Suriname is a hidden gem in South America, offering pristine rainforests, diverse wildlife, and a unique multicultural heritage blending Dutch colonial architecture with Caribbean, Javanese, Hindustani, and indigenous cultures. From the UNESCO-listed capital Paramaribo to untouched jungle adventures, this small nation delivers authentic experiences far from mass tourism.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Commewijne Plantations & Dolphin Tour
Highlights: Spot Guiana dolphins at the Suriname-Commewijne river confluence · Visit Fort Nieuw Amsterdam open-air military museum · Explore Peperpot and Frederiksdorp colonial plantation ruins · Watch spectacular sunset from the river
Brownsberg Nature Park
Highlights: Panoramic views over Brokopondo Reservoir from 500m plateau elevation · Swim in natural pools below Irene and Witi Witi waterfalls · Spot monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs on jungle trails · Sunrise viewpoint high above the rainforest canopy
Jodensavanne Historical Site
Highlights: Ruins of 17th-century Beracha ve Shalom synagogue deep in the jungle · Historic Jewish cemetery from the colonial era · Scenic Para River crossing by dugout canoe · Learn about Suriname's remarkable Sephardic Jewish colonial heritage
Galibi Sea Turtle Reserve
Highlights: Watch giant leatherback sea turtles nest on the beach (February to August) · Visit Carib indigenous village and learn traditional customs · Spot caiman and tropical birds in the river estuary · Pristine Atlantic coast beaches virtually free of other tourists
Nieuw Nickerie & Bigi Pan Wetlands
Highlights: Boat tour through Bigi Pan mangroves at sunset for spectacular scarlet ibis roosts · Watch thousands of roseate spoonbills and herons gather at dusk · Border town atmosphere with views across the Corantijn River to Guyana · Flat rice paddies and traditional fishing villages of western Suriname
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Paramaribo operators $40-80 per person for Commewijne and Brownsberg; arrange through METS, Stinasu, or hotel tour desk
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from $80-120/day — essential for Brownsberg and Jodensavanne which require navigation knowledge
- Public
- Minibuses serve Brownsweg (for Brownsberg) and Nieuw Nickerie from Paramaribo bus terminals; local knowledge needed to connect to final destinations
- Rental
- Car rental from $40-70/day for standard vehicles; 4WD/SUV from $70-120/day — strongly recommended for Brownsberg and any interior roads
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Leave Paramaribo by 6-7 AM for nature park day trips — morning is best for wildlife activity and avoids the intense midday heat
Book the Commewijne dolphin tour for the afternoon departure (around 14:00) to catch both active dolphins and the spectacular sunset
Carry bottled water and snacks for all day trips — facilities outside Paramaribo are minimal to nonexistent
Brownsberg requires 4WD particularly after rain — standard cars struggle on the unpaved plateau roads