Bigi Pan is a protected coastal wetland of about 68,000 hectares in Nickerie district, in the far west of Suriname. It is named after the shallow lagoon at its centre, which is fringed by mangroves and is a breeding and feeding area for scarlet ibises, flamingos, herons and many shorebirds.
Around 122 bird species have been recorded, 72 of them present all year. Visitors travel by boat from the Nickerie area to simple lodges built over the water, spend the evening watching birds come in to roost, and go out on boat trips through the lagoon and mangroves.
Thousands of flamingos year-round
Good to know
- Distance from Paramaribo
- Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by road west from Paramaribo to Nieuw Nickerie
- Getting there
- From the Nickerie area by boat, about an hour, to the lodges in the lagoon. Most visitors book a package that includes transport, lodging and meals
- Time needed
- 2 days from Nieuw Nickerie or 3 days from Paramaribo
- Season
- Birds are present all year, but the number and mix of species changes with the seasons
- Entry and permits
- Included in lodge and tour packages; check prices with the operator
Tours that go here
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
Nickerie
Location
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