Devil's Island French Guiana
Explore the infamous French penal colony on the Salvation Islands, a place of historical intrigue and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, calmer seas
Devil's Island French Guiana
Best Time
Clearer skies, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the infamous French penal colony on the Salvation Islands, a place of historical intrigue and natural beauty.
"A haunting glimpse into history, where nature reclaims the ruins of a notorious prison."
📚 Read Before You Go
Immerse yourself in 'Papillon' or Rene Belbenoit's works for a deeper understanding of the penal colony's history.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The tropical heat can be intense. Carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the ruins on Ile Royale.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Penal Colony Ruins
Ile Royale
Explore the haunting remnants of the infamous French penal colony, including cells and administrative buildings.
View of Devil's Island
Ile Royale
Gaze across the water at the infamous Devil's Island, a stark reminder of its isolated and inescapable history.
Wildlife Encounters
Ile Royale
Spot playful monkeys and diverse bird species amidst the lush tropical vegetation surrounding the ruins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding the Experience
Booking Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Anyone been to Suriname, Guyana, or French Guiana?
📚 Read Before You Go
Immerse yourself in 'Papillon' or Rene Belbenoit's works for a deeper understanding of the penal colony's history.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The tropical heat can be intense. Carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the ruins on Ile Royale.
TIL that French Guiana is not a fully-autonomous territory, but rather an overseas department and region of France. Despite being in South America, French Guiana is part of the European Union and uses the euro, and Guianans are fully French citizens.
France to open new high security prison in Amazon jungle
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and potentially slippery paths. Sturdy shoes are a must.
📸 Camera Ready
Capture the dramatic landscapes and historical remnants, but remember the focus is history, not just selfies.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Read Before You Go
Immerse yourself in 'Papillon' or Rene Belbenoit's works for a deeper understanding of the penal colony's history.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The tropical heat can be intense. Carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the ruins on Ile Royale.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and potentially slippery paths. Sturdy shoes are a must.
📸 Camera Ready
Capture the dramatic landscapes and historical remnants, but remember the focus is history, not just selfies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the haunting history and dramatic scenery of the Salvation Islands, particularly Ile Royale. The remnants of the penal colony offer a powerful glimpse into a dark past, complemented by the island's lush nature and abundant wildlife. While Devil's Island itself is inaccessible, the overall experience is deeply moving and educational.
"We were able to ride around Devils island where political prisioners were wed kept including the famous Dreyfuss. Entry to Devils idkznd is so trecherous that they used a cable car from Royal Island to transport prisoners and guards. The Royal island offers a great view of the life of those who were here to maintain life including guards, nuns, and priests"
Toni Thompson
"Beautiful islands, nice views despite the fact that they used to be the penal colony. We only visited the Royale, it was enough to give us an idea of how terrible the lives of the prisoners there used to be. It was a nice walk around the island even though the temperature was high about 87 degrees Fahrenheit because there were lots of trees which gave us shade along with some breeze from the ocean. Lots of monkeys and other birds and animals. I i"
Grace L
"We visited from Aruba it is so beautiful let te picture tell the story!"
Linda Lagerburg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devil's Island is part of the Salvation Islands and is only accessible by boat tours departing from Kourou, French Guiana. These tours are essential for reaching the islands, as Devil's Island itself is too dangerous to land on.
No, there are no direct flights to Devil's Island. You'll need to fly into Cayenne – Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) in French Guiana and then arrange transportation to Kourou for your boat tour.
The most common ways to travel from Cayenne to Kourou are by bus or taxi. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Yes, most visitors experience Devil's Island and the surrounding Salvation Islands as a day trip from Kourou. Tours typically depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
While Devil's Island itself is off-limits, there is limited accommodation on Ile Royale, the main island visited by tours. Booking well in advance is crucial if you wish to stay overnight.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost varies depending on the tour operator. Expect to pay for the boat tour from Kourou, which includes access to Ile Royale and the historical sites. Prices can range from €50-€100 or more per person.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot.
Tours typically include boat transportation to the Salvation Islands, a guided visit to the penal colony ruins on Ile Royale, and often some free time to explore. Devil's Island itself is viewed from the boat or Ile Royale.
Generally, the tour price covers access to the historical penal colony sites on Ile Royale. It's always best to confirm with your chosen tour operator.
The historical sites on Ile Royale are accessible during daylight hours when tours are operating. There are no strict 'opening hours' as it's an open-air historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, you cannot land on Devil's Island itself. The waters surrounding it are extremely dangerous. Tours allow you to see it from Ile Royale or the boat.
Ile Royale features the main ruins of the penal colony, including cells, administrative buildings, and the infamous guillotine site. You'll also find beautiful natural scenery and wildlife.
Ile Royale has paths and trails, but they can be uneven and sometimes steep. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Visitors often report seeing numerous monkeys and various bird species. The islands are a natural habitat for them.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. A camera is also a must for capturing the historical and natural beauty.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are on Ile Royale, capturing the haunting penal colony ruins against the backdrop of the ocean and lush vegetation. The views of Devil's Island from Ile Royale are also iconic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the penal colony sites on Ile Royale. However, always be respectful of the historical significance of the location.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide dramatic lighting. Consider the weather as well.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and protected areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for the ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Focus on the natural aspects of Ile Royale, like the monkeys and birds, to keep younger visitors engaged. Discuss the history in an age-appropriate manner, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the ruins.
📚 History Buffs & Book Lovers
Key recommendations: Dedicate time to exploring the ruins on Ile Royale, imagining the lives of the prisoners and guards. Consider visiting the local museum in Kourou if available for further context. The island itself is a living testament to a dark chapter in French history, making it a compelling destination for deep historical immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grim History of the Penal Colony
The 'Papillon' Connection: The notoriety of Devil's Island was amplified by Henri Charrière's autobiographical novel 'Papillon' and its subsequent film adaptations. Charrière claimed to have escaped from the island, though the historical accuracy of his narrative is debated. Regardless, his story brought the horrors of the penal colony to global attention, fueling calls for its closure.
The Dreyfus Affair: One of the most famous prisoners was Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish army captain wrongly convicted of treason in 1894. He was imprisoned on Devil's Island for five years, becoming a symbol of injustice. His case, known as the Dreyfus Affair, deeply divided France and eventually led to his exoneration.
Visiting Ile Royale: The Main Hub
Exploring the Ruins: Walking through the abandoned buildings, you can almost feel the weight of history. The cells, though empty, evoke a sense of confinement and despair. The views from Ile Royale across the water to Devil's Island are striking, offering a visual representation of the isolation. The island is also home to abundant wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species, adding a layer of natural beauty to the somber historical site.
Practicalities for Ile Royale: The terrain on Ile Royale is varied, with some paved paths and some more rugged trails. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The tropical climate means it can be hot and humid, so carrying water and wearing sun protection is crucial. Many visitors find that reading about the history beforehand significantly enhances their appreciation of the site.
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