Most tours in Suriname head south into the rainforest. Bigi Pan takes you west, through three districts and into one of the country’s most pristine coastal wetlands. A vast expanse of creeks, open water, and mangroves, alive with birds at every hour of the day. You don’t need to be a birdwatcher to be moved by this place. The sheer scale, the silence, and wildlife arriving on your boat without warning; it stays with you long after the journey home.
You depart Paramaribo in the morning and head west, crossing three districts — Saramacca, Coronie, and Nickerie — before reaching the boat that will take you into the lagoon. Around 14:00 you arrive at the lodge, where a welcome drink and lunch are waiting. The afternoon is yours to ease into the rhythm of the place: a hammock, a kayak, the wide open lake. Later, you board a boat for your first birdwatching trip through the waterways, where 122 species roam freely. The evening ends with a hearty dinner and a torchlight search for caiman in the dark.
Please note that there is no guide present during the bus ride; you will meet your guide upon arrival in Nickerie.
An early breakfast, then straight onto the water. First light is when the birds are most active, and this is the golden hour you came for. The afternoon is free: read, kayak, nap, or do nothing at all. As the sun drops, you head out again for a sunset boat trip to spot different species in a different light, followed by dinner and another caiman search after dark.
After enjoying breakfast amidst the peaceful ambiance of Bigi Pan, the morning is at your leisure. You can choose to spot more birds, sunbathe, or simply relish the panoramic views from the resort. Shortly after lunch, it is time to say farewell to Akira Overwater Resort as you depart for Paramaribo, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable experience in Suriname’s pristine nature.
