds, bats, monkeys, the above mentioned Jaribu stork, toucans, and dolphins on the way back. It is a long day, but worth every minute. Belize is fortunate to have a tour guide who is so knowledgeable and commited to the ecology of his country.