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Awala-Yalimapo is renowned for Plage des Hattes, a 5-kilometre beach. It is one of the last major nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles: from roughly February to July, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The site is protected by the Amana National Nature Reserve. The commune lies at the far north-west tip of French Guiana, between the mouth of the Mana river and the Maroni.
Plage des Hattes is well maintained and relatively clean. Several tables are available for picnicking and hammocks can be hung in the shade of the palm trees. Local artisans sell their crafts — sometimes made on the spot, such as carved calabashes. The beach is suffering from erosion: a large section has disappeared over recent years, likely linked to rising sea levels. Turtle poaching and egg theft, though reduced, continue, and illegal fishing remains a threat to marine turtles.
Plage des Hattes is one of the last major leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world. To protect it, the Amana National Nature Reserve was established. The commune of Awala-Yalimapo lies about 22 kilometres from Mana, at the far north-west of French Guiana: its territory is bounded to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the Maroni, to the south by Crique Canard, and to the east by a line crossing Pointe Isère.
To reach Plage des Hattes, enter the town of Mana: a signpost indicates the direction to Awala-Yalimapo. The commune is about 22 kilometres from Mana.
Leatherback turtles come to nest on Plage des Hattes from roughly February to July. It is one of the last major nesting sites for this species, protected by the Amana National Nature Reserve.
Enter the town of Mana: a signpost points toward Awala-Yalimapo. The commune is about 22 kilometres from Mana, at the far north-west of French Guiana.
Yes. The beach is well maintained and relatively clean, with several picnic tables and palm trees under which to hang a hammock. Local artisans sell their products there.
The beach is being eroded: a large section has disappeared in recent years, likely linked to rising sea levels. Turtle poaching and illegal fishing also remain dangers for marine turtles.
« 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. »
