Galibi Adventure
Where the largest turtles on earth come ashore
On the north-east coast of Suriname, where the Marowijne river runs into the Atlantic, lies Galibi. A nature reserve on Indigenous Kaliña territory, surrounded by golden beaches and dense jungle. This is one of the few places in the world where the leatherback, the largest sea turtle on earth, still comes ashore in numbers to nest. Once you know that, you understand why people fly to Suriname for this place alone.
Day 1 — The road east
You leave at 09:00 from the GO2 petrol station on Van het Hogerhuysstraat, by the Bosje bridge. Three hours' drive towards Albina, the colourful border town on the Marowijne river. There you transfer to a korjaal, a traditional dugout canoe, for an hour and a half on the water. The rainforest slides past, a village here and there, children on the bank. Arrival in Galibi, lunch, and time to settle in. The evening brings the high point: by korjaal to the turtle beach on the Atlantic. In the dark, with no lights and no flash, you watch these ancient animals haul themselves slowly out of the water, lay their eggs and return to the sea. Not a sight you forget in a hurry.
Day 2 — The village, the beach and the border
After breakfast your guide takes you through the two Indigenous villages of Galibi, Christiaankondre and Langamankondre. Each has its own captain, its own traditions and a living bond with this land going back centuries. Then a trip across the water to French Guiana, with a visit to a museum and the local market. A surprisingly different view of the same region, a stone's throw away. For groups of more than ten, the evening ends with a cultural performance by the local community.
Day 3 — Home with your eyes full
The morning is yours. A last stretch on the beach, holding on to the feeling a little longer. After lunch you board the korjaal back towards Albina, then the bus to Paramaribo. You arrive home with stories you'll be telling for years.
Included: Transport both ways, boat, all meals (breakfast from departure onwards, lunch and dinner), accommodation at the resort and all activities.
Not included: Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses.
The order and content of the activities may vary depending on weather, water levels or other conditions on the day. Your guide adjusts the programme where needed, always with your safety and experience in mind.
Highlights
Leatherback turtles on the beach
Seasonal, February to August, in the evening on the Atlantic coast
Indigenous village walk
Culture and history on their own territory
Korjaal trip on the Marowijne river
An hour and a half through unspoilt eastern Suriname
French Guiana sightseeing
A museum and a market, another world a stone's throw away
Cultural performance
For groups of more than ten only
Photos
Grietjebie tip: Come between February and August for the turtles, and bring dark clothing for the beach at night. The turtles are sensitive to light.
Ready to see the largest turtles on earth up close?
€220.00 per person
Practical Info
Atmosphere
Nature and culture
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Departure
GO2 petrol station, Van het Hogerhuysstraat, 09:00
Price
€220 per person
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