
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 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. 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.
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.
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).
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.
The Grand Pripri de Yiyi spans nearly 15,000 hectares of marshes, mangroves, and flooded savannas, between Sinnamary and Iracoubo.
Visitors can observe the West Indian manatee, spectacled caimans, green turtles, capybaras, squirrel monkeys, the scarlet ibis, and many migratory birds.
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).
From July to November, during the dry season, for optimal comfort.
« Endroit magique, on a vu deux toucans en arrivant ! Sentier bien balisé, parfait pour la matinée. »
« Super site, l'eau est cristalline. Petit bémol : prévoir des chaussures qui tiennent bien, ça glisse. »
« Tip BTK validé : on y est allés à 8h, on était seuls. Vers midi c'est beaucoup plus fréquenté. »
« On a passé l'après-midi ici en famille, les enfants ont adoré la baignade. Vraiment un coup de cœur. »
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