Latest Cruising Report For Suriname

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-09-18 10:06:03
Countries: Suriname

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

The people of Suriname are friendly and make you feel very much at home. With some ten nationalities living together it is a special country. They were multi-cultural before the term got invented. The population consists of Amerindians, Maroons, Hindus, Creoles, Javanese, Boeroes (Dutch farmers), Libanese, Chinese and a Jewish community. Dutch and Sranang Tongo (a mixed language of all) is mostly spoken next to their own heritage language. English is well understood everywhere. Their food is an outstanding unique cuisine. Local produce is good with lots of fruit and vegetables, excellent butchershops and supermarkets, all inexpensive.

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. The unspoiled nature in the interior is spectacular and overwhelming in diversity and in a balanced ecosystem. Trips can be made to visit up country with organised tours to meet the Amerindians and Maroons 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. Approx. 6 miles in you pass Paramaribo, where you find a few moorings available. Contact MAS (Maritime Authority Surinam), channel 12 on this. Best is to go further past the bridge approx. 8 miles up to Domburg Marina,12 moorings were placed here recently. There most yachts come together and are welcome to stay. A beautiful spot surrounded by nature. Upon arrival at Domburg Marina you can get all the info from the contact person there.

Domburg has most facilities such as: local bus to town (20 min.), taxi, police office, medical clinic, tailor, barber, post office/internet, 2 grocery stores and a vegetable market. Several bars/restaurants where one can have a good time meeting the locals and yachties. If this becomes your choice of next destination sooner or later, be assured you will have a good time. We have visited Suriname several times.

Visas from Henk Aaron str. opposite Surinam Central Bank. Three copies each of passport, passport pictures, crew list(made by yourself), last departure form. Enter before 10 am, collect forms and fill in, collect visa after lunch. Then to foreign police (vreemdelingen politie) Jaggernath Lachmon str.#167 for an entry stamp. It is here where they need your crew list.

RBTT bank available. Tourist information at Waterkant # 1. For navigational info MAS (Maritime Authority Surinam) Channel 12. Water, Fuel, Repairs, Laundry, Haulout, all available through the contact person at Domburg Marina.

Mieke Koenraadt.