Essequibo & Mazaruni: 5 Island River Tour with Lunch

Summary

Guyana river towns, Dutch forts, wildlife and a swim at Baracara Falls

You’ll ride out from Georgetown to Parika before hopping between five islands on Guyana’s Essequibo & Mazaruni rivers—with stops at Dutch forts, lively Bartica town, and either Sloth Island or Aruwai Resort for lunch included. Swim beneath Baracara Falls and wander rainforest trails with your local guide—it’s not always smooth or predictable, but that’s half the fun.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the bus because I couldn’t find my other sandal—classic me. We squeezed onto the coach at Lamaha and Waterloo, everyone still half-asleep but passing around snacks. The ride out to Parika took about an hour, enough time for the morning haze to burn off. Our guide—Shane—kept cracking jokes about “island time” as we crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge. It’s a floating bridge, which I didn’t even know existed before today. You can feel it shift under you if you pay attention (I did, maybe too much).

First stop: Fort Island. Shane walked us through the old Court of Policy building—1752, he said, and I could smell that particular old-wood-and-dust scent that always makes me think of school libraries. The museum inside is small but packed with stories; I tried to picture Dutch governors arguing in those rooms while outside the river just kept moving past. Fort Zeelandia is only a short walk away, all red bricks and thick walls. There was this weird quietness there—even with our group chatting—like the place holds its breath.

Bartica was next, busy and loud in a good way. The main street’s got pubs and shops full of people who don’t seem to mind tourists gawking at everything (guilty). Shane explained Bartica means “red earth,” which fits—the ground really does look rusty-orange in places. We had two options for lunch: Sloth Island Nature Resort or Aruwai Resort on the Mazaruni River. I picked Sloth Island because someone said you might spot actual sloths (no luck for me), but the buffet lunch was great—pepperpot stew and fresh juice that tasted like sunlight somehow.

After lunch we did a canopy walk through rainforest so thick it felt like being wrapped in green velvet. Then back on the boat to Fort Kyk-Over-Al—just ruins now but perched right where three rivers meet. Last stop was Baracara Falls; water cold enough to make you yelp when you first get in but so worth it after a hot day bouncing between islands. There’s something about standing under a waterfall with strangers who’ve become friends by accident—I still think about that moment sometimes when I hear running water at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Island and town hopping with lunch

• Board air-conditioned coach bus
• Travel to Parika stelling (60 mins)
• Visit Fort Island: Court of Policy and Fort Zeelandia
• Explore Bartica town and market street
• Lunch at Sloth Island Nature Resort or Aruwai White H2O Resort
• Visit Fort Kyk-Over-Al ruins
• Swim at Baracara Falls

Top questions

How long does the 5 island river tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip starting from Georgetown with about an hour drive to Parika before visiting multiple islands and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on the Essequibo & Mazaruni tour?

Yes, buffet lunch is included—you can choose between Sloth Island Nature Resort or Aruwai Resort for your meal stop.

What should I bring for swimming at Baracara Falls?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim or dip at Baracara Falls; surfaces can be slippery so sturdy sandals help.

Are there any historical sites on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll visit Fort Island (with Court of Policy museum and Fort Zeelandia) plus Fort Kyk-Over-Al—all important Dutch colonial sites.

Is hotel pickup available for this river tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from 161 Lamaha and Waterloo Streets in Georgetown by air-conditioned coach bus.

Can infants join this island hopping tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; some activities may not be suitable for very young children.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated during lunch?

You should advise organizers ahead of time if you have allergies or dietary restrictions so they can accommodate your needs during lunch.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is generally suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health due to walking and boat transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, snacks along the way, buffet lunch at either Sloth Island Nature Resort or Aruwai Resort (your choice), all landing and facility fees covered, plus transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Georgetown to Parika before boarding your boat adventure across Guyana’s rivers.