SURINAME RIVER KAYAK TOUR THROUGH THE JUNGLE OF SURINAME

Embark on an unforgettable kayak journey through the heart of Upper Suriname, where breathtaking nature meets rich Maroon culture.
This adventure takes you from Sintiadam to Kumalu, navigating the Suriname River’s rapids and making a cultural stop in Kosindo. Along the way, keep an eye out for incredible wildlife like giant otters, tapirs, macaws, caimans, and even the elusive jaguar or harpy eagle. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of the rapids or the tranquillity of the jungle, this tour promises an immersive experience in one of Suriname’s most captivating regions.

Please note: due to high water levels, this expedition is most likely not feasible during the months of May-July and December-January.
Make sure to check with us for availability during these periods.

This tour will be guided by a professional Unlock Nature wildlife guide.

Itinerary Day 1

Our adventure begins early in the morning as we depart Paramaribo by car, heading to Atjoni, the last stop before the road ends. From here, we continue by boat, journeying deep into Upper Suriname. Along the way, we’ll pass Maroon villages, dense jungle, and scenic rapids, making for a breathtaking introduction to the region.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Kumalu, also known as the ‘Dream Island,’ where we’ll settle in for a relaxed evening.

Accommodation: Lodge with beds

DAY 2

Waking up in Kumalu, one of the last Maroon villages, we continue our journey up the Gran Rio. As we pass the final villages, we enter a world of untouched rainforest, where wildlife thrives. Keep your eyes peeled for caimans, monkeys, and, with a bit of luck, a giant anaconda or even a jaguar!

The journey itself is an adventure, with thrilling rapids to cross. Some are so powerful that we’ll need to step out and tow the boat, fortunately, experienced Saramacan boatmen will be there to assist.

By late afternoon, we reach Sintiadam, a spectacular rapid stretching across the entire river. Here, we set up camp for the night, sleeping in hammocks on an island with a breathtaking view of the water.

Accommodation: Hammocks on an island

DAY 3

We rise before dawn to begin our kayak adventure with a breathtaking sunrise over the river. From here, we paddle our way back to Kumalu, retracing our journey through the heart of the rainforest.

The entire day will be spent on the water, navigating rapids and keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. With some luck, we may spot caimans, monkeys, macaws, or even a jaguar watching from the riverbank.

As night falls, we set up our own riverside camp, hanging hammocks and tarps beneath the jungle canopy for a true wilderness experience.

Accommodation: Hammocks with tarps, wild camping along the river

DAY 4

We wake up early once more to make the most of another full day on the river. As we paddle through the heart of the rainforest, we keep our eyes open for incredible wildlife, like anaconda, perhaps a group of monkeys in the treetops, a caiman basking on the shore, or even a majestic harpy eagle soaring above.

By late afternoon, we reach Kosindo, the last Maroon village along our route. Here, we settle in for a well-earned rest in a comfortable lodge.

Accommodation: Lodge with beds

DAY 5

We wake up in the beautiful village of Kosindo, the last Maroon village in Upper Suriname, or the first we’ve encountered on our way downstream.

Today is all about immersing ourselves in Maroon culture. A local guide will take us on a tour of the village, sharing insights into its history, traditions, and way of life. From storytelling to daily customs, this is a unique opportunity to learn about a community deeply connected to the river and rainforest.

We spend another night in Kosindo, reflecting on our adventure in this culturally rich setting.

Accommodation: Lodge with beds

DAY 6

After a fascinating day in Kosindo, we rise early once again to resume our journey back to Kumalu. The paddling will be as rewarding as ever, with the chance to spot wildlife and take in the stunning scenery of the river and surrounding jungle.

As we make our way downriver, we’ll camp along the riverbank, ready to rest and recharge for the final stretch of our adventure.

Accommodation: B2B (camping) alongside the river

DAY 7

The last day of paddling has arrived, and we’ve made it to the final stretch! We’ll enjoy one last beautiful journey down the river, taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle as we make our way back to Kumalu.

After a rewarding week of exploration, we’ll celebrate the completion of our adventure and rest at the lodge, reflecting on all we’ve experienced.

Accommodation: Lodge with beds

DAY 8

The final day of our adventure has arrived. We take the boat back from Kumalu to Atjoni, retracing our steps along the river. Once we reach Atjoni, a car will be waiting to drive us back to Paramaribo, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of this unforgettable journey.

WILDLIFE YOU CAN ENCOUNTER

Spider monkey

Spider monkeys are the acrobats of the jungle, swinging effortlessly through the trees with their long arms and strong tails. They’re curious animals and often stop to watch us just as we watch them. Living in close family groups, they chatter and call to stay connected. If we’re lucky, we might see them leap between branches or pause for a snack high in the canopy.

Anaconda

Anacondas are the quiet giants of Suriname’s rivers. They glide through the water without a sound, perfectly hidden until they decide to move. Even though they’re huge, they’re not easy to find and prefer to stay out of sight. But when we do come across one, it’s always an incredible moment to see such a powerful snake up close.

Harpy Eagle

These birds are one of the largest eagles in the world. Their claws are as big as the claws of a grizzly bear. This might also explain why the harpy eagles we meet are not impressed by us at all. We can really take our time photographing this individual. We can even sail right under it, and it still remains on its branch while giving us only a quick look.