Emerald Tours Suriname

19/03/2024

Becky always makes sure we have a cake to celebrate our time in Apoera💗🎂Becky makes the most delicious cakes and flan💗💗💗💗 on this trip we mixed our snake education with our end of trip party. We had the most magnificent time!!!! Thank you for our beautiful cakes Becky💗💗💗💗🎂💗💗💗💗

Click the link in the comments to see more photos and videos of our past end of trip parties💗🎂🌺

19/03/2024

Our snake education session was a success! Following the session, each of our animal ambassadors was carefully returned to secluded, lush, and resource-rich parts of the bush. While catching and selling certain animals for trade is legally accepted and deeply ingrained in Suriname's culture for generations, the snakes utilized in our educational initiatives have been intercepted from export. This involves either retrieving them from trees, where they were vulnerable to hunters and trappers, purchasing them directly from these individuals in remote bush locations, or acquiring them from intermediaries who gather animals from trappers and sell them to exporters.

Many locals find it puzzling why we choose to release the snakes back into the wild. To bridge this gap, we showcase these animals as ambassadors during our sessions, demonstrating to the local community their beauty, affectionate nature, and intelligence. 🌑💦🌿🐍

Our little advertisement video never made it on fb because our internet wasn’t strong but look what a great turn out we had just from word of mouth🌑💦🌿🐍

Click the link in the comments for more pictures and videos of our past snake education sessions💗🐍

19/03/2024

Meet Igor Zhidov, the inspiration of Emerlad Adventures🌑💦🌿🐍
To make a long story short, after finding one wild basin emerald in Peru in June 2021, I was encouraged to find more, so I reached out for help. In November 2021, I made a post on the emerald tree boa page asking if anyone knew where to find wild basin emeralds. A couple of days later, I opened a message from Igor Zhidov in Suriname. Igor remotely coached Reynaldo and me through learning how to search for emeralds via river in the three frontiers of Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. Using Igor’s coaching, Reynaldo and I searched through the three frontiers. When we found no emeralds, I eagerly accepted Igor’s invitation to join one of his wild northern emerald-finding teams in Suriname to learn how and where to spot emeralds. We found five wild emeralds on that trip! I returned to the three frontiers of Peru, Brazil, and Colombia, and Reynaldo and I searched again but found nothing because the three frontiers were stripped of animals 40 years ago and it hasn’t revived at all. 😢

I returned to Suriname a second time with one of Igor’s retired hunting teams. Mark and Tony had a dream to work in tourism and conservation rather than hunting, so when Igor hooked us up, it was an instant kindred bond. Thanks to Igor, Mark and I have partnered to create a magical adventure for our guests.

Thank you, Igor! I love and appreciate you so very much. 💗 When I’m in your presence, I always feel special, loved, and well-protected. 💗💗💗 💎 Thank you. 🦋

27/11/2023

Check out this awesome video by Bob Bledsoe showcasing his recent Emerald Tour.
Thanks Bob! YOUROCK👍👊💥

I'm in Suriname catching snakes in an area of the Amazon rainforest that is frequented by hunters and trappers. We're going to find as many Emerald Tree boas...

09/11/2023

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our Amazon Rain Forest tour during the new moon of April 2024! Limited spots available for this all-inclusive $4500 two-week experience, featuring flights, transportation, lodging, meals, nine herpetology excursions, captivating river journeys, and endless wildlife encounters. Join a small group of three guests and forge lasting friendships. For serious inquiries, message Emerald Tours Suriname. 🌑💦🌿🐍🦎🐢🦥🐒🦦🐆

07/10/2023

We eagerly share our knowledge with Apoera's locals regarding snakes commonly found in and around their homes. In most parts of the world, snakes near human dwellings are killed on sight, and Apoera is no exception. With various deadly snake species in the Amazonia, it's unsurprising that locals are taught to fear all snakes. The emerald tree boa, often mistaken for venomous due to its bright green color, poses a particular challenge. Mark has dedicated decades to educating Apoera's residents about local snakes, with a special focus on the emerald boa, a passion we proudly continue.

In Suriname, the animal trade is a respected, legal, and lucrative industry. Bob and I had the chance to buy a variety of snakes from a close friend who acquires snakes from local hunters and trappers, selling them to city exporters. Before bob and I retured the animals back into the wild, we invited Apoera's people to interact with these snakes, showing that not all snakes deserve death just for existing.

Over two days, our friend Mario helped introduced the community to the snakes, with assistance from our friend Leonie, who also helps promote our snake education events and handles the snakes during the sessions. Finding an emerald tree boa in a home is a common occurrence in Apoera, as Leonie once found a wild emerald in her own bedroom.

Many attendees at our snake education event began fearful and unwilling to touch a snake. Faith was among them initially, but by the end, she had held a rainbow boa for over an hour and even wanted to take it home as a pet because she fell in love with it. Mario, Leonie, and Faith were outstanding snake advocates during our event, encouraging other guests to interact with and hold the animals.

Bob and I thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone to foster a better understanding of these creatures and to convey that many snake species are not harmful. Of course, we also emphasized the importance of recognizing and avoiding venomous snakes, only attempting to interact with them if one is certain they are not deadly.

07/10/2023

Introducing Ashwien, our multi-talented guardian of security, expert chauffeur, and the ultimate guide to Suriname's rich cultural, geological, economic, and historical tapestry. Beyond these roles, Ashwien is a distinguished professor of economics who dedicates his spare time to the art of driving.

My journey with Ashwien began on that momentous day when I hailed a taxi in Paramaribo, and Ashwien answered my call. Since that day, I have not sought the services of another driver, as Ashwien has seamlessly transformed from a reliable chauffeur into one of my dearest friends, for whom I am profoundly grateful.

Ashwien's unwavering commitment to our safety is a testament to his character, meticulously ensuring our well-being before bidding us farewell. His punctuality remains a defining feature of his service, consistently delivering us to our destinations with utmost promptness. Moreover, Ashwien possesses a magnetic charisma that endears him to everyone we encounter on our adventures.

However, what truly sets Ashwien apart is his encyclopedic knowledge of Suriname's history, culture, and economics. His storytelling prowess transforms each outing into an engaging lesson, allowing us to immerse ourselves in Suriname's captivating narrative. With Ashwien as our guide, we are perpetual students, perpetually enriched by his wisdom and insights.

03/10/2023

Our September 2023 guest, Bob Bledsoe from Green Room Pythons, made this magnificent video about some of the snakes we released. Stay tuned for two more videos Bob plans to make about his Emerlad Tour🌑💦🌿🐍

I'm in the Amazon Jungle of Suriname and we just bought a bunch of wild-caught snakes that were going to be exported to become pets - and we gave them their ...

02/10/2023

Meet Amy Benzi & Mark DeClercq,

Amy and Mark share a common dream – crafting unforgettable jungle tours for their guests. Their journey began when their mutual friend Igor brought them together. It was soon revealed that their combined skills, knowledge, resources, and boundless passion were the keys to transforming their dream into reality. Together, Amy and Mark orchestrate each tour like a real-life enchanted adventure, leaving no stone unturned in their dedication to amaze. Their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment ensure that our guests can simply savor the magic.

02/10/2023

Meet Emerald Tours' Remarkably Adventurous Guests!

When you choose Emerald Tours, you're embarking on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting rainforests of Suriname. Our team meticulously coordinates your travel arrangements from your home airport and back, ensuring that every detail is flawlessly managed, leaving you with nothing to worry about except soaking in the experience. Even the most seasoned travelers find themselves encountering numerous first-time wonders on their Emerald Tour.

At Emerald Tours, there's nothing we cherish more than witnessing Suriname through the eyes of our guests. The joy reflected in our guests' smiles, their infectious laughter, and their expressions of awe at the captivating landscapes and wildlife fuel our team's boundless passion for guiding you through the mystical Suriname jungle.

02/10/2023

Introducing Amy Benzi, Tour Coordinator & Marketing Director at Emerald Tours

Meet Amy Benzi, the dedicated coordinator and marketing director at Emerald Tours. Amy's passion for emerald tree boas is infectious, and she takes immense delight in sharing her expertise on wild emerald handling techniques with our guests. Amy's role is to craft a rainforest tour that perfectly aligns with your budget, ensuring that even our most basic Emerald Tour is brimming with enchantment and wonder.

Amy's extensive network in Suriname opens doors to specialists who can offer you unique experiences such as arboreal and terrestrial herping, seemingly impossible journeys into the heart of the wilderness, comfortable and affordable lodging, mouthwatering cuisine, and reliable city drivers. Suriname, with its complex travel landscape and unpredictable situations, demands a skillful troubleshooter, and Amy has spent years navigating its intricacies, forging valuable connections, and immersing herself in the local culture.

Let Amy transform your dream jungle tour into a reality, and embark on an unforgettable adventure with Emerald Tours.

02/10/2023

Meet Mark DeClercq: Field Expert & River Guide Extraordinaire

Mark DeClercq may not boast about being an expert, but at Emerald Tours, his expertise is abundantly evident through the unparalleled experiences he provides. Mark possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the scientific and common names of the majority of snake species in Suriname, and his snake-catching skills are truly remarkable, even when dealing with venomous species. Whether it's spotting the tiniest snake from across a river in a torrential downpour or displaying seemingly superhuman abilities to locate and apprehend snakes, Mark's talents are nothing short of astonishing.

Navigating the Courantyne River, Mark and Tony are like living GPS systems, intimately acquainted with every rock and tree along the way, and they possess an uncanny ability to pinpoint the whereabouts of these elusive serpents. Mark takes charge of organizing and overseeing each river tour, ensuring that it transforms into a magical experience for all Emerald Tour guests. As the field expert, river guide, and boat mechanic at Emerald Tours, Mark is an invaluable asset to your journey of discovery.

01/10/2023

Introducing Tony: Emerald Tours' Boat Captain and Hospitality Maestro

Tony, our seasoned Boat Captain and Concierge at Emerald Tours, is an integral part of our team. With over three decades of experience working alongside Mark in the field, their synergy is truly remarkable. Tony has honed the art of deciphering the meaning behind every subtle movement of Mark's flashlight. Even Mark's whispered words, inaudible to the rest of us, find resonance with Tony, who deftly operates the boat motor while maintaining perfect communication.

Tony's unwavering commitment extends beyond his nautical duties. He constantly seeks ways to enhance the overall enjoyment and comfort of both the team and our valued guests. Tony derives his satisfaction from witnessing the pure delight and contentment of everyone around him, ensuring that every moment with Emerald Tours is filled with fun and unforgettable memories.