Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Island · Kourou, Caiena
Îles du Salut
Three islets 14 km from Kourou with the ruins of the former French penal colony. On Île Royale, jungle trails pass the chapel, the cells and the museum; Île Saint-Joseph houses the isolation cells; Île du Diable can only be seen from a distance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Îles du Salut
The Ilhas da Salvação (Îles du Salut) are three volcanic islets about 14 km off the coast of Kourou: Île Royale, the largest, Île Saint-Joseph and Île du Diable. Early explorers called them the Ilhas do Triângulo because of their arrangement. The current name dates from 1763 and 1764, when sick French colonists, survivors of a disastrous colonization attempt in Kourou, took refuge there, away from the mainland mosquitoes.
From 1852 the islands were part of the bagne, the penal system of French Guiana, which operated until the mid-20th century. Île Royale housed the administration, the hospital and ordinary prisoners; Saint-Joseph received prisoners in strict isolation, in roofless cells covered only by bars; Île du Diable was reserved for political prisoners. The best-known detainee was Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who was held there from 1895.
Today the islands belong to the Centro Espacial Guianense because they lie beneath rocket trajectories. On Île Royale, a trail circles the island in 1 to 1.5 hours, passing the ruins of the cells, the chapel with paintings by former prisoner Francis Lagrange, the small prison museum, the prisoners' pool — a seawater tank where you can bathe — and the former director's house, now a hostel with a restaurant. Monkeys, agoutis and macaws often appear along the way.
Île Saint-Joseph, with its isolation cells overtaken by vegetation and a beach, receives visitors by navette from Royale when available. Île du Diable does not receive visitors because of strong currents, but the house where Dreyfus was imprisoned, restored, can be seen from Royale. On launch days the islands are evacuated as a precaution.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, with the outbound boat in the morning and the return in the afternoon. To stay overnight on the island, allow one night at the Île Royale hostel.
Best time
From July to November, when it rains less and the sea is usually calmer for the crossing. Take the first boat in the morning to make the most of the day on the island.
How to get there
Boats depart from the port of Kourou, with a crossing of about an hour to Île Royale, depending on sea conditions. Several companies operate the trip by catamaran or speedboat; transfer to Saint-Joseph is done by navette from Royale when available.
Tip
Book the boat in advance and check that the date does not coincide with a launch, when the islands are closed. Bring insect repellent, water and swimwear for the prisoners' pool. Do not feed the monkeys.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Îles du Salut
Can you visit the Ilha do Diabo?
No. The Île du Diable does not receive visitors because of strong currents. The house where Alfred Dreyfus was imprisoned can be seen from Île Royale.
How long does it take to walk around Île Royale?
The trail around the island takes about 1 to 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Secondary paths extend the walk.
Can you stay overnight on the Ilhas da Salvação?
Yes. On Île Royale there's a hostel in the former house of the prison director, with rooms and hammocks. Book in advance.
Can you swim on the islands?
On Île Royale there is the prisoners' pool, a seawater tank where bathing is possible. Île Saint-Joseph has a beach. Follow the local signs.
Do the islands close on launch days?
Yes. Since they lie under the rockets' trajectory, the islands are evacuated as a precaution on launch days. Confirm before buying the boat ticket.