Galibi: sea turtles & the Galibi Nature Reserve
The sun dips below the horizon over the sandy shores of Suriname's northeast coast, where sea turtles have returned to nest since prehistory. Join a naturalist guide for a night on the beach where it still happens.
Suriname's beaches have served as a nesting ground for sea turtles for centuries, and the Galibi Nature Reserve stands witness to that timeless cycle. Choosing a tour here isn't only a close encounter with these ancient mariners — it also supports the awareness and research that keeps the reserve protected.
Galibi sits on Suriname's northeast coast, roughly an hour and a half by boat from Albina. Between February and August, sea turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs on a white-sand beach the indigenous community calls Alusjaka.
The reserve isn't only a tourist stop — it's an active hub for research and education. Students and scientists are welcome to explore its ecosystems, and new species of frogs, insects and fish are still being discovered here.
The villages
Galibi's overnight base was once two separate villages, Christiaankondre and Langamankondre — together the largest indigenous (Amerindian) settlement in the Caribbean. Each has its own captain (village chief) and basja (sub-chief).
Visit the village church, built entirely of wood, and the women's craft centre, where you can buy handmade baskets, chains, costumes and instruments.
Why travellers make the trip
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Leatherback sea turtle
Galibi is one of the most important nesting beaches for leatherback sea turtles in the western Atlantic, alongside green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles that also come ashore here. Night is the best time to see them — guided by the rhythm of the river and ocean tides, a naturalist guide leads the walk to the nesting beach after dark.
How the tour unfolds
am
Pickup in Paramaribo
Your guide collects you from the lobby and heads east — roughly a two-hour drive to Albina.
route
A stop in St. Laurent
Before boarding the boat, a short stop across the border in St. Laurent, French Guiana, for fresh fruit and French pastry.
hrs
Boat to Galibi
A guided boat ride to Galibi, spotting local flora and fauna along the way, with a chance to cool off with a swim in the Marowijne river.
Lodge & picnic lunch
Arrive at the lodge for a refreshing drink and a picnic lunch on the sunny beach, with free time to rest before the evening.
Sea turtle beach walk
Head out to the nesting beach after dark, timed around the tide — the most reliable way to see the turtles come ashore.
pm
Return to Paramaribo
Back on the road (and river) to Paramaribo, arriving in the early evening.
What makes this tour special
- The only tour to Suriname's sandy Atlantic beach
- Round-trip transportation from Paramaribo, by bus and boat
- Guided nature hike with a naturalist guide
- Refreshments and a picnic lunch included
- No malaria risk in this region
- Entrance fees included — alcohol and personal expenses are not
Dates & prices
Regular departures Monday through Sunday. Departure at 6:45am, back in Paramaribo by around 7:00pm on your final day. Transportation is by bus (2 hours) and boat (1.5 hours).
Ask us about this trip
Tell us your preferred dates and group size, and we'll confirm the next available departure.