Drive west from Paramaribo across rice plains and coconut coastlines to Nieuw Nickerie, then take a boat into Bigipan Nature Reserve to watch breeding flocks of Red Ibis and coastal waders. This two-day journey combines cultural stops, tidal wetlands and focused birdwatching.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road out of Paramaribo unfolds flat and open: rice paddies stretch like mirrors, mangrove channels braid toward the coast, and the dike at Nieuw Nickerie frames a wide, late-afternoon sky. By dusk you’ll be walking Zeedijk, feeling the sea breeze push against the salt flats; the next morning a small boat cuts through braided creeks in Bigipan, where ibis and herons rise like punctuation marks off the mud.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; able to handle several short walks and a few hours on a boat
Wildlife
History
Nickerie and Coronie reflect a colonial past of coconut plantations and later rice cultivation; migration to Paramaribo reshaped village economies in the 20th century.
Conservation
Bigipan is an important breeding ground—stay on guided boat routes, avoid disturbing nesting birds and carry out any trash to protect sensitive wetlands.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Tour Nickerie with a Boat Trip in Bigipan today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring your passport
A checkpoint is en route—carry your passport to avoid delays at border-control points.
Pack insect repellent
Mangroves and wetlands are mosquito-prone, especially at dawn and dusk—strong repellent is advised.
Sun protection matters
Exposure on dikes and boats is intense; bring sunscreen, a hat and UV sunglasses.
Wear sturdy, closed shoes
Village walks and shoreline trails can be muddy or uneven—supportive footwear helps on short hikes.
Sturdy walking shoes
Needed for uneven village streets, dike walks and shoreline access.
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Protects against mosquitoes in mangroves and wetlands, especially at dawn/dusk.
Sunscreen and sun hat
Essential for long exposure on the Zeedijk and open boat decks.
summer
Binoculars
Improves chances to identify distant waders, ibis and raptors from the boat.