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Stay at Akira Overwater Resort and discover Bigi Pan, a unique nature reserve with more than 120 bird species. You will stay in comfortable overwater lodges surrounded by peace and nature.
During the boat tours, you will explore the lagoons and, with a bit of luck, spot scarlet ibises, osprey and many other special bird species. Your stay is fully arranged, including meals, transportation and activities, allowing you to enjoy your trip completely worry-free.
With Orange Travel, you are assured of a well-organized trip and personal contact, for a relaxing and complete experience.
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Shanifa
For an unforgettable stay in nature, the Akira Overwater Resort in Bigi Pan is an excellent choice. This resort offers unique overwater lodges with modern amenities, combined with the comfort and tranquility of nature. Guests can enjoy spectacular views from their private veranda, in the middle of the vast Bigi Pan nature reserve. This area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, the highlight of which is the bright red ibis. Ideal for nature lovers looking for a luxurious and serene experience in one of Suriname’s most beautiful nature reserves.
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
🦩 2-day tour (excluding transfer)
Day 1 – Arrival at Bigi Pan
After arriving in Nickerie, you depart by boat towards the resort. Once you step onto the boat, you leave the busy world behind and can fully relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery around you. Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed and your stay in the middle of the nature reserve begins. Around sunset, you head back onto the water for one of the most beautiful moments of the day. During the evening excursion, keep your eyes open for some of the reptiles living in the area.
- Boat transfer of approximately 45 – 60 minutes to the resort (depending on the water level)
- Welcome drink
- Lunch
- Birdwatching tour at sunset
- Dinner
- Evening boat excursion to spot caimans and snakes
Day 2 – Early morning in nature
Life in Bigi Pan starts early. During the morning excursion, you will see the birds taking flight as the area slowly comes to life again. Afterwards, you can enjoy a relaxing morning before returning by boat to the jetty.
- Birdwatching tour at sunrise
- Breakfast
- Free time, kayaking or relaxing
- Lunch
- Boat transfer back to the jetty
🦩 3-day tour (including transfer)
Day 1 – Arrival at Bigi Pan
You depart from Paramaribo towards Nickerie with a driver. The guide will meet you upon arrival at Bigi Pan. Restroom stops are made along the way. The drive to Nickerie takes approximately 4 hours.
The program for day 1 is similar to the 2-day tour and includes the boat transfer to the resort, welcome reception and a sunset evening excursion.
- Boat transfer of approximately 45 – 60 minutes to the resort (depending on the water level)
- Welcome drink
- Lunch
- Birdwatching tour at sunset
- Dinner
- Evening boat excursion to spot caimans and snakes
Day 2 – Bigi Pan at its best
During the 3-day tour, you have more time today to fully enjoy Bigi Pan. In the afternoon, you take a boat excursion through the nature reserve and, depending on the season, you may also visit the resting areas of migratory birds. Did you know that migratory birds often prefer to return to exactly the same nesting spot every year?
- Early morning birdwatching tour at sunrise
- Breakfast
- Free morning, canoeing, relaxing or crab catching upon request
- Afternoon boat tour through the nature reserve
- Seasonal visit to migratory bird resting areas
- Dinner
Day 3 – Enjoy the final moments before departure
- Breakfast
- Time to enjoy the view or spot more birds
- Boat transfer back to the jetty
- Transfer back to Paramaribo
Important to know
- Optional activities such as crab catching must be reserved in advance
- Flamingos and scarlet ibises are usually visible from October through April
- Mud baths depend on the season and weather conditions
- This tour can easily be combined with a Maratakka tour
We want your journey to run as smoothly as possible. Occasionally, the program may be slightly adjusted.
Travel details & Prices
Transportation
2-day tour:
- Own transportation or shuttle transfer possible
- Transfer price: € 80 p.p.
- Sightseeing along the way: € 15 p.p. extra
3-day tour:
- Bus transfer from Paramaribo included
Please note: The transfer to Bigi Pan is provided by a local driver born and raised in Nickerie. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to experience more of the districts. The driver enjoys sharing personal stories and information about the region. Stops are made in Saramacca, Coronie and Nieuw-Nickerie, where you can also visit the famous sea wall. Please note that this is a driver and not a professional guide. She has more than 40 years of experience on the Paramaribo–Nickerie route. You will be dropped off and picked up at the jetty.
Departure & travel times
- Departure from Paramaribo: between 07:00 and 08:00 hrs *
- Travel time to Nickerie: approx. 4 hours (depending on weather, traffic and road conditions)
- Boat transfer to Akira Resort: approx. 45 to 60 minutes
- Return at the jetty: around 12:30 hrs
*Departure and arrival times are indicative and may vary depending on the pick-up location. The final time and location will be confirmed in advance via voucher or invoice.
Would you like to arrive at a different time or depart earlier from Akira? A private boat charter costs € 80,-.
Prices per person valid until 31 October 2026
| Tour duration | Adults | Children 3–15 years |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day tour (Paramaribo) | € 375,- | € 325,- |
| 2-day tour (Nickerie) | € 235,- | € 190,- |
| 3-day tour (Nickerie) | € 335,- | € 295,- |
Children up to 2 years stay free of charge.
Prices per person from 1 November 2026
| Tour duration | Adults | Children 3–15 years |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day tour (Paramaribo) | € 375,- | € 325,- |
| 2-day tour (Nickerie) | € 265,- | € 220,- |
| 3-day tour (Nickerie) | € 400,- | € 350,- |
Children up to 2 years stay free of charge.
Pick-up location & time
Please check in at the jetty around 12:45 – 13:00 hrs
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing list
🎒 What to bring for your trip to Suriname’s bird paradise
For a comfortable and well-prepared tour experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
🧳 Luggage & documents
- Weekend bag or backpack (no suitcases due to boat transportation)
- Passport (mandatory because of checkpoints along the way)
- Small backpack for day activities
- Waterproof bag for electronics and documents
👕 Clothing & footwear
- Good walking shoes (closed shoes recommended)
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirt (protection against insects)
- Lightweight clothing
- Swimwear
- Rain jacket or poncho
☀️ Protection & personal care
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, deodorant, etc.)
- Towel (included towels are not intended for use outside the lodge)
📸 Other useful items
- Camera or phone + power bank
- Water shoes (useful around rapids and slippery rocks)
- Cash (SRD, euro or USD) for drinks, snacks or souvenirs
Accommodation
Orange Travel would love to take you to a place where peace and nature come together. As soon as you arrive at this overwater resort in Bigi Pan, you will immediately notice the relaxed atmosphere. The sound of the wind across the water, the open views and the surrounding space allow you to truly disconnect from daily life.
The 17 standalone lodges are built above the water and combine comfort with a unique nature experience. Each lodge features air conditioning and operates on solar energy, a sustainable choice that perfectly matches the surroundings. In the morning, you wake up with beautiful lake views and begin your day in the middle of the nature reserve.
Traveling with your family? A spacious family lodge is also available. It offers extra comfort and plenty of space to enjoy your stay in Bigi Pan together, with all the facilities you need.
Facilities at Akira Overwater Resort
| Facility | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning | Available | ✅ |
| Fan | Available | ✅ |
| Hot water | Not available | ❌ |
| Wardrobe | Not available | ❌ |
| Clothes hangers | Not available | ❌ |
| Towel | Available | ✅ |
| Mosquito net | Not available | ❌ Not necessary (air-conditioned rooms) |
| Balcony / Terrace | Available | ✅ |
| Electricity supply (110V) | 24/7 green energy | ✅ |
| Socket type | USA & EU plug | ✅ |
| Bathroom facilities | Private bathroom and toilet | ✅ |
Restaurant by the water
During your stay, you will enjoy meals in the waterfront restaurant. Fresh dishes are prepared daily using regional ingredients. The kitchen works with local products and offers a varied menu.
If you have dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, please let us know in advance. The kitchen will do its best to accommodate your wishes.
Departure date
Regular departure days with a minimum of 2 persons
3-day tour from Paramaribo
- Departure days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Single supplement: € 35,- per night
- Extension after 3 days: € 80,- per day (stay in Nickerie)
- Proof of residency required (CBB extract or passport with CBB residence stamp)
2 & 3-day tour from Nickerie
- Departure days: possible every day (subject to availability)
- Single supplement: € 35,- per night
- Extension after 3 days: € 80,- per day (stay in Nickerie)
- Proof of residency required (CBB extract or passport with CBB residence stamp)
General information
Curious about what else Orange Travel has to offer? Complete your trip to Suriname with our wide range of day and multi-day tours and fully organized round trips!
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes this experience unique?
At Akira Overwater Resort, everything revolves around being close to nature without sacrificing comfort. Here, you wake up above the water, surrounded by peace and birds, while enjoying the luxury of your own lodge with air conditioning and a private bathroom – fully powered by solar energy.
What makes this experience truly special:
- 🌅 Untouched nature, right beneath your balcony: spot birds, caimans and fish in the calm waters.
- 🧘 Digital detox & true relaxation – no distractions, only peace and quiet.
- 🛏️ Comfort in simplicity: cool rooms, soft towels, private bathroom – sustainable and stylish.
- 🚤 Unique location: only accessible by boat through the Bigi Pan area, far away from mass tourism.
- 👨👩👧👦 Hospitality with a personal touch – you won’t feel like a guest, but at home.
Akira is not just a hotel – it is an experience. A place where you completely disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself, nature and silence.
Where is Bigi Pan located?
Bigi Pan is a protected nature reserve in western Suriname, near Nickerie. It is known for its impressive wetlands, mangroves and rich bird population.
Click here for the location.
What exactly is Akira Overwater Resort?
Akira is a unique eco-resort built above the water in the Bigi Pan nature reserve. Guests stay in comfortable lodges with air conditioning, private bathrooms and lake views – surrounded by nature, yet with the comfort of a luxury stay.
Can I drive there myself?
Yes, you can drive yourself to the Akira Overwater Resort jetty. You will be met there at an agreed time and your car can be safely parked at the location.
What birds and wildlife can I see?
You can spot numerous species, including herons, pelicans, osprey, caimans and special migratory birds. Bigi Pan is home to as many as 122 bird species, of which 72 are present year-round, including the iconic scarlet ibis and brown pelicans.
Is it suitable for children or guests with limited mobility?
- Children: absolutely welcome
- Guests with limited mobility: not all paths are easily accessible. Please check with us in advance.
How much free time is included?
Guests often mention that there is plenty of personal time for relaxation or exploration in addition to the planned activities.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
Rain is part of Suriname’s tropical climate and often makes nature even greener and more vibrant. Showers are usually short and followed by sunshine again.
Tours generally continue as planned and our guides will make sure the program remains as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
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