Saint-Joseph Island

Île Saint-Joseph is one of the small islands of the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) off the coast of French Guiana. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean a short boat crossing from the mainland town of Kourou and sits with two neighbouring islands, Île Royale and Devil’s Island.

The island is visited mainly for the abandoned penal colony buildings and the island’s dense tropical vegetation. Day trips typically include guided walks among the ruined barracks and solitary confinement areas, with opportunities to view seabirds and coastal scenery.

From the mid 19th century until the mid 20th century the island was used as part of the French Guiana penal system; prison facilities were built to isolate inmates and many of those structures remain as ruins. The penal complex on the Salvation Islands is widely documented for its role in France’s colonial prison system.

Geographically the island lies offshore from Kourou on the northeast coast of South America. It is part of the territorial collectivity of French Guiana and is accessed only by boat from the mainland.

• Island group: Forms one of the three main islands of the Îles du Salut group alongside Île Royale and Devil's Island.
• Penal colony: Was part of the French Guiana penal colony that operated from the mid 19th century until the mid 20th century, and many ruined prison structures remain visible.

What to See #

• Penal ruins: Contains the remains of penal buildings and pathways through tropical vegetation; ruins are the main points of interest for day visitors.