Altun Ha or Lamanai Ruins?

[Hydro ergo]

Hi! My husband and I are booked on a Princess cruise in February that ports in Belize. We are trying to decide between two shore excursions (both Princess tours, as they are long, it's a tender port, and time could be an issue)...the Altun Ha and the Lamanai Mayan Ruins tours. It looks like both tours feature a bus ride to the river, a two hour river boat tour, a tour of the site, and lunch (and of course a ride back to the ship!). We aren't sure which is better. The Lamanai tour is 1/2 hr longer, and $50 per person more. Not sure why such a huge difference. It also sounds like that one could be a bit more "strenuous" with the touring situation at the site. We are young and active, so that isn't a problem. My husband does suffer from motion sickness. We know, Belize has a loooong tender. He's ok with that. But we don't want a terrible bus ride as well. River boats are fine as that isn't the type of motion that is an issue. Anyway, I hope that background info helps with your input...it's all appreciated! Thank you!

[EatonDoolittle]

Someone asked the very same question 12 posts down from yours. Pretty thorough responses, including a video.

Maybe take a look there and it will help with your decision.

[Hydro ergo]

I did see that, thank you. I was hoping to get some info on the ride getting to each one...what the transport was like, etc. If there were major differences that may be important to my husband. Thanks for your help! :)

[JimAOk1945]

We went on Royal Caribbean sponsored shore excursion to Lamanai. It was fantastic. It is a long day but well worth it, in my opinion.

 

You might enjoy seeing a slide show my wife put together for her website with a few of the pictures she took.

 

Belize ~ Lamanai Mayan Ruins Shore Excursion

 

Happy cruising!

[Hydro ergo]

Thank you all so much for your info! We are still trying to decide which to select...and now we found there is a third in the mix...starts with an "X" and I won't try to type it out of memory! Thank you for sharing the pictures---they are wonderful! How was the river boat ride? Princess describes it as a "scenic river cruise" but we have been reading that it is a high speed boat that can actually be kind of choppy/jerky feeling. Just asking because of the whole motion sickness issue. Thanks again all!

[JimAOk1945]

How was the river boat ride? Princess describes it as a "scenic river cruise" but we have been reading that it is a high speed boat that can actually be kind of choppy/jerky feeling. Just asking because of the whole motion sickness issue. Thanks again all!

 

The one we were on (Royal Caribbean excursion), was nice. It started out kind of slow and we stopped now and then to look at birds, gators, etc. Then after we reached a certain spot, the ride became faster and we didn't stop until we reached the ruins. Same thing on the way back until we reached the place where the bus was waiting. We had lunch, then boarded the bus and went back to our ship. We had anticipated a bumpy ride but the boat ride was surprisingly enjoyable.

[Hydro ergo]

This is great info, thanks again! It's always helpful to hear from people who have actually been out and done something! :)