Across the Suriname River from Paramaribo, the Commewijne district was once lined with sugar, coffee and cacao plantations worked by enslaved Africans and later by contract labourers from Asia. Many estates are now villages, ruins or guesthouses, linked by creeks, dykes and old locks.
Tours go by boat, bus or bicycle. Common stops are Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, the coffee and cacao works at Peperpot, Mariënburg, the restored estate of Frederiksdorp, Rust en Werk and the private museum at Bakkie (Reynsdorp). Many boat tours also look for river dolphins.
Good to know
- Distance from Paramaribo
- Commewijne lies directly across the Suriname River from Paramaribo; Meerzorg and Peperpot are a short drive over the Wijdenbosch bridge or a boat crossing from the city
- Getting there
- Boat tours usually leave from the Leonsberg pier or the Paramaribo waterfront; bike tours start with a boat crossing to Meerzorg; bus tours collect you in Paramaribo
- Entry and permits
- Guided day tours typically cost EUR 65 to 80 per person, including lunch and site entry
- Time needed
- A full day, about 6 to 9 hours. The Peperpot bike route is about 24 km
- Tips
- Boat programmes may change order with the tide. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a rain poncho in the wet season
Operators that offer this
Tour operators listed on Explore Suriname, with a direct link to their own tour page.
Prices and dates change. Check with the operator before you book.
Where to stay nearby
Commewijne
Location
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