NICKERIE
As you travel west from Coronie, you’ll notice the landscape slowly shifting. The dense coastal greenery opens into wide polders, rice fields stretching toward the horizon, and farmers drying their harvest along the roadside. These quiet scenes mark your approach to Nickerie — Suriname’s agricultural powerhouse and gateway to the western border.
Nieuw Nickerie – The Heart of the District
The capital, Nieuw Nickerie, is a peaceful town with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. One of the first places visitors often explore is the public market, a lively spot offering fresh vegetables, local fruit, and colorful shaved ice — a refreshing treat in the coastal heat.
Across from the market stands the blue-green Commissioner’s Office, easily recognized by its distinctive architecture and central location.
Running through the town is the Zoetwater Canal, a defining feature of Nieuw Nickerie. When the lotus flowers bloom, the canal takes on a soft pink radiance, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in the district.
Bigi Pan – Wetland Wonder
Nickerie’s most famous attraction is Bigi Pan, a protected nature reserve whose name means “big lake.” This vast wetland is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Flamingos, herons, and many other species thrive here among the mangrove forests.
Boat tours offer opportunities to:
- Explore the lagoon
- Spot exotic birds and reptiles
- Enjoy a soothing natural mud bath
- Spend the night in simple cabins built over the water
Bigi Pan is one of Suriname’s most unique and peaceful outdoor experiences.
Local Rhythm & Culture
Life in Nickerie follows a daily rhythm locals rarely break: the siesta. Between 1 PM and 4 PM, shops close their doors and the town becomes quiet. Once the siesta ends, the streets come back to life.
A favorite gathering spot is the Zeedijk of Nieuw Nickerie, where residents enjoy the cool afternoon breeze and look out over the broad Corantijn River, which forms the natural border with neighboring Guyana.
Because of this close connection, the influence of Guyanese English is unmistakable in everyday speech. Locals often sprinkle expressions such as:
- “Just now” — meaning “later”
- “Oh raas man!” — an exclamation of surprise
These phrases reflect the blending of cultures along the border.
A Brief Look Back
The capital was originally known as Post Rotterdam, located on the right bank of the Nickerie River. Due to encroaching seawater, the settlement was moved to the left bank in 1879, after which it became Nieuw Nickerie.
Nickerie borders Sipaliwini to the south and Coronie to the east. The Nickerie River, flowing from deep within Sipaliwini, is an important natural feature of the district.
