Three jungle islands steeped in colonial infamy — ships anchor off Île Royale where crumbling penal colony buildings sleep beneath the palms, while the notorious Île du Diable looms just offshore, close enough to see but too dangerous to land.
Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Île Royale — the largest and most accessible of the three Salvation Islands. Île du Diable (Devil's Island) itself is typically off-limits due to dangerously strong currents.
💡 Pro move: French Guiana is an overseas territory of France. Euros are the currency. There is minimal tourist infrastructure: one small café/hotel and a few information panels. Bring cash, water, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes.
All vessels anchor offshore — there is no cruise pier; tenders or Zodiacs bring passengers to Île Royale's small jetty.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Anchor off Île Royale, tender ashore📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition / small ships | Anchor off Île Royale, Zodiac or tender ashore📍 | Tendered |
The Salvation Islands are about history, atmosphere, and wildlife — not organized tours. Most visitors explore independently on foot once ashore.
The French penal colony that operated from 1852 to 1953 left behind a haunting landscape: cell blocks, the solitary confinement building, guards' quarters, and administrative buildings slowly being reclaimed by the jungle. Alfred Dreyfus was held here; Henri Charrière's Papillon made the colony world-famous.
The small convict-built chapel on Île Royale, with its simple whitewashed interior, is one of the best-preserved structures on the island. A quiet, atmospheric stop amid the ruins.
With no predators, Île Royale's wildlife is remarkably tame. Large agoutis graze the ruins, capuchin monkeys move through the trees, macaws and other tropical birds call from the canopy, and seabirds wheel along the cliffs. Bring a camera.
From the northern tip of Île Royale you can look directly across the narrow, churning channel to Île du Diable — the island where Dreyfus spent five years in a small hut. It's overgrown, unreachable, and all the more evocative for it.
Île Royale's perimeter paths wind along dramatic rocky coastline battered by Atlantic swell, through coconut palms and jungle. The views across to Île Saint-Joseph and the South American mainland are striking on a clear day.
Île Royale is small enough to cover on foot in a few hours — the ruins, chapel, and coastal viewpoints are all connected by a network of jungle paths.
From the tender jetty, walk up to the main penal colony buildings — cell blocks, the solitary confinement ward, the former director's villa — then continue to the chapel and back along the ridge path. Wildlife is abundant throughout.
📍 Open in MapsA short walk from the ruins to the northern tip of Île Royale for the clearest views across the channel to Île du Diable. This is as close as you will get — stand where guards once watched, and look out at the island that defined a legend.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Devil's Island, Salvation Islands, French Guiana (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 6:44 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Feb | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 23 | 6:45 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Mar | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:36 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 6:23 AM | 6:37 PM |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 29 | 6:16 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 30 | 6:18 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 6:24 AM | 6:48 PM |
| Aug | 83°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 18 | 6:26 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 79°F / 26°C | 11 | 6:21 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 79°F / 26°C | 11 | 6:16 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:18 AM | 6:11 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 | 6:31 AM | 6:20 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to a small pier on Île Royale. Expect a steep walk up to the prison ruins, museum area, viewpoints, and paths around the island.
The tender is the required link between the ship and Île Royale. Seas and currents can affect operations, so follow the ship schedule closely.
Some calls have mainland guides available for historical context, while others are mostly self-guided. Book through the ship if you want narration or mobility help arranged in advance.
A short boat link to Île Saint-Joseph may be possible on some visits, depending on local operators and sea conditions. Confirm availability before leaving the tender area.
Upcoming cruises that call at Devil's Island, Salvation Islands, French Guiana. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.