Suriname :: Sports and Activities

Fauna and Flora observation
Wildlife enthusiasts can observe numerous mammals (including jaguars, pumas and ocelots), birds (such as flamingos and eagles), and rare flowers (including orchids and ixora) as well as the black and blue morpho butterflies.

Turtle watching
Galibi Nature Reserve in north eastern Suriname is home for thousands of nesting sea turtles. Four kinds of endangered sea turtles nest here, including the colossal 600 kg, 2m long Leatherback turtle, the Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley and occasionally the Hawksbill. In 2003, more than 45,000 nests were recorded. January through September are the best months to see these beautiful and protected creatures.

Bird watching
In Suriname, birders can catch sight of colorful forest birds, a wide range of waders and water birds, as well as some important South American raptors.

Visit to Indian Communities
One of the great opportunities in Suriname is to visit and stay in or close to traditional Amerindian or Maroon villages. Understand their special culture; discover how the indigenous villagers live their lives and listen to the local storytellers. Accompany local guides as they move through the jungle and along the rivers; live in simple village huts, and enjoy local dishes prepared from fresh ingredients grown in the villages. It is not uncommon to see several different tribes living peacefully in harmony in the same village with their different languages and cultural values.

Trekking
You can't get closer to nature than by trekking along jungle paths, led by a local guide, who can describe the local trees and plants and how we use them, identify the colorful birds and animals for you, and bring you from village to village. Treks can range from a few hours to several days, and can range from easy to the strenuous (even to the top of Mount Kasikasima) …It is up to you!

River Trips
From Nickerie and Paramaribo, boat trips along the Corantijn and Coppename Rivers, the Nickerie River and its tributaries the Marataka and Wayambo, and the Saramacca Rivers, take tourists right into the heart of West Suriname. The unfolding scenes along the riverbanks, visiting villages as you cruise further into the interior, and sighting giant otters in Kaburikreek are experiences not to be missed.

Kayaking & Rafting
For the enthusiast Suriname's rivers provide ideal kayaking and rafting waters, with a combination of white and still water, all in the magnificent setting of the Amazon Basin rainforest.

Diving
Adventure diving in the Van Blommenstein Lake in the Brokopondo District is unique, but only for experienced divers. Old rail tracks and other signs of civilization that disappeared when the man-made lake was created in 1964 can still be seen among the dead forests beneath the clear waters.

Fishing
Fishing Suriname's rivers taking peacock bass, tukunari or piranha on the Van Blommenstein Lake (Brokopondo) give a new dimension to sport fishing, all the year round. Try traditional local techniques or use the latest equipment. Other exciting river fish include trapun, anyumara, kubi, and catfish. Swamp fishing with the local people can be a new challenge for even the most experienced fisherman.

Cycling
Cycling opportunities in Suriname are many. Mountain biking trails can be found in the interior, but Paramaribo and other coastal towns are ideal for exploring by bike.

Recreation
As a break from the city, day-trips can be made to the different recreational sites in the vicinity of Paramaribo, such as Santigron, Bersaba, Carolinakreek, Republiek, Colakreek, Blaka Watra, Sabana Park, Kinderboerderij, Camp Overbridge, Marinalex and White Beach Marina Resort. These are commercial recreational areas with leisure facilities which offer a range of fun activities.

Nightlife
An experience of Paramaribo by night includes a visit to one of the many international bars and nightclubs, or you can try your luck at one of the city s numerous casinos.