50 km from the centre
Colakreek: swimming in blackwater near Zanderij
Colakreek is a blackwater creek in Para district, about 50 kilometres south of Paramaribo near Zanderij. The water is translucent red-brown from tannins in fallen leaves, and is shallow, cool and safe to swim in.
Check this Opening hours and entry prices in Suriname change without notice. Call or message ahead if you are coming specifically for this.
The creek lies in the Para savannah belt, where the soil is white sand. That sand filters the water and tannins from the surrounding forest colour it. The result looks like strong tea but you can still see your feet on the bottom.
There is a recreation park with changing rooms, toilets, hammocks and a place to eat. At weekends it fills with Surinamese families; midweek it is quiet.
The creek sits close to Johan Adolf Pengel international airport, which makes it a good first or last day if your flight times are awkward.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Colakreek?
Yes. The water is blackwater: translucent red-brown from tannins in fallen leaves, not cloudy and not polluted. Colakreek lies about 50 kilometres south of Paramaribo near Zanderij, is shallow and cool, and has been swum in for decades.
How do you get to Colakreek?
Colakreek is about 50 kilometres south of Paramaribo in Para district, near Zanderij and close to the airport. Around an hour by car; there is virtually no public transport, so you go by hire car, taxi or organised day trip.