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Located off Rémire-Montjoly, Îlet la Mère combines biodiversity, historical traces and local legends. Entirely fringed by rocks, the island reveals a beach at its eastern tip at low tide — a perfect spot to unwind. A hiking trail runs around the island in approximately 1h30, offering views over the surrounding landscapes and neighbouring islets.
Îlet la Mère is celebrated for its population of squirrel monkeys — small primates living in freedom, free from natural predators, and quite happy to approach visitors. The island is also home to many agoutis, surprisingly unafraid of humans. The circular trail is dotted with points of interest: views over Cayenne island, observation of marine wildlife, views over the Mahury estuary, and panoramas of the islets and ocean. Along the way, you will encounter Amerindian grinding stones, vestiges of the first inhabitants of the island. The surrounding waters shelter green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) and manatees, all fully protected.
The island's vegetation was heavily influenced by past human activity, notably the penal colony and successive land clearances. The island today bears a secondary forest, less diverse than primary rainforest, dominated by pioneer species such as mango trees and mombins. The Rémire islets, including Îlet la Mère, are formed from volcanic rocks some 150 million years old. According to local legend, these islets — la Mère (the Mother), le Père (the Father), les Mamelles (the Breasts), l'Enfant Perdu (the Lost Child) and le Malingre — represent a family separated by the ocean: the Mother watches over her children, the Father stands apart, and the Lost Child symbolises the pain of separation.
Wear appropriate shoes for the rocky trail. Keep your food well secured, as squirrel monkeys are known to snatch snacks. Take your rubbish with you, as maintenance facilities on the island are limited. Respect the wildlife and plant life by minimising interaction with animals and sticking to the marked trails.
Îlet la Mère lies off Rémire-Montjoly. Access is by boat from the coast.
Yes. The island is well known for its population of squirrel monkeys, small primates that live freely and readily approach visitors. Many unafraid agoutis also inhabit the island.
A hiking trail circles the island in approximately 1h30, passing several viewpoints and Amerindian grinding stones.
The surrounding waters are home to green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) and manatees, all fully protected marine mammals.
Wear suitable shoes for the rocky trail, keep food secured away from the squirrel monkeys, take all rubbish with you, and follow the marked paths to respect the wildlife and vegetation.
« Endroit magique, on a vu deux toucans en arrivant ! Sentier bien balisé, parfait pour la matinée. »
« Super site, l'eau est cristalline. Petit bémol : prévoir des chaussures qui tiennent bien, ça glisse. »
« Tip BTK validé : on y est allés à 8h, on était seuls. Vers midi c'est beaucoup plus fréquenté. »
« On a passé l'après-midi ici en famille, les enfants ont adoré la baignade. Vraiment un coup de cœur. »
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