Paramaribo - Restrictions

Description:

The capital city, Paramaribo, is considered a jewel of Caribbean architecture and lies at the mouth of the Suriname River. The old plantation houses and historic centre of town were placed on the Unesco World Heritage list in 2002 and much has been renovated since then.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

Both Paramaribo and Domburg (upstream) lie on the Suriname river.

While the channel is well buoyed, it is preferable to enter during daylight, as it can be confusing during the night with the numerous lights.

In addition, there is a dangerous wreck at the entrance. See details here.

Plus, fishing nets are everywhere on the river and its approaches. Some are held in place with water bottles as floats making them difficult to spot. It is not recommended to approach the entrance or navigate the rivers in hours of darkness.

When going up or down the river, be careful to time the current as it runs at over three knots.

Fly the 'Q' flag, lower the sails and motor in with the tide.

If waiting for daylight and/or the tide, you can safely anchor at the river mouth, OUT of the shipping lane in five meters of water and wait.

See Pilotage & Local Info for advice on tides and timing.

There is a reasonable amount of commercial traffic in the river/s - be careful to keep your yacht well lit, particularly if anchoring.

Dredging operations often take place in the Suriname River. See the MAS website - Notice to Mariners, for details.

While all formalities must be completed in the city of Paramaribo, a new government rule does not allow yachts to anchor near the town or in front of Torarica Hotel (unless special permission has been granted), so all visiting yachts must proceed directly upstream to Domburg, or Waterland Resort further up the river, and travel to Paramaribo from there.

The current can make tying to the dock at Waterland a challenge on arrival.

Position:  

05°56.07'N, 55°11.01'W (river entrance)