Devil's Island, French Guiana

A remote island with a haunting history and dramatic scenery.

A scenic view of Devil's Island, a small tropical island in French Guiana, completely covered by a dense forest of palm trees.

Overview

Devil's Island, French Guiana Cruise Port

Devil's Island (Île du Diable) is the smallest and most infamous of the three Îles du Salut (Islands of Salvation) archipelago, located off the coast of French Guiana in South America. For over a century (1852-1953), it served as a notorious penal colony of France, gaining global infamy for its harsh conditions and the incarceration of political prisoners like Alfred Dreyfus. Today, the island, along with its sister islands Île Royale and Île Saint-Joseph, is a poignant historical site set amidst stunning tropical scenery.

Devil's Island is a frequent cruise port of call for itineraries exploring the Amazon, the Guianas, and the Caribbean. Due to its historical nature and the lack of a proper dock on Devil's Island itself, cruise ships typically anchor near Île Royale. Passengers are then tendered ashore to Île Royale, from where access to Devil's Island is often restricted or via a short, sometimes challenging, boat transfer depending on sea conditions (a cage-like structure was used historically). The experience offers a unique blend of somber history, beautiful tropical isolation, and a chance to reflect on a dark chapter of human justice.

Top Things to Do in Devil's Island, French Guiana

Visit the Île Royale Museum & Hospital Ruins:

Discover exhibits detailing the history of the penal colony, the lives of the prisoners, and notable figures at the museum on Île Royale. Also, explore the eerie ruins of the former hospital.

Tip: The museum provides essential context for understanding the harsh realities of the penal system.

Visit the Île Royale Museum & Hospital Ruins:

Discover exhibits detailing the history of the penal colony, the lives of the prisoners, and notable figures at the museum on Île Royale. Also, explore the eerie ruins of the former hospital.

Tip: The museum provides essential context for understanding the harsh realities of the penal system.

Walk to the Île Saint-Joseph Ruins:

Access Île Saint-Joseph from Île Royale via a causeway or short boat ride (depending on conditions). This island housed the "silent" cells, designed for solitary confinement, and its ruins are particularly haunting.

Tip: This section offers a starker insight into the psychological torment inflicted on prisoners.

See Devil's Island from Île Royale (If Access Restricted):

Even if direct access to Devil's Island (Île du Diable) is restricted due to dangerous currents (which often happens), you can still see it clearly from Île Royale. Its steep cliffs and dense vegetation make it appear foreboding.

Tip: Your guides will explain the history of the famous prisoners like Dreyfus who were held there.

Observe the Wildlife of the Islands:

Despite the grim history, the islands are now teeming with wildlife. Look for playful monkeys, agoutis, diverse bird species, and large iguanas freely roaming the grounds.

Tip: The wildlife offers a stark contrast to the islands' human past and thrives in the tropical environment.

Relax on the Beaches & Swim:

Enjoy the small, often secluded, beaches on Île Royale. The clear, warm waters are inviting for a swim, offering a chance to cool off amidst the historical exploration.

Tip: Remember that the currents can be strong, especially around Devil's Island itself, so only swim in designated safe areas.

Overview