Kayaking in Peperpot Nature Park
Wildlife spotting in Commewijne, close to Paramaribo
A stone's throw from Paramaribo, on the bank of the Commewijne river, lies Peperpot Nature Park. What were once coffee plantations are now dense rainforest, overgrown by nature that has had decades to do as it pleases. Moriche palms, fruit trees, winding waterways and a biodiversity that quietens even experienced naturalists: around 40 per cent of all bird species in Suriname have been recorded here. And that's before counting the sloths, the monkeys and the rarer reptiles. On a kayak you get exactly close enough.
What the tour looks like:
- Out onto the water — your guide takes you into the waterways of Peperpot. A maximum of eight people per group, so it stays quiet and the animals dare to come close.
- Wildlife at close range — sloths hanging in the trees, prehensile-tailed porcupines, and monkeys along the bank. Look carefully and you'll see the Agami Heron, the Blood-colored Woodpecker or the Arrowhead Piculet — birds you won't spot this easily anywhere else.
- Morning or evening — two completely different experiences — the morning tour (08:00 to 12:30) gives you the park at its most active, as daylight wakes the animals. The evening tour (16:30 to 21:00) starts at dusk and shows you how the park changes as the night animals take over. After closing time the park can only be entered on a guided tour, which you book here.
Good to know:
Kayaking is an active watersport. You may get a little wet from the paddles. Wear sporty clothing that dries quickly and bring dry clothes for afterwards.
Also available at Peperpot Nature Park:
Would you rather walk? Grietjebie also offers a hiking tour through Peperpot, with the same local wildlife guide and the same small group size.
The order and content of the activities may vary depending on weather or other conditions on the day. Your guide adjusts the programme where needed, always with your safety and experience in mind.
Highlights
40% of all bird species in Suriname
Agami Heron, Blood-colored Woodpecker and Arrowhead Piculet in one park
Sloths, monkeys and porcupines
Close by, unhurried, and in their own habitat
Kayaking through old plantation waterways
Where there were coffee fields, the rainforest now drifts past
Evening tour after closing time
When the paths change and the night animals take over the park
Photos
Grietjebie tip
Make sure you've eaten before the tour starts. The evening tour ends with a small snack, but an empty stomach and a kayak don't go well together. Bring a sandwich or add the pre-tour dinner when you book.
You don't see Peperpot from a car. You paddle through it.
Morning or evening — both are worth it.
Practical Info
Address
Hadji Iding Soemitaweg 32, Commewijne
Atmosphere
Relaxed and wildlife
Duration
5.5 hours
Departure
Peperpot Nature Park entrance
Group size
Maximum 8 people
Price
From €70 per person
Reviews
Very enthusiastic guides, incredible how they managed to see lots of wildlife hidden in the trees. Very much recommend it!
(Astrid V) via Tripadvisor Reviews
Fantastic canoe excursion in Peperpot Lots of animals, snakes, frogs and birds spotted during our canoe trip. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides like Ashvin.
(ina) via Tripadvisor Reviews
27 December in de avond met gids Dwight het Peperpot park ingegaan. Het was waanzinnig! We kregen mijnwerkers lampen op en laarzen aan. 3 uur lang wist hij kleine ( spinnen) en grote ( apen, luiaard) beesten te vinden en te benoemen. Slangen, opposums, kikkers, vogels etc. Spannend en leerzaam. Zou het zo weer doen. Dwight was echt geweldig.
(Mrs K K) via Google Reviews
Mooie avondtour / wandeling gemaakt. Professionele gids met veel informatie. Aanrader om te doen.
(Rob D) via Google Reviews
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