Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CROSSING BETWEEN FRENCH GUIANA AND SURINAME
The ferry runs between Saint Laurent and Albina in Suriname 3-7 times daily (7am to
5.30pm; €4 one-way for foot passengers; motorbike/car €15/€33; euros only). Unless you have
a vehicle, however (and rental vehicles may not cross borders), the quickest way to cross the
Maroni River is to take one of the many motorized dugout canoes (10-15min; €5 or SRD15).
When crossing the river in either direction, ask to be dropped off either at the Surinamese
Immigration of ce (daily 7am-6pm) or the French Immigration of ce (daily 6am-7pm)
- both located at the ferry piers - to get your visa checked and passport stamped. For
Suriname, most passport holders require either a visa or a Tourist Card (see p.659). You'll find
that non-tourists travelling across the river tend to ignore border formalities, but if you're
looking to travel further into either country, your paperwork must be in order.
There is a cambio at the Albina ferry terminal, which gives good rates when exchanging
Suriname and US dollars for euros: change your money here, as in Saint Laurent there are no
money-changing services. The French Immigration of ce is around 2km south of the centre of
Saint Laurent; taxis are hard to find, so you may have to walk for twenty minutes. Unlike Saint
Laurent, Albina is not a town to linger in; minibuses (SRD50-70) and taxis (SRD70-250) meet
the ferries and take passengers to Paramaribo (3-4hr). State buses (see p.665) between Albina
and Paramaribo run from the centre of Albina; take a taxi (SRD5) to and from the pier.
7
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Several local spots in Awala-Yalimopo, such as Chez Judith
et Denis and Yalimalé , offer carbets with basic facilities.
Ì Le Buffalo Rue A. M. Javouhey, Mana T 594 344 280.
An unexpectedly sophisticated restaurant in small-town
Guiana that would give Cayenne's best a run for its money:
great service, steak and other French delights cooked to
perfection, complemented by a good range of French
wines and cocktails. Dessert? Profiteroles to die for. Mains
€12-15. Closed Mon.
Hôtel Le Samana Mana T 694 382 294, E lesamana
hotel@hotmail.fr. This cheery yellow hotel near the bridge
is a real find: the spotless en-suite rooms and studios all
have facilities for self-caterers, there are pleasant common
areas for lounging aroun d wi th a lapto p, an d some rooms
offer river views. Studios €70 , doubles €60
Simili Youth Hostel Route de Yalimapo, Awala-Yalimapo
T 594 341 625. Beachside accommodation to suit all
tastes, from basic bungalows sleeping 2-6 people to a
large carbet with hammocks (mosquito net extra €8 each);
meals provided on request. Reservations must be made in
advance as the pl ace is desert ed outside turtle season.
Bungalow/person €15 , carbets €7
crawl up onto the beach each night to lay
their eggs. In August and September
thousands of baby turtles can be seen
hatching at night and dashing towards
the water to escape predators.
The small Amerindian village of
Awala-Yalimapo is situated 4km away
from the beach. Unless you are part of an
organized tour, it's best to rent a car and
base yourself here, or in the pleasant
town of Mana 20km away. You can also
stay on the beach itself (in which case
bring food, water, a hammock and
mosquito protection).
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus Bus #1R goes from St Laurent to Awala-Yalimapo
(55min) via Mana; bus #9 from Cayenne goes to Iracoubo
(2hr), followed by bus #2 to Mana (40min).
By car Plage Les Hattes is some 60km from St Laurent,
accessible via a turn-off along the D9 from the RN1 via
Mana and then a 20km single-track access road to
Awala-Yalimapo.
 
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