- Tour code
GUYADV01
- Start
Georgetown
- End
Georgetown
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Classic
- Trip pace
Active
- Language
English
The Essequibo is Guyana's largest river, and this day follows it and its tributary, the Mazaruni, far enough inland to feel a world away from Georgetown.
After a road transfer to Parika you board a traditional river boat. From there the day unfolds stop by stop: an 18th-century courthouse and fort on Fort Island, the gold-and-diamond frontier town of Bartica, the ruins of the 1616 Dutch outpost of Fort Kyk-Over-Al and, to finish, a swim at Baracara Falls in the rainforest.
Lunch is your pick of two island resorts: the rustic Sloth Island Nature Resort or the more modern Aruwai Resort. It's a long day with lots of time on the water, so expect an early start and a late return.
Why This Journey
Guyana's rivers carry much of its history, from the Dutch colonial seat on Fort Island to the frontier town that served the gold and diamond fields. Traveling them by boat in a single day joins that history to the rainforest it grew out of.
It suits curious travelers who don't mind a long day, with a Soca Islands Host along and the road and river transport planned in advance.
Good to Know
Duration: about 12 hours, starting and ending in Georgetown. The day begins with about an hour by air-conditioned coach from central Georgetown to Parika, then continues by river boat. Expect an early start and a late return.
What you will see and do
Five island and river-town stops on the Essequibo and Mazaruni
Lunch at Sloth Island or Aruwai Resort: your pick
River life, rainforest and Guyanese culture up close
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Max 16 travellers per group
Group transportation
Transfers to and from the excursion
What's excluded
- Flights, accommodation and airport transfers
- Travel insurance (proof of cover required)
Group itinerary
Georgetown to Parika
Meet at the departure point in central Georgetown for about an hour by air-conditioned coach to Parika, where the river boat is waiting.
Fort Island
Once called Flag Island, this was the Dutch seat of government for Essequibo and Demerara. See the Court of Policy from 1752 and Fort Zeelandia, among the earliest brick forts in the country.
Bartica
A busy river town known as the jumping-off point for Guyana's gold and diamond fields. Stroll the main street, browse the shops and take in the waterfront.
Sloth Island Nature Resort (lunch option)
A 160-acre island of rainforest with birdlife, a canopy walkway above the Essequibo and a buffet lunch.
Aruwai White H2O Resort (lunch option)
The alternative: a modern resort on the Mazaruni with a pool and bar for a more relaxed lunch break.
Fort Kyk-Over-Al
The ruins of a Dutch fort from 1616 stand where the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers meet. Hear how it served as the colony's early administrative center.
Wel te Vreeden & Baracara Falls
The day winds down with a swim at Baracara Falls in the rainforest, a welcome reward after hours of exploring.
Rooms
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- Extra cost
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into and out of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO).
Everything listed under What's Included for this trip, including all activities mentioned in the itinerary. Anything not listed there, such as flights and accommodation, is not included.
The day starts at a departure point in central Georgetown, with the coach to Parika and the river boat part of the itinerary. Transfers to and from the excursion are included; airport transfers are not.
The day ends with a swim at Baracara Falls, so bring swimwear.
Yes, private group bookings can be requested. Contact our Customer Experience team and they will help arrange it for your group.
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our 5 Island and Town Hopping Tour trip?
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