Salvation Islands

The Salvation Islands (Îles du Salut) are a small archipelago off the coast of French Guiana near Kourou, best known for the 19th-20th century French penal colony established there. The penal colony operated from the mid-19th century until the mid-20th century and included high-security detention on one island.

The group comprises three main islands with preserved prison buildings, cells and related infrastructure. Ruins, interpretive displays and short walking routes occupy former administrative and convict areas; guided boat tours typically call at Île Royale to view the principal ruins and museum material. Wildlife around the islands includes seabird colonies and coastal marine life; some beaches are suitable for short visits from tour boats.

The penal system on the islands was built and operated by the French state during the 19th and early 20th centuries; the islands were used to house common and political prisoners and to isolate those considered dangerous or escape-prone. Over time the complex fell into disuse and the prison facilities were closed and abandoned, leaving substantial masonry ruins that are preserved as historic sites.

The islands sit in the Atlantic Ocean about 11-15 kilometres off the town of Kourou on the coast of French Guiana. The nearest settlement with transport links and visitor services is Kourou; access is by boat only and landing is controlled by local operators.

• Viewing point: Best views of the ruins and coastline are from the seaward paths on Île Royale; morning visits are cooler and reduce boat-swell.
• Logistics: Limited boat operators run scheduled trips from Kourou; there is no overnight tourist accommodation on the islands and visits are usually short (a few hours).

What to See#

• Îles du Salut (main islands): The main islands in the group are Royale, Saint-Joseph and Devil’s Island; Royale contains the largest concentration of preserved prison buildings and a small site museum while Devil’s Island was used for high-security solitary confinement.
• Access and landing: Located about 11-15 kilometres off the town of Kourou on the Guianan coast, the islands are reachable only by boat and are often visited on half-day guided tours that land on Royale.

The Salvation Islands (Îles du Salut) lie off the coast of Kourou in French Guiana. Reach Kourou by road (national route RN1 from Cayenne) by car or regional bus, then take the tourist ferry/boat from Kourou harbour to the islands (roughly a 20-30 minute boat ride); the departure pier is a short walk from Kourou town centre.

• Most visitor boats to the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) depart from the harbor at Kourou-plan your trip and buy tickets there rather than expecting on‑the‑spot transfers.
• Take the earliest boat practical: mornings are usually calmer at sea and you'll reach the islands before the bulk of day‑trippers and school groups.
• Join a guided walk on Île Royale and Île Saint‑Joseph to get historical context about the former penal colony and to see the main ruins and cemetery that many independent visitors miss.