DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Amana Nature Reserve

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°1
Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)

Weather…

The Amana Nature Reserve stretches along the northwestern coast of French Guiana, situated between the municipalities of Mana and Awala-Yalimapo. It is internationally recognized as one of the world's most important nesting sites for the leatherback sea turtle, the largest living turtle species on Earth. Established in 1998, the reserve covers an area of approximately 14,800 hectares, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as sandy beaches, mangroves, marshes, and lagoons. In addition to sea turtles, the area serves as a critical habitat for numerous migratory birds and local species like the scarlet ibis. The management of the reserve focuses on strict protection of the nesting beaches during the breeding season from March to August to ensure the survival of these endangered reptiles. The region also holds significant cultural value as it lies within the traditional lands of the Kali'na people. Educational programs at the reserve inform visitors about the ecological sensitivity of the coastline and the global importance of marine conservation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252526262626262627282726
Rain mm2101821662753832921981135764104216

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to observe nesting birds in the Amana Reserve is the dry season from August to November. Many birds nest on sandbanks and in wetlands during this period.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning between 6-9 a.m., birds are most active feeding their young. Late afternoon they return to nests, offering good observation opportunities.
📜
Etiquette
Keep a large distance from nests - at least 50 meters - to avoid disturbing breeding. Drones are banned throughout the reserve as they scare birds.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars with good magnification are indispensable for identifying birds in the wetlands. Sun protection, insect repellent, and plenty of water are needed due to the open coastal location.
🧭
Getting there
Amana Nature Reserve is located on the coast of French Guiana, reachable by road from Cayenne or Sinnamary. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the last kilometres on sandy tracks.
🦌
What to expect
Birds can be shy and flush when approached; stay in your vehicle or at a fixed observation point. Wait quietly - birds often return after a while.

Geography

Coordinates
5.71600, -53.86600

Facts

  • Official establishment: 1998
  • Total area: 14,800 hectares
  • Key nesting site for Leatherback turtles
  • Status as a Ramsar wetland site
  • Main nesting season: March to August
  • Home to the indigenous Kali'na people

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Awala-YalimapoAwala-Yalimapo5 km · SExplore →
Acarouany ForestAcarouany Forest11 km · NWExplore →
Mana Rice MillsMana Rice Mills12 km · NExplore →
Maroni RiverMaroni River12 km · SExplore →
Galibi Nature ReserveGalibi Nature Reserve16 km · SExplore →
Saint-Laurent River PortSaint-Laurent River Port23 km · SWExplore →
Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-MaroniBagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni32 km · SWExplore →
Organabo ForestOrganabo Forest48 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Amana Nature Reserve (1)

Station abattis

Rest stop with shelter in the rainforest of Amana Reserve, for hikers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When can you see turtles?
Leatherback turtle nesting takes place mainly from April to July.
Where is the reserve located?
In northwestern Guiana, between the villages of Awala and Yalimapo.
What are the rules for observation?
Do not use white light or flash, keep your distance, and do not disturb the animals.
Is there a visitor center?
In Awala-Yalimapo, there are information and exhibitions about the coastal flora and fauna.
Can you go birdwatching there?
Yes, the area is an important stopover for many migratory birds and waders.
Amana Nature Reserve: where is it located?
Amana Nature Reserve is located in French Guiana.
Amana Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Amana Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Amana Nature Reserve stretches along the northwestern coast of French Guiana, situated between the municipalities of Mana and Awala-Yalimapo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America

Nearby cities

Cayenne — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Cayenne
In Cayenne, the largest administrative center and capital of the region, known for its vibrant Creole culture and historic colonial archi…
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Awala-Yalimapo — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Awala-Yalimapo
An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.

History & landmarks

Saint-Jean-du-Maroni Camp — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Saint-Jean-du-Maroni Camp
The abandoned remains of the relegation camp, which formerly housed repeat offenders from the French justice system.
Saint-Joseph Church of Iracoubo — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Saint-Joseph Church of Iracoubo
A colorful and elaborately decorated wooden church in Iracoubo, painted entirely on the inside by a former convict.
Petit-Saut Dam — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Petit-Saut Dam
A massive hydroelectric dam on the Sinnamary River that supplies a significant portion of electricity for French Guiana.

Nature

Maroni River — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Maroni River
The Maroni is the longest river in French Guiana, forming the border with Suriname.
🗺️
Lake Petit-Saut
Lake Petit-Saut is a large reservoir that provides hydroelectric power for French Guiana.

More places

🗺️
Acarouany Forest
An important forest reserve in the northwest of French Guiana.
🗺️
Mana Rice Mills
Large agricultural processing facilities in northwestern Guiana, preparing the bulk of local rice production.
Saint-Laurent River Port — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Saint-Laurent River Port
An important river port on the Maroni, facilitating border trade with Suriname and access to the interior.
Camp de la Transportation — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Camp de la Transportation
The main penal colony facility where prisoners arrived in French Guiana before being distributed.
Église de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Église de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A prominent church in the border city, built in the early 20th century by convicts.
Saint-Laurent Timber Industry — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Saint-Laurent Timber Industry
Several large sawmills in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni process tropical hardwoods from the surrounding forests.
Toucan Rum Distillery — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Toucan Rum Distillery
A local agricultural business in Saint-Laurent that grows sugarcane and traditionally processes it into quality rum.
Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni — Amana Nature Reserve (French Guiana)
Bagne de Saint-Jean-du-Maroni
Also known as Camp de la Relégation, it was a penal colony for repeat offenders.