Comment se rendre aux Îles du Salut ?

Uniquement par bateau, au départ du port de Kourou. La traversée dure environ 1h30 selon l'état de la mer.

Quelles sont les trois îles de l'archipel ?

L'Île Royale, la plus grande avec 28 hectares, qui concentre les vestiges du bagne ; l'Île Saint-Joseph et son pénitencier en ruine ; et l'Île du Diable, où fut détenu Alfred Dreyfus, interdite d'accès.

Que peut-on visiter sur l'Île Royale ?

La chapelle de 1854, dont le décor a été peint entre 1938 et 1940 par le bagnard Francis Lagrange dit Flag, le phare de 1934, et l'ancienne maison du directeur, qui abrite aujourd'hui une auberge et un musée consacré au bagne.

Faut-il réserver à l'avance ?

Oui, c'est conseillé, surtout en haute saison : les places sont limitées et les horaires dépendent des opérateurs et de la météo.

Eau & baignade★ Free accessKourou

A la découverte des Îles du Salut

Free access

Distance3 à 4 kmDifficultéFacile

Gallery

Overview

The Salvation Islands form an archipelago located approximately 11 kilometres off the coast of French Guiana, near Kourou. The group consists of three main islands: Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph and Devil's Island. Île Royale, the largest of the three at 28 hectares and rising to 66 metres, is home to the restored remains of the penal colony buildings. Île Saint-Joseph is dominated by a crumbling penitentiary, while Devil's Island, the most remote, was the site of Captain Alfred Dreyfus's imprisonment; it remains closed to visitors. Sandy beaches, clear waters and tropical vegetation make up the natural setting of the islands.

Why Visit

The Salvation Islands combine a rich historical legacy linked to the penal colony era with well-preserved island nature. Visitors can explore restored buildings and trails that wind across the islands. Thanks to their protected status as a nature reserve, the islands are home to varied wildlife: seabirds, iguanas, agoutis and sea turtles (green turtles and hawksbill turtles). Dolphins and humpback whales are sometimes spotted offshore during the crossing. Visitors are encouraged to respect this fragile environment.

History

The history of the Salvation Islands is shaped by the establishment of the penal colony under the Second Empire, when Napoleon III decided to use the islands as a place of detention. Forced labour and escape attempts have defined the memory of the place, immortalised by writers such as Henri Charrière, author of "Papillon". The penal colony closed in 1953, and the islands have gradually been transformed into a place of remembrance and tourism. On Île Royale, several buildings still bear witness to that period: the 1854 chapel, built of laterite blocks, whose painted decoration was created between 1938 and 1940 by the convict Francis Lagrange, known as Flag, a forger by trade; the former director's house, built around 1886 and restored in 1994, which now houses an inn and a museum devoted to the penal colony; and the 1934 lighthouse, automated in 1986.

Practical Information

The islands are accessible by boat only. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on sea conditions. Several companies offer trips; booking in advance is recommended, especially during high season. Bring sunscreen, water and a hat. Boats generally return to Kourou in the late afternoon — check return times with your operator. Worth knowing: the islands have belonged to the Guiana Space Centre since 1968 and are evacuated during launches, whose trajectory passes overhead. Île Royale has a gendarmerie post, an inn and the museum; trails circle the island and lead into its interior.

Getting There

Departures are mainly from the port of Kourou. Schedules vary by operator and weather conditions: check departure times before your visit and book your place in advance.

Wildlife

What you might see

Species most often reported by naturalists around this place. Nothing is guaranteed: wildlife comes and goes.

Bird
Frégate superbe
Fregata magnificens
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Kourou · iNaturalist
Bird
Sterne royale
Thalasseus maximus
Photo credit
© Janne Teivonen, CC BY · taken in French Guiana · iNaturalist
Mammal
Agouti doré
Dasyprocta leporina
Photo credit
© Suhei Castro, CC BY · taken in Cayenne · iNaturalist
Bird
Tournepierre à collier
Arenaria interpres
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Cayenne · iNaturalist

Observations: GBIF and iNaturalist. Sources and credits

Getting there

Location

Kourou · Guyane

Google Maps Waze directions

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Salvation Islands?+

By boat only, from the port of Kourou. The crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes depending on sea conditions.

What are the three islands of the archipelago?+

Île Royale, the largest at 28 hectares, which holds the remains of the penal colony; Île Saint-Joseph with its ruined penitentiary; and Devil's Island, where Alfred Dreyfus was held, closed to visitors.

What can you visit on Île Royale?+

The 1854 chapel, whose decoration was painted between 1938 and 1940 by the convict Francis Lagrange, known as Flag; the 1934 lighthouse; and the former director's house, now an inn and a museum devoted to the penal colony.

Is advance booking necessary?+

Yes, it is advisable, especially in high season: places are limited and schedules depend on operators and the weather.