Rivers are Guyana's highways. The Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice, and Corentyne rivers have served as the country's primary transport corridors for centuries. Today, the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) operates a fleet of ferries carrying over 411,000 passengers, 130,000 vehicles, and 193,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025 alone across Guyana's waterways.
For many interior and island communities, boats remain the primary or only form of transport. Whether you're crossing the Essequibo to reach Bartica, hopping to Leguan or Wakenaam island, or traveling to the remote Northwest District, this guide covers every ferry route, fare, and schedule you need to know.
Book Online
FerryPass.gy is the official online booking system for T&HD ferries. You can reserve passenger and vehicle slots for Parika-Supenaam, Parika-Bartica, Leguan, and Wakenaam routes. Non-MMG users can reserve online and pay cash at the stelling. The T&HD also posts monthly tide-adjusted schedules on their Facebook page.
Demerara River Crossings
The Demerara River divides Georgetown and Region Four from the West Demerara coast of Region Three. Two major crossing options serve commuters daily.
Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge
Guyana's landmark infrastructure achievement opened on October 6, 2025, replacing the aging floating bridge that had served since 1978. The new cable-stayed bridge is a game-changer for cross-Demerara travel.
New Demerara River Bridge
- Type: Cable-stayed, four-lane high-span bridge
- Length: 2,798 metres (main span 570m)
- Ship clearance: 50 metres — no retraction needed
- Speed limit: 80 km/h
- Lanes: 4 vehicular + dedicated cycle/pedestrian paths
- Hours: 24/7, no closures for ship passage
- Design lifespan: 100 years
Toll: FREE (toll-free for all users)
The Old Floating Bridge
The old Demerara Harbour Bridge consisted of 114 pontoons spanning 1.85 km. Commissioned in 1978 for a 10-year lifespan, it served over 47 years before being replaced. Sections are being repurposed to connect Timehri to Sandhills village near Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop Water Taxi
Despite the new bridge, the water taxi service across the Demerara River remains popular for pedestrian commuters traveling between Georgetown and the West Demerara.
Demerara Water Taxi
- Route: Stabroek Market stelling (Georgetown) ↔ Vreed-en-Hoop stelling
- Hours: Approximately 05:30 to 20:00 daily
- Duration: ~10 minutes
- Regulator: Maritime Administration Department (MARAD)
- Usage: Approximately 8.5 million passengers in 2024
Fare: GYD $100 per person (~$0.50 USD) — fixed rate, no overcharging
Fare Enforcement
MARAD strictly enforces the GYD $100 flat rate. In December 2024, operators were suspended for overcharging. If anyone tries to charge more, report them to MARAD. Always confirm the fare is $100 before boarding.
Essequibo River — Parika Stelling Services
Parika Stelling is the main ferry hub for all Essequibo River services. Located on the East Bank Essequibo, it's about 42 km from Georgetown — roughly 1 hour by minibus from Stabroek Market (fare ~GYD $500). The stelling received a GYD $46.6 million upgrade in early 2025 to accommodate larger vessels.
Parika to Supenaam (Essequibo Coast)
This is Guyana's busiest ferry route, accounting for 52% of all T&HD trips, 66% of passengers, and 79% of vehicles transported. It connects the East Bank to the Essequibo Coast (Region Two).
Parika ↔ Supenaam Ferry
- Operator: Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD)
- Vessels: MV Konawaruk 1899, MV Kanawan, MV Sabanto
- Departures: 4 daily trips — 05:00, mid-morning (10:00-12:00 tide-dependent), 16:00, 18:30
- Duration: ~40-60 minutes
- Vehicle capacity: MV Konawaruk 1899 carries 81 cars or 19 trucks
- 2024 stats: 1,965 return trips
Ferry fare: ~GYD $200-500 per person (subsidized) | Vehicle: ~GYD $2,000
MV Konawaruk 1899 — Guyana's Newest Ferry
Commissioned December 20, 2025, the MV Konawaruk 1899 is Guyana's first double-ended ferry — it can load and unload from both ends, cutting turnaround time. Built in Greece in 2020, the 73-metre vessel carries nearly 400 passengers and nearly double the cargo of older ferries. It features air conditioning, a bar, restrooms, and comfortable seating. Cost: ~US$5 million.
Speedboat alternative: Private speedboats from Parika to Supenaam cost GYD $1,300 per person (~$6 USD) and take about 20 minutes. Speedboats depart when full — no fixed schedule — and only operate before 18:00 due to lack of navigation equipment.
Parika to Bartica
Bartica sits at the confluence of the Essequibo, Mazaruni, and Cuyuni rivers — the gateway to Guyana's gold mining interior. The ferry takes you upriver through stunning rainforest scenery.
Parika ↔ Bartica Ferry
- Operator: T&HD
- Schedule: Being expanded from 1 to 2 trips daily
- Duration: 3-4 hours upriver (against current)
- Online booking: FerryPass.gy
- 2024 stats: 296 return trips
Speedboat alternative: GYD $2,500 per person (~$12 USD), ~1 hour
The Bartica Stelling was upgraded at a cost of GYD $553 million and commissioned in August 2025, improving vessel accommodation and traffic flow. The government is acquiring additional vessels for this route in 2026.
Parika to Leguan Island
Parika ↔ Leguan
- Operator: T&HD (ferry) + private speedboats
- Duration: ~5 minutes by speedboat; longer by ferry
- Online booking: FerryPass.gy
- 2024 stats: 744 return trips
Speedboat: GYD $1,000 per person (~$5 USD, includes island minibus shuttle)
Parika to Wakenaam Island
Parika ↔ Wakenaam
- Operator: T&HD (ferry) + private speedboats
- Duration: ~30 minutes by ferry
- Online booking: FerryPass.gy
- 2024 stats: 315 return trips
Speedboat: GYD $1,000 per person (~$5 USD, includes island minibus shuttle)
Speedboat Cut-off Time
Private speedboats on all Parika routes do not operate after 18:00 due to lack of navigation equipment on vessels. Plan your return trip accordingly — travel in the early morning for the best availability. Boats depart when full, not on a fixed schedule.
Essequibo Route Fares at a Glance
| Route | Ferry (T&HD) | Speedboat (Private) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parika → Supenaam | ~GYD $200-500 | GYD $1,300 | 40 min / 20 min |
| Parika → Bartica | ~GYD $200-500 | GYD $2,500 | 3-4 hrs / 1 hr |
| Parika → Leguan | Scheduled ferry | GYD $1,000 | Ferry / 5 min |
| Parika → Wakenaam | Scheduled ferry | GYD $1,000 | ~30 min / faster |
Note: T&HD ferry fares are heavily subsidized by the government (GYD $1.5 billion subsidy in Budget 2026). Exact fares are available on FerryPass.gy at time of booking.
Berbice River Crossing
The Berbice River separates Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Two crossing options serve this route.
Berbice River Bridge
Berbice River Bridge
- Type: Floating bridge — 39 pontoons, 1,570 metres long
- Rank: World's sixth-longest floating bridge
- Retraction: 70-metre channel opens for large vessels
- Daily users: 50,000+ commuters
Toll: FREE since August 1, 2025 (previously GYD $1,900 for cars)
Rosignol to New Amsterdam Water Taxi
A supplementary water taxi service operates across the Berbice River, primarily serving students and pensioners.
Rosignol ↔ New Amsterdam Water Taxi
- Vessels: Two 60-seat boats
- Schedule: Weekdays only — 07:00-09:00 morning, 15:00-17:00 afternoon
- Free for: School children in uniform, government pensioners, senior citizens
- General public fare: GYD $140 per person
GYD $140 per person (~$0.65 USD) | FREE for students & seniors
Guyana-Suriname: Canawaima Ferry
The Canawaima Ferry is the only scheduled international ferry service connecting Guyana to Suriname, crossing the Corentyne River.
Canawaima International Ferry
- Route: Moleson Creek (Guyana) ↔ South Drain (Suriname)
- Departure from Guyana: 10:30 daily
- Check-in: 06:30-08:30 (arrive by 08:00 for tickets and immigration)
- Duration: ~45 minutes crossing
- Payment: Cash only (GYD or USD accepted)
- 2023 stats: 538 crossings (Jan–Nov)
Fare: ~USD $20 round-trip (open return, valid 1 month)
Entry Requirements for Suriname
Complete the Suriname ICF form at icf.sr up to 3 days before arrival. A yellow fever certificate is frequently requested. Complete the Guyana exit form at ed.gpf.gov.gy before departure. CARICOM nationals generally don't need a visa. Getting to Moleson Creek from Georgetown takes 4-5 hours by minibus (~GYD $2,500, depart around 04:00).
Interior River Transport
Beyond the coastal ferry network, river crossings and services connect communities deep in Guyana's interior.
Kurupukari Ferry (Iwokrama — Linden-Lethem Road)
The Kurupukari crossing is the only way across the Essequibo River on the Linden-Lethem highway, about 250 km south of Linden at the entry to Iwokrama Forest Reserve.
Kurupukari Pontoon Ferry
- Type: Pontoon/barge ferry
- Hours: Hourly crossings from 06:00 to 18:00
- Capacity: ~10 vehicles per crossing
- Tickets: At the crossing or Western Union, Duncan Street, Georgetown
Vehicle fare: ~GYD $7,000 (~$33 USD)
Overnight at Kurupukari
Georgetown-Lethem minibuses typically depart Georgetown around 17:00-18:00 and arrive at Kurupukari after the 18:00 closing time. Passengers must overnight near the crossing and catch the first ferry at 06:00. A bridge is planned for Kurupukari within the 2025-2030 government mandate, with GYD $7.6 billion budgeted for the Mabura-Kurupukari road project in 2026.
Mazaruni River (Bartica Region)
Bartica serves as the gateway to the gold-mining interior along the Mazaruni and Cuyuni rivers. There's no fixed public ferry schedule — transport is demand-based and charter-based.
- Interior Transportation Service (ITS): Operates jet boats and 44-foot cargo boats from Bartica upriver along the Mazaruni
- River Quest: Charter services for 13+ years, covering routes from Bartica to Marshall Falls
- Mining companies and interior lodges typically organize their own river transport
Pomeroon River Services
Speedboats and small boats depart from Charity Stelling (Region Two, accessible by road along the Essequibo Coast) to serve Pomeroon River communities and provide access to Moruca in the Northwest District.
A new GYD $880 million multipurpose Charity Market Wharf is under construction — approximately 14% complete as of January 2026, with substantial progress expected by Q2 2026 and completion targeted for late 2026. The wharf features a floating dock to accommodate vessels of varying sizes.
Northwest District (Region One — Barima-Waini)
Guyana's most remote region is accessible only by boat or small aircraft. The T&HD has invested heavily in improving service to the Northwest.
Georgetown ↔ Region One Ferry Service
- Route: Kingston Wharf (Georgetown) → Kumaka/Morawhanna and Port Kaituma
- Primary vessel: MV Ma Lisha — 69.55m, 294 passengers, 250 tonnes cargo, 15 knots
- New vessel: Kalliopi N (arrived January 2026) — 284 passengers, 51 vehicles, air-conditioned
- Support: MV Kimbia (returned March 2025 after GYD $75M overhaul), MV Barima
- Frequency: Multiple trips per month (increasing with new vessels)
Contact T&HD for fares and current schedule
Speedboat services from Charity to Moruca cost approximately USD $20 per person one-way and depart when full.
New Vessels & Recent Updates (2025-2026)
Guyana has invested heavily in modernizing its ferry fleet. Here's what's new:
| Vessel | Capacity | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Konawaruk 1899 | nearly 400 passengers, 81 cars | Parika-Supenaam | Active (Dec 2025) |
| Kalliopi N | 284 passengers, 51 vehicles | Georgetown-Region One | Arrived Jan 2026 |
| MV Ma Lisha | 294 passengers, 250t cargo | Georgetown-Region One | Active (since 2023) |
| MV Kimbia | Standard | Region One | Returned Mar 2025 |
Toll-free bridges since August 1, 2025: All three major road bridges — the new Demerara River Bridge, the Berbice River Bridge, and the Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden — are now completely toll-free, funded by oil revenues. This saves commuters an estimated GYD $3.5 billion annually.
Other developments: Additional vessels are being acquired for the Parika-Bartica route. A CARICOM regional ferry service connecting Georgetown, Port of Spain, and Bridgetown has been proposed. The new US$35 million Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge (233m, four lanes) in Linden is 97% complete and expected to open by June 2026. A Corentyne River Bridge connecting Guyana and Suriname is also in development, set to replace the Canawaima Ferry.
Practical Tips for Ferry Travel
What to Bring
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), waterproof bags for electronics, snacks and water, cash in GYD for fares, and entertainment for longer crossings. River travel can be wet — sit in the middle of the boat and keep valuables sealed.
Vehicle Loading Tips
Book vehicle slots on FerryPass.gy in advance — space fills quickly on weekends and holidays. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for vehicle loading. Follow crew instructions for positioning. Keep your engine off during the crossing.
Rainy Season vs Dry Season
Rainy season (May-July, Nov-Jan): River levels rise, crossings can be rougher, and schedules may be disrupted. The Kurupukari crossing and interior rivers can flood. Dry season (Feb-April, Aug-Oct): Lower water levels can cause shallower drafts at some stellings. Either way, schedules adjust with tides — always check the T&HD Facebook page or FerryPass.gy for current departure times.
Safety Considerations
Life jackets are available on all T&HD vessels. Follow crew safety instructions. On speedboats, ensure the operator is licensed (MARAD-registered). Avoid overloaded boats. Never travel by river after dark unless on an authorized vessel with proper navigation equipment.
Plan Your Guyana Trip
Ferry travel is just one part of getting around Guyana. See our complete guide for flights, buses, taxis, and more.
Full Transportation GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the Parika to Bartica ferry cost?
The government-operated T&HD ferry from Parika to Bartica costs approximately GYD $200-500 per person (under $3 USD), heavily subsidized by the government. Private speedboats are faster at about 1 hour but cost GYD $2,500 per person (~$12 USD). Book ferries online at FerryPass.gy.
Can I take my car on ferries in Guyana?
Yes, most T&HD ferries carry vehicles. The MV Konawaruk 1899, Guyana's newest double-ended ferry, can carry 81 cars or 19 large trucks. Vehicle fares are approximately GYD $2,000 on Essequibo routes. Book vehicle slots in advance on FerryPass.gy as space fills quickly, especially on weekends.
How do I get to Leguan and Wakenaam islands?
Both islands are reached by ferry or speedboat from Parika Stelling on the East Bank Essequibo. T&HD ferries run daily scheduled trips to both islands. Private speedboats cost about GYD $1,000 per person and take 5-30 minutes depending on the island. Take a minibus from Georgetown's Stabroek Market to Parika (1 hour, ~GYD $500).
Are there speedboat alternatives to the ferry?
Yes, private speedboats operate on all major routes. Parika to Supenaam costs GYD $1,300 per person (about 20 minutes vs 40 minutes by ferry). Parika to Bartica speedboats cost GYD $2,500 and take 1 hour vs 3-4 hours by ferry. Speedboats depart when full — no fixed schedule — and operate only before 18:00.
What time do ferries start running?
T&HD ferries on the Parika-Supenaam route start at 05:00 daily, with additional departures around 10:00-12:00 (tide-dependent), 16:00, and 18:30. Water taxis between Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop run from approximately 05:30 to 20:00. Check the T&HD Facebook page or FerryPass.gy for current monthly schedules, as times adjust with tides.
How do I cross from Guyana to Suriname by ferry?
The Canawaima Ferry crosses the Corentyne River from Moleson Creek (Guyana) to South Drain (Suriname) daily at 10:30. Arrive by 08:00 for tickets and immigration. Fare is approximately USD $20 round-trip, cash only. You'll need a completed Suriname ICF form (icf.sr) and possibly a yellow fever certificate. Getting to Moleson Creek from Georgetown takes 4-5 hours by minibus (~GYD $2,500).
Is the Kurupukari ferry still operating on the Linden-Lethem road?
Yes, the Kurupukari pontoon ferry crosses the Essequibo River hourly from 06:00 to 18:00. Vehicle fare is approximately GYD $7,000. Note that Georgetown-Lethem buses arrive at the crossing after 18:00 closing time, so passengers must overnight nearby. A bridge is planned for the Kurupukari crossing within the 2025-2030 government mandate.
Last updated: April 2026. Fares are government-subsidized and subject to change. For the latest schedules and bookings, visit FerryPass.gy or the T&HD Facebook page. For more on getting around, see our Complete Transportation Guide, Essequibo Islands Day Trip, and Linden & Bartica Day Trips.