Quelle est la superficie du Pripri de Yiyi ?

Le Grand Pripri de Yiyi s'étend sur près de 15 000 hectares de marais, mangroves et savanes inondées, entre Sinnamary et Iracoubo.

Quels animaux peut-on y observer ?

On y observe le lamantin des Caraïbes, des caïmans à lunettes, des tortues vertes, des cabiaïs, des singes saïmiris, l'ibis rouge et de nombreux oiseaux migrateurs.

Quelles activités sont possibles sur place ?

Un sentier pédestre de 2,5 km, un mirador de 10 m, des observatoires ornithologiques et la location de canoë-kayak (20-30 €/h via l'Office de Tourisme de Sinnamary).

Quand est-il préférable de visiter ?

De juillet à novembre, pendant la saison sèche, pour un confort optimal lors de la visite.

Nature & sentiers★ Free accessSinnamary

Pripri de Yiyi : un site naturel de Guyane

Free access

Distance2,5 km / 1h30DifficultéMoyen

Gallery

Overview

Nestled between Sinnamary and Iracoubo, on the northern coast of French Guiana, the Grand Pripri de Yiyi spans nearly 15,000 hectares of marshes, mangroves, and flooded savannas. Owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral since 1996 and managed in partnership with the commune of Sinnamary and SEPANGUY, the site lies between the Sinnamary and Iracoubo rivers. It reveals a mosaic of habitats: wetland meadows, white-sand forests, and mangroves bordering the Counamama and Yiyi creeks. The whole area has been listed since 15 September 2008 as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, under the name of the Sinnamary river estuary.

Why Visit

The Pripri de Yiyi is home to remarkable wildlife and plant life. In the water, the West Indian manatee shares space with spectacled caimans and green turtles. On the banks, capybaras, crab-eating raccoons, and small squirrel monkeys are a common sight. In the sky, the scarlet ibis spreads its brilliant plumage, while migrating sandpipers sweep over the marshes alongside kites and ospreys. Orchids and mangrove trees complete the picture. The Maison de la Nature, run by SEPANGUY beside the RN1, is the gateway to the site: wildlife displays, an aquarium and vivarium, and information on trail conditions. Ways to explore the site include: a 2.5 km hiking trail through savannas and marshes, a 10-metre observation tower offering a panoramic view, wildlife observation hides for birdwatching, and canoe rental in Sinnamary (€20–30/hour through the Tourist Office) to glide along the Canceler and Yiyi creeks.

History

The name "Yiyi" comes from Sylvain Sophie, a Guianese man who settled near the Garré creek in the 19th century. His nickname still echoes through the site today, adding a local dimension to this natural landmark.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: July to November (dry season) for optimal comfort. What to bring: walking shoes, light and covering clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars. Activities: 2.5 km hiking trail, 10-metre observation tower, canoe kayak (€20–30/hour), wildlife observation hides. Sinnamary makes an ideal base, with Hôtel du Fleuve (€60–80/night) or a Creole meal at Le Petit Resto (€10–20).

Getting There

The site is approximately 2 hours from Cayenne (120–125 km via the RN1) or 2 hours from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. Free parking is available at km 122 of the RN1.

Getting there

Location

Sinnamary · Guyane

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Frequently asked questions

How large is the Pripri de Yiyi?+

The Grand Pripri de Yiyi spans nearly 15,000 hectares of marshes, mangroves, and flooded savannas, between Sinnamary and Iracoubo.

What animals can be observed there?+

Visitors can observe the West Indian manatee, spectacled caimans, green turtles, capybaras, squirrel monkeys, the scarlet ibis, and many migratory birds.

What activities are available on site?+

A 2.5 km hiking trail, a 10-metre observation tower, birdwatching hides, and canoe kayak rental (€20–30/hour through the Sinnamary Tourist Office).

When is the best time to visit?+

From July to November, during the dry season, for optimal comfort.