I usually drive to Lamanai, but the boat trip up the New River to the New River Lagoon and Lamanai is great. Orange Walk Town itself doesn't offer much for visitors, and the hotels there aren't too enticing. You can do Lamanai on a day trip from San Pedro or Belize City, but better yet would be to spend a night or two at Lamanai Outpost Lodge.
--Lan Sluder