Devil’s Island Adventure Tours

Devil’s Island, off the coast of French Guiana, holds a haunting place in history and offers a striking contrast to the raw beauty that surrounds it. Once part of the infamous French penal colony known as the Îles du Salut (Islands of Salvation), Devil’s Island was reserved for political prisoners, including Captain Alfred Dreyfus, in the late 19th century. Isolated by treacherous waters and dense jungle, escape was nearly impossible, making it a chilling symbol of exile and suffering. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the prison complex on nearby Île Royale, the main island open to tourism. Crumbling cell blocks, colonial buildings, and rusted chains remain, slowly reclaimed by lush vegetation and echoing with untold stories. Boat trips from Kourou provide access to this dramatic and historic site, offering travelers a chance to walk through the past while surrounded by the tropical beauty of French Guiana’s coast. It’s a powerful, sobering stop for any explorer.