This two-day, one-night tour (extendable to three days/two nights) explores Bigi Pan, a 68,000-hectare wetland reserve in Suriname's Nickerie district on the northwestern coast. The wetlands are recognized as a globally important birding site with over 120 recorded species, including scarlet ibis, flamingos, roseate spoonbills, kingfishers and numerous herons and raptors.
You'll stay in a private overwater cabin at a floating lodge positioned directly in the wetlands, with air conditioning, private bathroom (cold water), balcony overlooking the water and WiFi. The program includes morning and evening boat excursions for birdwatching, night caiman spotting and mangrove exploration. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Full itinerary
Around 8:00 AM pickup from Paramaribo accommodation for the three-hour drive west to Nickerie district. The route crosses rice-growing lowlands (Nickerie is Suriname's primary rice production region) before reaching the coastal wetland zone.
At the boat landing, transfer to a motorized boat for the 45- to 60-minute journey through mangrove channels and open water to the overwater lodge. The lodge is anchored in the wetlands, individual cabins connected by walkways, surrounded entirely by water and mangroves.
After check-in and lunch, the first boat excursion departs for wetland exploration. Your guide navigates through tidal creeks and mangrove swamps, identifying bird species and explaining wetland ecology. Commonly seen species during afternoon excursions include egrets, herons, kingfishers and hawks.
As sunset approaches, the boat positions near scarlet ibis roosting sites. Flocks of ibis return from feeding grounds, their brilliant red plumage intensifying in golden hour light. American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) are also occasionally seen during this time, though less reliably than ibis.
After sunset, dinner at the lodge. Following dinner, a night boat tour departs for caiman spotting, using spotlights to locate spectacled caimans by eyeshine along creek edges and shallow water.
Pre-dawn departure (approximately 6:30 AM) for birding during peak activity hours. Morning light and cooler temperatures bring increased bird movement and vocalizations. Target species include kingfishers, snail kites, roseate spoonbills and various heron and egret species.
After the morning excursion, breakfast at the lodge. Optional activities before departure include fishing (catfish species using local techniques), mud bathing (natural clay mud applied to skin, believed to have therapeutic properties) or relaxing on your cabin balcony.
After lunch, depart by boat back to the landing. Road transfer to Paramaribo, arriving by late afternoon.
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- Round-trip transportation: Paramaribo to Nickerie district boat landing
- Boat transfers to and from overwater lodge (45–60 minutes each way)
- One night in private overwater cabin with air conditioning, private bathroom, balcony and WiFi
- All meals: Day 1 lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast and lunch
- Non-alcoholic beverages throughout stay
- Guided wetland excursions: afternoon birding, sunset scarlet ibis observation, night caiman spotting, dawn birding
- English-speaking naturalist guide
- Meals in Paramaribo before departure and after return
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (fishing, mud bath)
- Gratuities for guide and lodge staff
- Travel insurance
The tour can be extended to three days/two nights, adding a full day of wetland exploration with extended birding excursions, additional mangrove creek navigation, more time for optional activities and a second night in the overwater cabin. Contact us for three-day pricing.
What makes this tour
Scarlet ibis flocks, hundreds of brilliant red birds roosting at dusk, one of Suriname's most spectacular wildlife sightings
Over 120 bird species including flamingos, kingfishers, snail kites, fishing hawks, herons and migratory shorebirds
Overwater lodge with private air-conditioned cabins and balconies, positioned directly in the wetlands for immersive observation
Dawn and dusk excursions timed for peak bird activity and photographic light
Night caiman spotting by boat after dark
Mangrove exploration through black and white mangrove swamps and tidal creeks
Practical information
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