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Petit-Saut Dam

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Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)

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The Petit-Saut Dam on the Sinnamary River is the largest hydroelectric power station in French Guiana and a major engineering project completed in the 1990s. Built between 1989 and 1994, it was designed to meet the growing energy demands of the Kourou Space Centre and the capital city, Cayenne. With an installed capacity of approximately 116 megawatts, the plant generates a significant portion of the local electricity supply. The dam's construction resulted in the formation of a massive reservoir covering about 365 square kilometers, which led to the flooding of extensive areas of rainforest. This project was ecologically controversial and required a large-scale wildlife rescue mission known as 'Operation Faune'. Today, the reservoir is not only used for power generation but also serves as a research site for scientists studying the impact of large dams on water quality and biodiversity in tropical ecosystems.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252525252526272725
Rain mm2682402293434693222141135661110282

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Petit-Saut Dam is an industrial power plant with limited public access. However, there are viewpoints and trails in the area where you can see the facility and the reservoir.
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Typical hours
There are no regular visiting hours for the interior, but nearby hiking trails are accessible during daylight. Advance booking for guided tours is recommended on the operator's official website.
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Photography
From public viewpoints you can photograph the dam and landscape. Follow safety signs - photographing military installations is prohibited.
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Time needed
Allow about an hour for the drive and visiting the viewpoints. If you take one of the hikes in the area, set aside two to three hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a rainforest hike in the nearby Amazonian National Park. A detour to the Sinnamary River is also worthwhile.
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Getting there
The dam is about 100 kilometers west of Cayenne, reachable by car via the RN2. A rental car is recommended as public transport is sparse.
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Insider tip
Bring insect repellent, especially during the rainy season. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and get the best view of the reservoir.

Geography

Coordinates
5.06640, -53.05190

Facts

  • Constructed between 1989 and 1994
  • Installed capacity of 116 MW
  • Reservoir area is approx. 365 km²
  • Supplies power to the Kourou Space Centre
  • River: Sinnamary
  • Operation Faune rescued thousands of animals

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake Petit-SautLake Petit-Saut9 km · WExplore →
Puits des OrpailleursPuits des Orpailleurs19 km · SWExplore →
Sinnamary Zebu FarmSinnamary Zebu Farm23 km · NEExplore →
Montagne de Plomb ForestMontagne de Plomb Forest26 km · NExplore →
Soyuz Launch Facility (ELS)Soyuz Launch Facility (ELS)29 km · NEExplore →
Dieu Merci MineDieu Merci Mine31 km · SWExplore →
Église Saint-Joseph d'IracouboÉglise Saint-Joseph d'Iracoubo32 km · SEExplore →
Ariane 6 Launch Complex (ELA-4)Ariane 6 Launch Complex (ELA-4)33 km · NExplore →

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 Petit-Saut Dam (1)

Camp Saut Tigre📍 landmark

A jungle camp located near the Petit-Saut dam, serving as a base for exploring the reservoir and flooded forest.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the dam used for?
It is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Guiana, providing most of the electricity for the region.
Can you visit the dam?
The technical facilities are restricted, but you can visit the vast lake behind it.
Is boating allowed on the lake?
Yes, but you must be careful as many dead trees protrude from the water.
How far is it from Cayenne?
It is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive by car in the direction of Sinnamary.
Are there guided fishing tours?
Yes, the lake is famous for fishing for Aymara (a predatory fish).
Petit-Saut Dam: where is it located?
Petit-Saut Dam is located in French Guiana.
Petit-Saut Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Petit-Saut Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Petit-Saut Dam on the Sinnamary River is the largest hydroelectric power station in French Guiana and a major engineering project completed in the 1990s.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cayenne — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
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 — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Awala-Yalimapo — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Awala-Yalimapo
An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.

History & landmarks

Saint-Joseph Church of Iracoubo — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Saint-Joseph Church of Iracoubo
A colorful and elaborately decorated wooden church in Iracoubo, painted entirely on the inside by a former convict.
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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.
Dreyfus Tower — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Dreyfus Tower
An old signal tower in Kourou, once used to communicate with the nearby Devil's Island during the penal colony era.

Nature

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Lake Petit-Saut
Lake Petit-Saut is a large reservoir that provides hydroelectric power for French Guiana.

More places

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Puits des Orpailleurs
Historic gold mining shafts in Saint-Élie, reflecting the region's 19th-century gold rush.
Sinnamary Zebu Farm — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Sinnamary Zebu Farm
An expansive cattle farm in the savannas of Sinnamary specializing in heat-resistant Zebu cattle.
Sinnamary Fishing Port — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Sinnamary Fishing Port
A regional port used mainly by coastal fishermen, playing an important role in the local food supply.
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Montagne de Plomb Forest
A mountainous forest area characterized by its dense tropical vegetation.
Montagne Plomb — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Montagne Plomb
A forested mountain in the coastal plain that clearly stands out from its surroundings.
Soyuz Launch Facility (ELS) — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Soyuz Launch Facility (ELS)
A launch pad near Sinnamary built in cooperation with Russia for Soyuz rockets to launch medium payloads.
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Dieu Merci Mine
A historical and still active gold mining area in the Saint-Élie sector, typical of the Guianese mining industry.
Église Saint-Joseph d'Iracoubo — Petit-Saut Dam (French Guiana)
Église Saint-Joseph d'Iracoubo
A historic church famous for its intricate interior frescoes painted by a convict.