Nomad's year in Suriname
Nomad arrived in Suriname at the height of the rainy season, blown in from the ocean on the back of the first rain squall she had experienced in many months. Sailing just another seven miles upriver past Paramaribo, the anchor was dropped in the town of Domburg. This far upriver the fast flowing Suriname River is fresh water that rapidly dissolved all the saltwater flora and barnacles picked up on the crossing.
Domburg is a small town that is ideally situated for cruisers. There is a small park where the water taxi lands and most of the village congregates in the evening with Saturdays and Sundays being quite busy. Most anything you could need is available there with several stores and two gas stations selling diesel fuel within walking distance of the waterfront. There are a number of small markets selling fresh produce and some small restaurants on the Waterkant. For more varied shopping in Paramaribo, there are several buses that pick up right at the waterfront in the morning. Returning before the evening buses is not on a schedule as they will only make the trip back from Paramaribo when they are full of passengers.
The Harbor Resort is the go-to place for cruisers. They maintain a number a number of excellent moorings for those who do not wish to use their own anchors. I left Nomad unattended twice on one of their moorings with no problems. Owned by Huib, the harbor resort was under the management of Gaby , who has since returned to the cruising life and is now run by Nettie and her husband, also cruisers. They sailed from Europe and liked it so well they have been here for eight years. If there is anything you can’t find, ask them. The Harbor Resort has showers and pool, included in the price of the mooring. They also have the coldest beer in town.
Jungle exploration is just a few steps out of town. It is a great way to check out the variety of tropical plants and wildlife. Rubber boots and insect repellent required! And a compass is a good idea. Walking into the dense jungle foliage in a matter of minutes you will not be able to see where you came from. Aside from the curiosity of the new environment, the jungle also provided some much needed boat parts. With forests of bamboo, it was easy to replace the damaged and suspect battens in Nomad’s sails.
