Any recommendations as to who to go with for the Lamanai tour?
Not there till Feb. but starting to get tours organized as to who to use for what tour.
This board has been very helpful in my planning our trip!
Thanks to all of you.
Marla

We used Searious last Wednesday and I really enjoyed my guides (Ricky and Devon on the first boat but I can't remember the guys name at Lamanai itself). They didn't rush us at the site but hauled butt to get us back on time. If you have at least six people going, they will do a custom boat for you (at least they did for us!). It won't be a charter and they may put some others on it but you are more likely to have a smaller group.

Another thing to consider. Ask what days the cruise ships come into Belize and avoid those days. The last thing you want is to get stuck behind a ton of people.

We booked our tour directly through Tropic Air and were flown to Orange Walk at 7:30am. As a matter of fact, Tropic Air assigned us a small plane, seating 4, and two pilots that accompanied us thoughout the whole tour. We took a 1.5 hour boat ride to Lamanai ruins, stopping along the way to alligators, monkeys in the jungle, and all sorts of flora and fauna and then we toured the Lamanai site before lunch, only seeing an occasional tourist. Enjoyed a nice lunch at Lamanai before the whord of tourists from the cruise ships arrived. As a matter of fact, we met four boats loaded with cruise ship passengers on the way back down the river (about a 1 hour trip back down the river). We were back at our condo in San Pedro before 2:30 and enjoying a belikins on the porch! This is definitely the way to go. The alternative way, by boat, takes all day and you spend between 5 and 6 hours, crossing the bay and on the New River from Corazol to Orange Walk. Now this was a little more costly, but in my opinion, well worth the extra cost of about $40 each. You will enjoy the tour.

I recommend Searious as well. Those guys are great, funny and informative. Lamanai is not to be missed, what a treasure.

We used Tanisha tours witht the Nunez family and we were completley happy--7a to 7 p

Daniel Nunez is tops IMHO

I have to agree with Klcman, you can just tell Daniel loves his job, he is so enthusiastic and knowledgable. Enjoy your trip.

Gotta ice this cake once more with Tanisha's Tours, they always do a great tour and yes, daniel is a wonderful guide who knows of what he speaks.

We did the boat trip to Lamanai through Seaduced and had a great time. The trip up the river from the coast was interesting and enjoyable. The stop in Bomba Village was great - we talked with some local kids and got to see more of real life in Belize. We had a bus ride from Bomba to Orange Walk that was rather bumpy, but, we got to see a bit of the mainland from ground level.

In my opinion, if you're going to visit Lamanai, you should also enjoy the experience of traveling there, even if it takes a while. Flying may be faster, but, I think you miss somethings from 5,000 feet.

I have seen many recommendations for Tanisha, so the guy must be doing a lot of things right.

That all said, if you're serious about seeing Mayan ruins, and if you're willing to spend a bit more money, go to Tikal. Lamanai is neat; Tikal is fantastic.

If Lamanai is what fits into your vacation, go for it; you'll enjoy it. Just don't limit your options without knowing what they are.

Thanks everyone for your replies ~ it helps alot getting these recommendations!
Coco Loco Lady