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Île Saint-Joseph
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Historical site
Île Saint-Joseph is the second-largest island in the group and gained notoriety as the site for solitary confinement and strict disciplinary measures within the Bagno system. Spanning approximately 20 hectares, the island was reserved for convicts who had violated prison regulations, with absolute silence mandated as a core component of their punishment. The ruins of the solitary confinement cells (La Réclusion), where inmates lived in tiny roofless units under constant surveillance, are now almost entirely reclaimed by dense tropical vegetation. This oppressive environment earned the island the nickname The Silent Island, as all communication between prisoners was strictly forbidden. In addition to the prison structures, the island contains a cemetery for the penal colony's administrative staff, highlighting the rigid social segregation between guards and inmates. Despite its grim history, the island is now a place of striking natural beauty.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Piscine des Bagnards · Maison du chef de camp · Bagne
- Nearby: Kaw Marshes (69 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 201 | 174 | 161 | 260 | 370 | 272 | 170 | 88 | 43 | 51 | 88 | 201 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Île Saint-Joseph, also known as the 'silent island', is part of the Salvation Islands and is accessible on the same boat tour. The solitary confinement cells are partly walkable and give a striking impression of the detention conditions.
Typical hours
Since the island is only visited as part of the boat tour, visiting times follow the tour schedule. The stay usually lasts about 45 minutes to one hour.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the cells and on the island. Because of the gloomy atmosphere, shots using natural light work particularly well.
Time needed
The stay on Île Saint-Joseph is shorter, about one hour, compared to the other islands. Use the time to visit the cells and the small island cemetery.
Combine with
Île Saint-Joseph is always visited together with Île Royale and Île du Diable - the three-island combination is the standard trip. On the way back, stop in Kourou to visit the space centre.
Getting there
Access is by boat from Kourou or Cayenne, as part of the organised tour. The pier is on the east side of the island; a short path leads from there to the cells.
Insider tip
Pause for a moment on Île Saint-Joseph and enjoy the eerie silence - it gives the place a very special atmosphere. Bring a flashlight to better illuminate the dark cells.
Geography
Facts
- Second largest island, covering about 20 hectares.
- Site of the solitary confinement units (La Réclusion).
- Nicknamed The Silent Island due to mandatory silence rules.
- Presence of the cemetery for colony staff and guards.
- Inmates kept in small, roofless cells for constant view.
- Currently covered by dense secondary rainforest vegetation.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Île Saint-Joseph (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was unique about Île Saint-Joseph?
It was the site for solitary confinement and absolute silence, also known as the 'Island of Silence.'
How do you get there from Île Royale?
Small boats shuttle regularly between the two islands for visitors.
What can you see there today?
The overgrown ruins of the isolation cells and the cemetery of the prison guards.
Are there any beaches?
There is a small, beautiful shell beach that is well-suited for relaxing.
Is free movement allowed on the island?
Yes, marked paths lead through the ruins and the dense vegetation.
Île Saint-Joseph: where is it located?
Île Saint-Joseph is located in French Guiana.
Île Saint-Joseph: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscine des Bagnards, Maison du chef de camp, Bagne.
Île Saint-Joseph: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Île Saint-Joseph: why is it worth visiting?
Île Saint-Joseph is the second-largest island in the group and gained notoriety as the site for solitary confinement and strict disciplinary measures within the Bagno system.
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Hôpital de l'Île Royale
The ruins of the hospital built to serve the penal colony staff and inmates on Île Royale.
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