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Îles du Salut
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Historical site
The Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) are located approximately eleven kilometers off the coast of Kourou and consist of a group of three volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Originally known as the Islands of the Devil, they were renamed due to their healthier climate compared to the malaria-ridden mainland during the early colonial missions. From 1852 until the mid-20th century, the islands served as a notorious component of the French penal system for high-profile criminals and political prisoners. The group comprises Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph, and the small Île du Diable, each fulfilling a distinct function within the penal colony's hierarchy. Today, the islands are a popular tourist destination, known for their lush tropical vegetation and well-preserved prison ruins. Additionally, the Guiana Space Centre (CNES) uses the islands to host tracking stations for rocket launches.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Four à chaux du bagne · Gravures des peuples originaires · 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
The Îles du Salut, also known as the Salvation Islands, are a group of islands that can be visited by boat tour. All three main islands are accessible on the tour, with guided and time-limited visits.
Typical hours
Boat tours usually depart in the morning between 8 and 9 am and return in the late afternoon. Exact departure times vary by operator and season.
Photography
Photography is allowed on all islands, but drones are strictly prohibited. The coastal landscapes and former prison buildings offer excellent photo subjects.
Time needed
A full-day trip to the Salvation Islands including boat rides takes about six to eight hours. On each island you spend between 45 minutes and two hours.
Combine with
The islands are offered as a combination tour - all three islands are included in the price. After returning, you can visit the Musée de l'Espace et de la Fusée in Kourou.
Getting there
Boats usually depart from Kourou, some tours also start from Cayenne. Travel time to the island group is about 30 to 45 minutes.
Insider tip
Book the tour at least one day in advance as places are limited. Bring a small backpack with food supplies since there are no dining facilities on the islands.
Geography
Facts
- Located 11 km off the coast of Kourou.
- Group consists of Royale, Saint-Joseph, and Diable islands.
- Volcanic origin of the entire island group.
- Penal colony operation from 1852 to 1953.
- Tracking station for the Guiana Space Centre.
- Total surface area of approximately 62 hectares.
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 Îles du Salut (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach the Îles du Salut?
By catamaran or shuttle boat from Kourou; the trip takes about one hour.
Can you stay overnight on the islands?
Yes, there is a hotel on Île Royale, and there are also options to rent hammock space.
How many islands are in the group?
It consists of three islands: Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph, and Île du Diable (Devil's Island).
Are there wild animals there?
You often see agoutis, iguanas, and various monkey species that are quite used to humans.
What was the purpose of the islands?
They served as part of the notorious penal colony of French Guiana.
Îles du Salut: where is it located?
Îles du Salut is located in French Guiana.
Îles du Salut: what is there to see?
Highlights include Four à chaux du bagne, Gravures des peuples originaires, Bagne.
Îles du Salut: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Îles du Salut: why is it worth visiting?
The Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) are located approximately eleven kilometers off the coast of Kourou and consist of a group of three volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Nearby cities
Cayenne
In Cayenne, the largest administrative center and capital of the region, known for its vibrant Creole culture and historic colonial archi…
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Awala-Yalimapo
An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.
History & landmarks
Dreyfus Tower
An old signal tower in Kourou, once used to communicate with the nearby Devil's Island during the penal colony era.
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Guiana Space Centre
The Guiana Space Centre is the main European spaceport located in Kourou, chosen for its proximity to the equator.
L'Enfant Perdu Lighthouse
A solitary lighthouse on a small rocky island off the coast, guiding mariners as they approach Cayenne.
🗺️
Jean Martial Hospital
An imposing former colonial hospital building in Cayenne, known for its classical Creole architecture.
Cayenne Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse at Fort Cépérou that served as another vital landmark for coastal shipping.
Alexandre-Franconie Museum
The main museum in Cayenne showcasing the history, culture, and natural history of French Guiana within a traditional Creole house.
Thérèse and Léon Blum House
A historic building in Cayenne connected with important figures of French history.
Cayenne Central Market
The bustling central market of Cayenne, housed in an iconic steel structure and famous for its local spices.
More places
Île Royale
The largest of the Salvation's Islands, serving as the administrative headquarters for the penal colony.
Chapelle de l'Île Royale
A small restored chapel on Île Royale used by the prison administration and sometimes prisoners.
Hôpital de l'Île Royale
The ruins of the hospital built to serve the penal colony staff and inmates on Île Royale.
Île Saint-Joseph
The southernmost island of the group, known as the 'silent island' where solitary confinement was enforced.
Île du Diable
Famous penal colony island where political prisoners like Alfred Dreyfus were held.
Roches Gravées de la Carapa
An archaeological site featuring ancient pre-Columbian petroglyphs carved into rocks.
Pariacabo Industrial Zone
An important industrial zone in Kourou, housing many suppliers of the nearby space center.
Kourou Biomass Power Plant
A facility generating electricity from wood waste and biomass, contributing to energy independence and the transition to green energy in …