This evening tour offers observation of sea turtles nesting at Braamspunt, a remote beach where the Suriname River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Three species are confirmed nesting on Braamspunt, leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are occasionally sighted but do not consistently nest at this site.
Tours operate from late January to July. Every month of the season has something to offer, but June is the standout: two of the four species come ashore to lay their eggs and there is a good chance of seeing hatchlings crawling to the sea. Tour timing depends on tides and turtle activity, departures typically begin in late afternoon, returning to Paramaribo around midnight.
What to expect
4:00 PM pickup from Paramaribo accommodation (timing varies by tide and season). Transfer to Leonsberg pier. Boat journey across the Suriname River estuary to Braamspunt, approximately one hour, sunset views during crossing.
Upon arrival, guide briefs participants on viewing protocols, no flash photography, red-light flashlights only, maintain quiet and distance from turtles. Walk the beach with guide as turtles emerge from the surf to dig nests above the high-tide line. Observation of egg-laying when possible (nesting takes 1–2 hours per turtle).
In June, hatchlings emerge from earlier nests, additional opportunity to see baby turtles making their way to the ocean.
Return to Leonsberg pier by approximately 10:00 PM, transfer to Paramaribo accommodation, arrival around 11:30 PM.
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- Round-trip boat transportation from Leonsberg to Braamspunt
- English-speaking guide with turtle conservation expertise
- Red-light flashlight for use during nesting observation
- Boxed dinner
- Bottled water
- Transportation between Paramaribo accommodation and Leonsberg pier (arrange own transfer or request assistance when booking)
- Additional snacks beyond the boxed dinner
- Gratuities for guide
- Travel insurance
Can be combined with daytime Peperpot or Commewijne tours for a fuller day. Specialized photography arrangements available with conservation organization permission for serious nature photographers.
What makes this tour
Three confirmed nesting species, leatherback (largest sea turtle, can exceed 600 kg), green and olive ridley
Beach formation context, Braamspunt formed after Matapica beach (Suriname's historic primary nesting site) eroded; sand and clay particles flowed westward and accumulated to create new nesting habitat
Minimal impact protocols, red-light flashlights only, no photography during nesting (flash disturbs turtles), maintained distance
Evening river journey, scenic sunset boat ride to Braamspunt across the Suriname River estuary
Hatchling season, June also provides opportunities to see baby turtles crawling to the ocean
Practical information
- Season: late January to July. June is the peak month, when two of the four species nest and hatchlings may be seen.
- Duration: Approximately 7 hours total including boat travel
- Physical requirements: Light to moderate. Walking on sand at night, boat boarding from low platforms.
- What to bring: Long pants and long sleeves (mosquito protection on beach), sturdy closed-toe shoes that can handle sand, light rain jacket, insect repellent, water, snacks. Bring red-cellophane filter for personal flashlight if you have one.
- No flash photography during nesting. Cameras allowed only with strict adherence to guide instructions.
- Tour operates regardless of weather, light rain doesn't cancel. Heavy storms or unsafe sea conditions may delay or cancel.
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