I am going to Belize City by cruise ship and want to go to Tikal as a one-day tour. I know they are offered but can't seem to find any information on the net- can anyone help me? Thanks!

Katie Valk who posts regularly here is a travel agent in Belize City who could help you with a Tikal trip.

The only practical way to do Tikal from Belize City on a day trip would be by air. (It's 3 1/2 hours or so by road to Tikal.) Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer day flying tours to Tikal. Both airlines have Web sites. Even that would depend on when your ship arrives and how long it is in port.

--Lan Sluder

I took this day trip through Tropic Air in March and it was excellent. There is detailed information on their web site. It cost about $200 per person for the complete trip (flight, bus transportation, entrance fees, tour guide, and lunch).

I think the flight left at about 9 am from BZE, arriving in Guatemala about 45 minutes later. Then, it's at least a 1/2 hour bus ride to the site. We had about 3 hours at the site, which I felt was enough time for a broad overview. I believe the return flight left at about 3:30, and we were relaxing back in our hotel in Belize City by 5:30. I hope there's enough time to squeeze the trip in during your day in port.

I would highly recommend this trip. We had previously been to Chichen Itza in Mexico, and it really can't compare. It's amazing!

Thank you for your prompt replys! Unfortunately the timing is very tight. I think that Tikal may be worth a separate trip by itself, along with some other sites in Guatamala. How about air boat rides in Belize City? Has anyone done that?

Not enough time for Tikal if you are on a cruise ship. Save that for a return trip and give it the time it deserves. No air boats here.

Katie,
Good advice! I meant power boat. RCCL offers a powerboat ride on "The Thriller" to San Pedro beach. But I'm on Carnival. Any way to book a tour like that independantly?Thanks