Report posted 22 March 2007

See comments about this report at bottom

We have had the pleasure of visiting Surinam just for 9 days, and indeed as it says on the site the info was correct about custom’s check in and so on.

Just to inform the arriving yachts that on the way to Doumborg it’s about 35 miles into the river and sometimes it’s smart to be doing it in 2 payments, to anchor halfway and wait for the next tide, as the current can be as much as 5-6 knots we were told 5 hrs in and 7 hrs out. In Dombourg the current is strong as in all the river and you will need a lot of chains.

Many boats go up and down the river to explore. The locals are super friendly and easy going. There is a possibility to haul the boat and to store it, reasonable but not cheap as Trinidad. The local Dutch guys were very helpful to us. The food was great Chinese/Dutch/Indian…

Ned on Yara

Mieke Koenraadt from Suriname writes: I do not agree with the trip to Domburg is 35 miles and might take 2 tides to make it there. It takes not more than one tide, 10 miles to Paramaribo, and an extra 8 miles to Domburg.

Received Mon, Jun 14, 2010

The trip to Domburg is, calculated from the outer marker, approximately 35 miles. But you can do it in one tide if you start your approach at LW. At that time the water level seems quite low, even in the channel, but you will never see less than 1.5 m below the keel (assuming your draught is 2 m). The channel is well buoyed and buoys are regularly moved if necessary. Even at night, the approach is a piece of cake because they are all lit and… the lights are working! Keep red to starboard (IALA-B).

The current is not 5 or 6 knots, but on average 1 or 2 knots and it runs fastest in the part just before the junction of Suriname River and Commewijne River.

Best regards,

Petra Versol

Editor’s Note: Whilst it is interesting for those planning to visit Suriname to read older reports, such as this one, it should be noted that much of the information will have changed, new facilities and services for cruisers been established etc. The site information (rather than the reports) is the most up to date and accurate with regards to procedures, facilities and services.