With this expedition we are going to explore the full length of the Lucie river, one of the most pristine rivers in the world. We will prepare our inflatable kayaks and start our 240 km adventure downstream. This expedition is full of impressive rapids, beautiful wildlife, diverse flora and stunning views! We are looking for a team of real adventures with at least a bit of kayak experience. Are you sportive, healthy, flexible and a real nature lover? Join us!
We are going with a group of max 6 people and 2 experienced wildlife guides to the Kayser mountains. These mountains are situated in the South of Suriname and only reachable by plane.
During this expedition we will be dropped by a bushplane on the Kayser airstrip. After arrival we will carefully sort out all our stuff, inflate the kayaks and prepare everything to start our 240 km long journey over the Lucie river towards the nearest small amerindian village; Amatopo. Being able to travel such a vast stretch of pristine jungle by a non-motorized boat will make sure that we will see a great amount of wildlife. Making camps alongside the river, catch our own fish and enjoy this pristine jungle.
Most days, we will spend our time on the river in the early morning and late afternoon when the wildlife is active too. During the heat of the day we will look for some shade and have a meal.
Even though very little people visit this river, it is still known for its huge amount of wildlife. Especially in the dry season when the water is low and most of the wildlife clusters in the vicinity of the river. It is believed some of the best places to see the Surinamese big five: Jaguar, harpy eagle, tapir, giant river otter and green anaconda.
We will travel almost 240 km in 14 days. When we arrive will depend on the water level, how much wildlife we see and how fast we prefer to go. We have no fixed planning, we literally go with the flow until we end up at Amatopo, a small Amerindian village from where we will fly back to Paramaribo.
This is a true wilderness expedition: we kayak every day for 6 to 10 hours, moving through a variety of habitats — from slow meandering waters to faster currents and rapids. Only the first and last day are mainly travel days. That means we cover roughly 20 km per day. Depending on the water level and current, this distance takes anywhere between 6 and 10 hours of paddling.
A 14-day expedition may sound long, but the only possible drop-off and pick-up points on the Lucie are 240 km apart. Fewer days simply means more distance per day. On our standard 14-day expedition there are no full rest days. If you’d prefer a more relaxed, private expedition — with longer stays at certain locations or full rest days — let us know. We can extend the duration of the trip.
We run this expedition late in the dry season, when water levels are low, relatively safe and predictable, and wildlife is at its most active along the riverbanks. This also means we usually have less rain and cloud cover. The forest comes alive around sunrise and sunset, so we aim to make most of our distance during these magical hours and avoid paddling in the heat of the day.
There are two ways we structure this:
Early start – Wake up before dawn, paddle through the cooler hours, and arrive at camp between 12:00 and 15:00.
Midday break – Paddle early, rest between 10:00 and 14:00 in the shade (lunch/snacks), and continue in the afternoon.
We usually wake around 04:00 and leave camp between 05:00 and 05:30, while it’s still dark. It can be challenging at first, but moving through the river at night and seeing the sky turn purple at first light — while the forest wakes up — is one of the most enchanting moments of the expedition.
Breakfast is oats: simple, nutritious, and packed with what we need for long hours of paddling. We add nuts, cranberries, cinnamon, and honey. If eating early is difficult for you, we can prepare overnight oats that you can take in your kayak and eat whenever you like.
Lunch is usually quick and light: peanuts, cashews, dates, energy bars, and other snacks to refuel on the go. When we arrive at camp early or take a longer break, we often try to catch fish so we can prepare a more substantial meal.
Along the river we also keep an eye out for Cecropia shoots; young leaves that taste similar to okra and add a fresh vegetable to our meals.
Upon arrival, everyone looks for their own spot to set up a hammock and tarp. The first days can be a bit slower as people get used to their gear and learn to find the best spots. After a few days, participants usually get creative and start choosing scenic or especially comfortable places to sleep. Of course, we’re there to help during the first days.
Once hammocks are up, the rhythm of camp begins: fishing, gathering firewood, preparing dinner, and enjoying the peace of the rainforest after a full day on the river.
As part of every Lucie River Kayak Expedition, we make a donation to support the local village of Amatopo.
In the past, we’ve contributed by helping with the construction of the village school.
During our most recent expedition, we funded twice-weekly lunches for the children for half a year.
Supporting the community is an essential part of our journey.
Download the following preparation guide. In this guide, you can find all the information on how to prepare for this expedition, including what to bring!
This will be a shared room with another expedition guest (separate beds). It is possible to book a private room at check-out (add-on).
To get in contact with us, please reach out via our website or call our customer service line. We're here to assist you with your travel needs and answer any questions you may have. Your journey begins with us!
Ways to Contact Us
Call or send us a WhatsApp message on +597 8536468.
Email us at info@unlocknature.tours for detailed enquiries or special requests