The sail across from Ascension Island to the Suriname River mouth took us 25 days – about 2652nm. Crossing in the path of the Amazon River, we were affected by cross-currents, even 260nm out. Coming in closer to Suriname, there were a lot of fishing boats with nets extended all over the place and it was very difficult to pick your way though it all, especially at night, so take great care on the approaches or come around at higher latitudes and then turn South heading straight for the entry markers.

We anchored just off the river mouth to wait for a full days light. MAS (Maritime Authority Suriname) would not allow us to anchor closer in, we had to either proceed up to Domburg or wait outside, and so we waited. The current was hectic at 2 am so you have to very careful as of where to anchor and keep watch.

We arranged a docking at Marina Resort Waterland which is about 27nm up the river. GPS – 05deg39’.503N and 055deg03’.833W (see their website http://www.waterlandsuriname.com and they have a facebook page). Fees were €27 + 8% tax per day with water and electricity. Very nice, relaxing place to recuperate after the long sail.

The owner, Noel, arranged a taxi for us to go into Paramaribo to check in. This took about 6 hours as we needed a visa from Immigration. Visa fee was $45 each and had to be paid at the Central Bank which was a short walk away. Everyone was friendly.

We stayed on a dock for 2 weeks then moved 6.7nm back towards Domburg and went on a mooring ball at Harbour Resort Domburg GPS – 05deg42’.222N and 055deg04’.899W. Also very nice with a restaurant (River Breeze Restaurant & Bar), swimming pool, showers and a small laundry machine. Fees were €8.75 for the mooring ball.

Although while we were there, there was construction working in progress along the bank retaining wall so there was no floating dingy dock and difficult access to land. There was no “water supply” to your boat as part of the facilities/services and the “cooking gas service” entails hiring a car or taxi and going to town yourself.

The Tourism Foundation has a fairly comprehensive tourist destination guide and there is also the Suriname Travel magazine and a variety of smaller brochures/booklets that will assist any visitor to Suriname. These are available at the immigration visa office and Marina Resort Waterland.