Devil's Island, French Guiana

The entire archipelago is a historical site, but the main points of interest are on Royale Island, where passengers disembark. Here you can explore the preserved ruins of the penal colony's administrative headquarters, including the hospital, the chapel, and the restored Director's House, which now contains a small museum. A key sight is the infamous solitary confinement block on St. Joseph Island, visible across the water. While Devil's Island itself is off-limits to visitors, you can view the small, rugged island and the reconstructed Dreyfus' Hut from Royale Island or a boat. Exploring these sites is done on foot and requires no travel time from the tender dock.

Due to the isolated location of the Salvation's Islands, there are no nearby destinations that are typically accessible during a standard cruise port call. The primary focus of a visit is exploring the islands themselves: Royale Island, where you land, and viewing Devil's Island and St. Joseph Island from the shore or your ship. The nearest mainland town is Kourou, approximately 15 kilometers away, which is home to the Guiana Space Centre. However, organizing independent travel from your anchored ship to the mainland and back is generally not feasible within the limited time in port.

Cruise ships do not dock at Devil's Island; they anchor offshore in the waters surrounding the Îles du Salut (Salvation's Islands). Passengers are transported to land via the ship's tender boats. The tenders typically arrive at a small concrete pier on Royale Island, the largest of the three islands and the former administrative center of the penal colony. From the pier, all attractions are accessible on foot. The landing area itself is very basic, but a short walk up the hill leads to a small gift shop, restrooms, and a cafe/hotel, which are the only amenities available to visitors.

As an overseas department of France, the official currency in French Guiana, including Devil's Island, is the Euro (€). While the small hotel and gift shop on Royale Island may accept major credit cards, it is highly recommended to have some Euros in cash for small purchases or in case of connectivity issues. US dollars are generally not accepted. There are no ATMs or currency exchange services available on the islands, so passengers should plan to acquire Euros before arriving, either on their cruise ship or at a previous port of call.

The Salvation's Islands are generally very safe for visitors, with the primary concerns being environmental rather than criminal. It is highly recommended to wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven paths and crumbling stone ruins safely. The sun is intense, so sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential to prevent sunburn and dehydration. Be mindful of the wildlife; while fascinating to watch, do not feed the monkeys, as they can be aggressive. Swimming is generally discouraged due to very strong currents and the presence of sharks; only enter the water in designated, protected areas if available.

Devil's Island has a hot and humid tropical rainforest climate year-round. Average daily temperatures consistently hover between 27°C and 30°C (80°F to 86°F). French Guiana experiences a long rainy season from April to July and a shorter one in December and January, though sudden, heavy downpours can occur at any time. Passengers should pack light, breathable clothing, a reliable rain poncho, insect repellent, and strong sun protection. The region is south of the main Atlantic hurricane belt, making major storms rare, but the weather is always a key factor in this equatorial climate.

There is no public or private transportation on Devil's Island or the other Salvation's Islands. Once your cruise ship's tender brings you ashore to the dock on Royale Island, exploration is done entirely on foot. Well-marked but sometimes rugged paths and trails connect the main historical sites, including the former prison buildings, the church, and the director's house. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are essential for navigating the terrain. The islands are small enough that all key points of interest on Royale Island can be reached by a leisurely walking tour.

Shopping opportunities on Devil's Island are extremely limited. A single, small boutique and gift shop is located on Royale Island, usually operating out of the Auberge des Îles du Salut (the island's inn). Here, visitors can find souvenirs related to the island's penal colony history, such as books, postcards, and memorabilia. You may also find locally themed t-shirts and small handicrafts. All prices are fixed in Euros, and haggling is not appropriate. This is the only retail establishment on the islands, so it is best to consider this a stop for historical mementos rather than a full shopping excursion.