basin into the Atlantic, to local rivers and smaller tributaries that create the many highways into the interior.

Travelling by water is a way of life for Surinamers, and what better way for visitors to relax and see Suriname from a different angle (see River Trips under Activities). The border rivers of Corantijn and Marowijne and the Suriname and Coppename Rivers comprise the backbone of the river system. Other important rivers include the Saramacca River in Central Suriname, Commewijne and Cottica Rivers in the East, Nickerie, and Wayambo Rivers in the West and Sipaliwini and Tapanahoni in the South. The Blanche-Marie Waterfalls on the Nickerie River are the most impressive waterfalls in Suriname. On the Coppename River, Raleighvallen is home to more than 425 species of birds and all Suriname’s eight species of monkeys can be seen here.
When travelling in dug-out canoes on any of the rivers in the interior, the combination of small and large rapids (sulas) makes an exciting experience. The largest rapids can be found Wonotobo in the Corantijn River.