Anchor port · Tender required
Îles du Salut Cruise Port Guide — French Guiana
Explore Île Royale, discover the history of the French penal colony, experience tropical island nature and see the legendary Île du Diable from across the water.
The islands sit about 14–20 km offshore from Kourou. There is no large cruise berth; ships anchor and tender to Île Royale. Landing may be delayed or cancelled if swell, currents or weather make it unsafe.
Live port conditions — tender
Information not currently available — please check with your cruise line or local operator.
Saint-Joseph access
Information not currently available — please check with your cruise line or local operator.
No verified live update yet. Everything else on this page is general destination information (last reviewed October 2026).
How the day works
- Cruise ship
- →Tender
- →Île Royale
- →Explore on foot
- →Optional Saint-Joseph transfer
- →Return to Île Royale
- →Tender back to ship
From Île Royale: view only → Île du Diable
🔵 Île Royale — main landing
The largest island (about 28 ha) and where visitors land. Explored on foot.
- · Penal-colony buildings & prison ruins
- · Former hospital & director's house
- · Museum displays
- · Chapel, lighthouse, cemeteries
- · Coastal viewpoints over Saint-Joseph & Île du Diable
- · Monkeys, peacocks, iguanas
Walking: easy to moderate · natural, uneven paths, slippery after rain.
Facilities: visitor toilets; Auberge des Îles du Salut (dining & rooms). Not a shopping destination. Bring euros in cash; don't rely on phone signal or Wi-Fi.
🟢 Île Saint-Joseph
ACCESS SUBJECT TO SEA CONDITIONS. Inter-island transfer may be cancelled for safety reasons.
- · Former solitary-confinement cells
- · Prison ruins reclaimed by forest
- · Warders' cemetery
- · Forest paths & coastal scenery
Very limited facilities: no restaurant, café, shops, ATM, medical care or reliable toilets. Bring water.
🔴 Île du Diable — Devil's Island
No landing · no public access · no facilities
The smallest and most famous island, where Captain Alfred Dreyfus was imprisoned. Dangerous currents mean tourists cannot land.
See and photograph it from Île Royale or from the water — the Dreyfus site is viewed from a distance only.
The French penal colony
A heritage site of the French Guiana penal system — please visit respectfully. Explore prison buildings, administration, hospital, chapel, cells, guards' quarters and the museum.
Tropical island nature
Ruins mingle with palms, flowers and dense forest. Monkeys, peacocks, iguanas and tropical birds are common.
Do not feed wildlife. Keep a safe distance.
Swimming is subject to local conditions, weather, sea state and current safety instructions.
Short visit · about 1–2 h
- · Tender landing
- · Prison ruins & chapel
- · Museum area
- · Views of Île du Diable
- · Wildlife viewing
Half-day · about 3–4 h
- · Historical walking tour & museum
- · Former hospital, lighthouse, cemeteries
- · Tropical nature & viewpoints
Full island · about 4–6 h
- · All Île Royale heritage sites
- · Nature trails & wildlife
- · Île du Diable viewing
Saint-Joseph is left out until the transfer is confirmed operating.
Before you go
Bring
- · Comfortable walking shoes
- · Drinking water, hat & sun protection
- · Insect repellent, light clothes, rain layer
- · Camera
- · Euros in cash
Avoid
- · High heels or uncomfortable shoes
- · Expecting shops
- · Assuming Saint-Joseph is accessible
- · Assuming Devil's Island can be visited
- · Relying only on cards
Accessibility & safety
Paths are natural and uneven; some areas are not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility. Boarding the tender needs a safe step between ship and boat — check with your ship.
Îles du Salut is a remote island destination. Maritime conditions can change quickly. Tender operations and inter-island transfers are subject to weather, sea state and the ship's decision.
Times, prices and opening hours are never guessed here. Information not currently available — please check with your cruise line or local operator.
Can I make it back?
Enter your all-aboard time and how long it takes to get back to the ship (see the walking/driving times on the map).
Start heading back by 16:10
You have about 14 h 43 min to explore.
Estimate only. Always follow your ship's announced all-aboard time; traffic and tender queues can add delays.
Port essentials
Answers come from a live web search with source links, so you can check each fact.
Popular tour companies
Well-known global operators with tours in Îles du Salut. Each link opens their own page with their current prices and availability — we don't quote their rates here, so nothing you see is out of date. Always check the tour returns before all aboard.
Viator
Tripadvisor's tours marketplace
See live prices →
GetYourGuide
Tours, tickets and skip-the-line entry
See live prices →
Shore Excursions Group
Cruise-timed shore excursions
See live prices →
ToursByLocals
Private tours with local guides
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Klook
Activities and attraction passes
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Live local guide
Know Îles du Salut before you step ashore
Open a sourced port history, discover real local makers, or check what is current now. Results link directly to official businesses, venues and trusted local sources.
Prices, hours and availability are confirmed at the linked source.
No verified artisans listed in Îles du Salut yet
We are onboarding local partners in this port. If you host, make or cook here, get in touch and we will list you before the next call.
Apply to be listed in Îles du SalutVerified partners have confirmed their contact details, licence or registration, and their promise to return you to the ship well before all-aboard. Run a business here? Apply to be listed.
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