Latest Cruising Report For Suriname

Created by doina. Last modified on 2009-11-10 21:38:21
Countries: Suriname

Mieke sent a report to noonsite in 2006 about Suriname - this has now been updated with the info. below.

November 2009

As I am visiting Suriname again, here is some latest news.

Suriname is a fantastic and safe country to visit, by yacht or otherwise. Suriname is part of the Caricom and one of the three Guyana's in the north part of South America. Coming from Europe or Brazil, Suriname is a good choice to stop before going further to other parts of the Caribbean. It is also a perfect alternative during the hurricane season in the Caribbean being 6 N and 55W .

The people of Suriname are very friendly and make you feel at home. With some 10 nationalities living together, it is a special country to visit. They were multi cultural before the term got invented. The population consists of Amerindians , Maroons, Indians, Creoles, Indonesians, Dutch, Libanese, a Jewish community and Chinese. Dutch and Sranang Tongo (a mixed language of all) is mostly spoken next to their own respective native languages. English is well understood everywhere. Their cuisine is an outstanding unique one. Local produce is very good with lots of fruit and vegetables exellent butchershops, and good supermarkets. Not being spoilt by mass tourism and embracing eco tourism makes Suriname so special to visit.

One is safe and free to go anywhere. The capital city Paramaribo is considered a jewel of Caribbean architecture as the old plantation houses and historic centre of town were placed on the Unesco World Heritage list in 2002, and much is renovated since then. The unspoiled nature in the interior is spectacular and overwhelming in diversity and in a balanced eco system.

Trips can be made to visit up country for several days, with organised tours, to meet the Maroons and Amerindians in their respective villages. A great experience. A few of the rivers are deep enough to visit the interior by yacht. Birds in many varieties are seen and heard everywhere. Dolphins greet you at the rivermouths and there is plenty of fish to eat as well.

Enter Suriname through the Suriname river, preferably when the tide comes in. It is well buoyed. Aprox. 8 miles in you pass Paramaribo. Contact MAS (Maritime Authority Suriname), channel 12 or 16 and you must let know of your arrival. Then best is to go further to Domburg, as there are no moorings anymore in Paramaribo. Pass the bridge and 8 miles further you reach Domburg. There most yachts come together and are welcome to stay. A beautiful spot surrounded by nature. Upon arrival in Domburg you can get all the info you need from the contact person there.

Domburg has most facilities such as: Local bus to town (30 min), taxi, police office, medical clinic, barber, postoffice/internet. 3 Smaller grocery stores whith fresh products , a vegetable market, butchershop, and RBTT bank . Several small cosy bar/restaurants where one will have a great time meeting each other. A renovation of Domburg waterfront is making the place much nicer than it already is. A new dingydock is included, and a landing bridge for bigger boats. In Paramaribo is a central market with all fruits and vegetables you need. And also bigger supermarkets and good butchershops with very good provision.

Visa's: application can be done after arrival, there is no need for yachts to obtain a visa in advance. Foreign police ( vreemdelingen politie)- ( Jaggernath Lachmon street #167). Visa office (corner Lim A Po/Watermolenstreet). Both are to be visited, with your crew list (and all crew) after arrival, to obtain the necessary requirements. All info on this is available in Domburg.

Tourist information at Waterkant #1. Sevaral websites do exist from touroperators. For navigational info: MAS. Water, Fuel, Repairs, Laundry, Haulout, all available through the contact person at Domburg.

If this becomes your choice of next destination sooner or later, be assured you will have a very good time. We did visit Suriname several times.

Mieke Koenraadt.