The Waterways of Guyana: Lifelines of Nature and Economy

Nestled along the northern coast of South America, Guyana is defined by its vast network of rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. These water bodies shape the nation’s geography, sustain its diverse ecosystems, and serve as vital resources for its people.

From the mighty rivers that carve through its dense rainforests to the estuaries and lagoons that support thriving fisheries, Guyana’s waterways play an essential role in transportation, agriculture, and biodiversity. These waters not only provide sustenance and livelihoods but also contribute to the nation’s cultural identity and economic development.

Notable Lakes and Lagoons

Lake Amuku

Lake Amuku is located in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region in western Guyana. It is a natural lake formed in the Rupununi savannah region. The lake is surrounded by pristine wetlands, which provide a habitat for various bird species and other wildlife.

Lake Awala

Lake Awala is a crater lake in the Rupununi savannas. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to various wildlife, including caimans, turtles, and birds.

Lake Capoey

Lake Capoey is an artificial lake in Guyana's Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. It was created by damming the Capoey River and serves as a reservoir for irrigation and water supply for the surrounding communities.

Lake Mainstay

Lake Mainstay is one of the most well-known lakes in Guyana. It is an artificial lake created by the Mainstay Dam, which was constructed to supply water to rice fields in the region. The lake is located in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region and provides a vital water source for agricultural activities.

Barima-Waini Lagoon

Barima-Waini Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Guyana. It is located in the country's northwest and is home to various wildlife, including caimans, turtles, and birds. The lagoon is also a popular destination for fishing and boat tours.

Cana Island Lagoon

Cana Island Lagoon is a small lagoon in the Essequibo River. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to various wildlife, including caimans, turtles, and birds. The lagoon is also a popular destination for swimming and fishing.

Mabuiacuma Lagoon

Mabuiacuma Lagoon is a large lagoon in the Rupununi savannas. The lagoon is home to various wildlife, including caimans, turtles, and birds. It is also a popular destination for fishing and birdwatching.

Notable Dams and Reservoirs

Abary Irrigation Dam and Reservoir: The Abary Irrigation Dam in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region creates the Abary Reservoir. This reservoir is essential for supporting agricultural activities, particularly rice cultivation, in the surrounding areas.

Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MAADA) Dam: The MAADA Dam is another vital irrigation structure in Guyana. It serves the Mahaicony-Abary agricultural region, providing water for irrigation and supporting rice production and other farming activities.

Kingelly Irrigation Dam and Reservoir: The Kingelly Irrigation Dam is located in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region and creates the Kingelly Reservoir. This reservoir is an integral part of the country's agricultural infrastructure and contributes to irrigation in the region.

Tapakuma Irrigation Dam and Reservoir: The Tapakuma Irrigation Dam is located in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region of Guyana. It was built to create the Tapakuma Reservoir, which is primarily used for irrigation, providing water to nearby rice fields, and supporting agricultural activities in the region.

_{Guyana shaded relief map.}

Notable Rivers and Waterfalls

Berbice River

The Berbice River stretches about 595 km (370 mi) in the eastern part of Guyana. It originates in the highlands of the Rupununi Savannahs and flows northward, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The river has historically been important for transportation and trade, and its estuary forms a significant port for shipping and commerce.

Burro-Burro River

The Burro-Burro River flows directly through the Iwokrama Rainforest in Guyana. The river runs through the forest's center, and most of its watershed is within it. The Burro-Burro River is an important water source for the Macushi and is also used for ecotourism.

Corentyne River

The Corentyne River forms part of the border between Guyana and Suriname. It flows along Guyana's eastern boundary and stretches approximately 724 km (450 mi). The river is significant for cross-border trade and transportation between the two countries.

Cuyuni River

The Cuyuni River is another significant river in western Guyana. It is approximately 462 km (287 mi) long and originates in the Pakaraima Mountains. It joins the Mazaruni River before reaching the Essequibo River. The Cuyuni River is known for its gold deposits and supports mining activities in the region.

Demerara River

The Demerara River is another significant river in Guyana. It is approximately 346 km (215 mi) long and originates in the country's central part. It flows southward, passing through the capital city, Georgetown, before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The Demerara River is vital for transporting goods and people and serves as a critical waterway for commerce and trade.

Essequibo River

The Essequibo River is the largest and longest river in Guyana, spanning approximately 1,010 km (630 mi). It originates in the Acarai Mountains in southern Guyana and flows northward through the country's central part before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Essequibo River is of great historical and cultural significance, having served as a major waterway for early European explorers and the region's Indigenous peoples.

Mazaruni River

The Mazaruni River is approximately 346 km (215 mi) long and is located in the western part of Guyana. It originates in the Pakaraima Mountains and flows northward, eventually joining the Essequibo River. The Mazaruni River is known for its scenic beauty and is essential for the country's gold mining industry.

Pomeroon River

The Pomeroon River is about 104 km (65 mi) long and is located in the western part of Guyana. It flows through the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Pomeroon River is known for its lush mangrove forests and traditional agriculture, including rice and coconut cultivation.

Potaro River

The Potaro River originates in the highlands of the Kaieteur Plateau in central Guyana. It flows north through dense rainforests, eventually joining the Essequibo River, one of the largest rivers in Guyana. Numerous smaller streams and creeks flow from the surrounding rainforest-covered mountains to the Potaro River's headwaters. 

Kaieteur Falls

The Potaro River is renowned for being the waterway over which the majestic Kaieteur Falls plunges. The falls are approximately 251 meters (822 feet) tall, making them one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world. The Potaro River's flow over the sandstone cliffs creates this breathtaking natural wonder, attracting tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.

Rupununi River

The Rupununi River is a significant waterway in the Kanuku Mountains, located near the Brazilian border in southern Guyana. It flows generally northward, passing through the picturesque Rupununi savannah.

Notable Canals

Berbice River Canals

The Berbice River, one of Guyana's major rivers, has a canal network that facilitates transportation and irrigation in the surrounding areas. These canals support rice and sugar cane cultivation and provide water access to villages and communities along the riverbanks.

Demerara River Canals

The Demerara River, which flows along the coast and through Georgetown, has canals that serve various purposes, including drainage and transportation. Some of these canals facilitate access to riverfront communities and contribute to the region's agricultural activities.

East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Canals

The East Demerara Water Conservancy is a large reservoir and canal system located on the east side of Georgetown, Guyana's capital. The canals regulate water levels in the conservancy and drain excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

Essequibo River Canals

One of Guyana's longest rivers, the Essequibo River, has a network of canals in its estuary area. These canals help manage water and provide access to fishing grounds and river communities.

Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) Drainage and Irrigation Canals

The MMA region in Guyana, located on the east coast, is characterized by a drainage and irrigation canal network. These canals are essential for managing water levels in the agricultural fields, allowing for rice cultivation and other crops. They also help control flooding during the rainy season.

Pomeroon River Canals

The Pomeroon River, located in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region, has a canal network that drains and irrigates the region's agricultural lands. The canals help cultivate rice, coconuts, and other crops.