This Small Little-Known Country In The Caribbean Wants More Tourists To Find it!

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If you’re craving something exotic, untouched, and authentic beyond belief, then we at Travel Off Path have just the place for you!

When you envision the Caribbean, it’s likely wondrous islands and Mexico’s string of paradise beach towns come to mind, but not so much lush jungles, thatched villages, virgin coastlines, and untamed rivers you’ll find in one of South America’s few undiscovered countries.

While it remains unknown to the masses, now is one of the best times to visit as the U.S. State Department currently ranks it as one of the safest countries in the world despite being a developing nation.

What they lack in funds is made up in rich culture and smiling faces proud to showcase their diversity through a blend of Indigenous, Indian, Javanese, and Dutch heritage and unparalleled nature.

Suriname Is Waiting To Be Discovered

Safe, cultural, no crowds in sight and wildlife galore — how in the world is Suriname not a household name?

According to Fodor’s recent report, Suriname is on the up and up and practically begging for tourists.

Given the state of the world’s everyday anti-tourism protests in the world’s most popular destinations, that’s all the more reason to give the lesser known a fair shake.

Whether it be lack of funding for marketing, limited flights, few luxury hotels, or the fact it’s covered in roughly 93% dense jungle, the truth is many couldn’t point to Suriname on a map — but hey, that could also be America’s education system…

Suriname is the type of place you have to accept it for what it is without the wrong expectations. It’s not Cancun or Punta Cana.

There’s really no comparison with the exception of neighboring Guyana, which has oddly enough, become one of the Caribbean‘s fastest growing destinations, so Suriname is only one step behind.

Offering newcomers an array of bucket-list excursions through Amazonian rainforests, rivers, and remote Indigenous villages, this vastly under-hyped country rewards those who venture beyond the usual Caribbean hotspots with one of South America’s most unforgettable adventures.

Our pick?

Sunny Land Tours is the best in the business, offering an array of thrills from wildlife spotting, scenic river cruises, to exploring the capital city, Paramaribo, on foot.

What Are Beaches Like In Suriname?

Remember what I said about expectations?

Suriname’s Caribbean shoreline, unfortunately, lies along a muddy stretch of Atlantic coast, so don’t expect gleaming turquoise waters even on the sunniest of days.

In fairness, if brackish waters beach towns can drive Mississippi of all places to become one of America’s most visited states, then there’s no reason Suriname can’t be your next adventurous beach getaway either.

While the water may not be the clearest, don’t forget that neither is Cancun during its annual sargassum invasions.

The only issues here are that getting around can be tricky, and the only worthwhile resorts you’ll find lie riverside — the preferred body of water around here, despite the coast boasting footprint-free sand.

Typically, the few tourists in the know about Suriname’s appeal opt for a stay at Overbridge River Resort, described as a ‘beachfront jungle paradise’ or one of a pair of name-brand hotels in aforementioned Paramaribo:

Not to mention, there are a plethora of eco-hotels and boutique stays spread out across the country with glowing reviews as well.

If your wanderlust is itching beyond control, the ultimate adventure in what feels like uncharted territory has to be a stay in Jaw Jaw Atela.

It may sound like a long-lost Star Wars character, but it’s a real place inside a village on the Upper Suriname River where you stay among locals, sleeping in traditional huts (with mosquito nets) and waking up to jungle soundscapes.

There Is One U.S. Direct Flight To Suriname

Suriname isn’t as hard to reach as you might think.

The country’s flagship Surinam Airways connects from Paramaribo (PBM) to Miami (MIA) 6 days per week (excluding Sunday).

We know it can be a little nerve-racking flying over open waters with an airline you may have never heard of before, but no need to worry!

AirlineRatings gives Surinam Airways a perfect 7.7 safety rating. As for passenger experiences, well, that’s a different story…