This full-day boat tour visits Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands), the offshore site of France's most infamous penal colony. The three islands, Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph and Devil's Island, are located 15 kilometers off the French Guianese coast and were used as a penal colony from 1852 to 1953.
The tour combines maritime travel with historical exploration. The penal colony operated for over a century and processed roughly 70,000 prisoners. Today, the islands preserve significant ruins: prison cell blocks, the chapel, the director's house, the hospital and solitary confinement cells.
What to expect
Departure from Kourou Harbor at 8:00 AM. The catamaran voyage takes approximately 1 hour to reach Îles du Salut.
Upon arrival, the catamaran anchors near Île Royale. Passengers transfer to shore via tender boats. Self-guided exploration of Île Royale follows, walking paths connect:
- The director's house (now a small hotel and restaurant) - The chapel (still in use, with original frescoes) - The prison hospital ruins - The cellular blocks (where most prisoners were held) - Coastal viewpoints with views of Devil's Island
A second tender brings groups to Île Saint-Joseph for exploration of the solitary confinement cells. Devil's Island itself is closed to visitors due to dangerous currents. The catamaran circumnavigates the island so passengers can view it from the sea, with commentary on its history, including the imprisonment of Alfred Dreyfus and the islands' portrayal in Henri Charrière's memoir Papillon.
Lunch is available for purchase at the Auberge des Îles du Salut on Île Royale (euros, not included in the tour). Time included for swimming at Île Royale's beach (where allowed; some areas have strong currents).
Return to Kourou by approximately 4:30 PM, with arrival at 5:00 PM.
Bookings and payments are handled securely through WeTravel, our booking partner.
- Round-trip catamaran transportation: Kourou to Îles du Salut
- Tender boats to islands
- Self-guided access to Île Royale and Île Saint-Joseph
- Bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages on board
- Guide service (optional, USD 190 per day per guide for group or individual, available in French, English, Dutch and Spanish, must be requested at booking)
- Meals, including lunch (a buffet is available for purchase at the Auberge des Îles du Salut on Île Royale, euros required)
- Hotel transfer to/from Kourou harbor (arrange own transportation)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for guide or crew
- Travel insurance
Often combined with the Guiana Space Centre tour for a fuller French Guiana program. Optional overnight stay at Auberge des Îles du Salut on Île Royale, contact us for current availability and pricing.
What makes this tour
Three historic islands, Île Royale (main facility), Île Saint-Joseph (solitary confinement), Devil's Island (political prisoner isolation, viewed from sea)
Penal colony ruins, preserved architecture in various states from 1852–1953
Catamaran travel, comfortable boat crossing through turquoise waters; swimming opportunities (depending on schedule and conditions)
Wildlife on islands, agoutis, peacocks (introduced), macaws, sea birds; vegetation reclaiming colonial structures
Self-guided exploration, walk the islands at your own pace; optional guide service for detailed historical commentary
Practical information
- Penal colony operated 1852–1953. The last prisoners left in 1953, though deportations ceased earlier.
- Île Royale offers basic accommodation at Auberge des Îles du Salut for travelers wishing to overnight.
- Devil's Island is not accessible due to strong currents.
You might also like
See all tours
Paramaribo UNESCO Heritage Tour
Half-day walking tour of Paramaribo's UNESCO-listed inner city: Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square, the wooden Basilica, and the mosque and synagogue standing side by side.
Best of Paramaribo Full Day
Combined full-day tour covering the three essential Paramaribo experiences: the UNESCO World Heritage city tour, Peperpot Nature Park and afternoon dolphin spotting on the Suriname River.
Commewijne District Day Tour
Full-day boat and walking tour of Suriname's plantation district: dolphin spotting on the rivers, a former coffee-and-sugar plantation, an 18th-century coffee estate now restored as a heritage resort, with lunch at Frederiksdorp.