Commewijne River Cruise along the Plantations
- Broki (Waterkant), Paramaribo
- 9.00 am
- 8 hours
- 1 day
Across the Suriname River, directly east of Paramaribo, lies a landscape you barely get to see from the road. Commewijne is a district of creeks, canals and old plantation grounds, and it travels best the way it was always meant to: by water. This full-day cruise takes its time over it.
The ship leaves the Waterkant at nine in the morning. As the city falls away behind you, the river opens up: mangrove along the banks, fishing boats, and one plantation name after another recalling the era of sugar, coffee, cacao and cotton. Along the way we moor at Rust en Werk plantation and at the atmospheric Frederiksdorp plantation resort, where the restored director’s house still stands exactly as it did on the riverbank.
There a lunch in colonial surroundings awaits, followed by a walking tour of the former coffee estate — past the outbuildings, the old structures and the stories that go with them. Then it is back onto the water in search of the profosu: the Guiana dolphin that lives in the brackish water around the river mouths. If the tide allows, the swimming ladder goes out and you can get in yourself. You are back in Paramaribo around five.
The order of the programme depends on the tide and may therefore vary from trip to trip.
Price breakdown
- Adults: € 79.00 per person
- Children aged 3 to 11: € 59.25 per child
- Included: lunch at the plantation resort, plus a snack and a drink on board
- Other drinks and snacks: available on board at extra cost
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Commewijne cruise last?
About eight hours. The ship departs at 9.00 am from the Waterkant and is back in Paramaribo around 5.00 pm.
What does the tour cost and is there a child rate?
Adults pay € 79.00 per person. Children aged 3 to 11 pay € 59.25. From the age of 12 the adult rate applies.
What is included?
Lunch at the plantation resort, plus a snack and a drink on board. Other drinks and snacks are not included and can be bought on board.
Where does the boat depart from?
From the Broki on the Waterkant in Paramaribo. Due to works on the Waterkant, the ship no longer moors at the Marinetrap.
Why can the order of the programme change?
The route and mooring times depend on the tide on the river, so the order of the elements can differ from trip to trip. The programme itself stays the same.
Am I guaranteed to see dolphins?
No — nobody can guarantee that, as these are wild animals. We do actively look for them. The species is the profosu or Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), which lives in the brackish water where the sea, the Suriname River and the Commewijne River meet. The population there is estimated at around 100 to 125 animals. (Source: Wikipedia / Green Heritage Fund Suriname)
Can I swim during the trip?
If the tide and the programme allow, yes. A swimming ladder and a sufficient number of life jackets are available on board.
What is the Commewijne district?
Commewijne lies on the right bank of the Suriname River, directly east of Paramaribo. Its capital is Nieuw-Amsterdam. From the seventeenth century onwards its economy was built on plantations for sugar, coffee, cacao and cotton; many of those plantation grounds are still recognisable in the landscape today. (Source: Wikipedia)
Which plantations will I visit?
Among others Rust en Werk plantation and Frederiksdorp plantation resort, where the restored director’s house stands on the riverbank. At Frederiksdorp you have lunch and take a walking tour of the former coffee plantation. (Source: Wikipedia)
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a cap or hat and sunglasses, swimwear and a towel, insect repellent, cash for extra refreshments and, if you like, binoculars.
Highlights
- A full day on the Suriname and Commewijne rivers
- Visits to the historic plantations Rust en Werk and Frederiksdorp
- Lunch in colonial surroundings at the plantation resort
- A walking tour of a former coffee plantation
- Searching for the profosu, the dolphin of the Surinamese river mouth
- The chance to swim — swimming ladder and life jackets on board
- Views of mangrove, creeks and old plantation grounds
Tips
- Start early: the ship departs at 9.00 am — plan your morning around it.
- Sun protection: bring sunscreen, a cap or hat and sunglasses; the sun is strong on the water.
- Swimwear and a towel: if the tide is favourable you can take a refreshing dip.
- Insect repellent: useful along the creeks and in the shade of the plantation.
- Stay flexible: the tide determines the order of the programme.
- Bring cash: for extra drinks and snacks on board.
- Binoculars: handy for birds along the bank and dolphins in the distance.
Additional information
- Category: Boat trip / nature, history and culture
- Departure point: Broki, Waterkant, Paramaribo
- Departure time: 9.00 am
- Back in Paramaribo: approximately 5.00 pm
- Duration: ± 8 hours
- Included: lunch at the plantation resort, a snack and a drink on board
- Not included: other drinks and snacks
- Places visited: Rust en Werk plantation and Frederiksdorp plantation resort
- On board: saloon, sun deck, bar, galley, toilet, swimming ladder and life jackets
- Crew: captain, deckhand and guide
- Maximum number of guests: 48 people
- Departure days: on request
From $92.43
Per person
Categories: Nature & Culture, Outdoor Activities, Suriname
Opening hours & Booking information
Opening hours
🕘 *Monday to Saturday:* 09.00 – 18.00
❌ *Sunday:* Closed
During our opening hours, we are happy to answer all your questions and help you book transfers, tours and excursions.
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To ensure proper planning and availability, we ask you to book tours at least 2 days in advance. This way we can ensure that everything is perfectly arranged for you.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers can also be booked at short notice, depending on the availability of our drivers.
For last-minute bookings requested less than 24 hours before the transfer, there is a surcharge of €15 per booking. This surcharge is necessary because we have to schedule a driver and vehicle at short notice.
We advise you to book your transfer as early as possible. This way you are assured of availability and you avoid extra costs.
We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with a safe, comfortable and carefree journey.
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