Approach these islands as places of memory as well as tropical scenery. Boat schedules and sea conditions shape the day; choose a manageable walking plan and leave time to read the history.
The surviving buildings and landscape reveal the organisation of the former penal colony. Read the interpretation rather than relying on romanticised prison stories, and give the human history its due weight. Paths can be steep or slippery, with strong sun between shaded sections. Plan the circuit around your return boat and respect barriers around unstable structures.
Getting here
Book a licensed boat service from Kourou and follow its confirmed departure instructions. On arrival, use the marked visitor routes.
Location: Ile Royale French Guiana. Confirm final access locally.
Île du Diable, viewed as historical context; no visitor landing is proposed.Nicolas Richoffer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.
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Views towards Île du Diable
The view across the water helps explain both the closeness and isolation of the islands. Look from the authorised shore path and use interpretation to understand the separate roles of the sites. Île du Diable is not presented here as a visitor landing. Do not attempt a crossing or scramble onto closed shoreline areas; the historical perspective is available from the open circuit.
Getting here
Follow the permitted island path to a public outlook towards Île du Diable. This map marks Île Royale, not a landing on Île du Diable.
Location: Ile Royale French Guiana. Confirm final access locally.
Give the area at least a full day, with two nights when transfers or booked outings are involved. Keep a weather alternative and avoid rushing a return boat or road journey.
Before you book
Check current opening days and choose a walking route that suits your party. Reserve accommodation and any required transfers before filling the day with optional stops.
Leave time for a shaded pause and a second look at the river, shore or village streets from a permitted public place. Everyday details give the larger landscape its human scale.
Local life, one meal at a time
Eat & drink.
Ask about the day’s locally prepared dishes and seasonal produce, with Creole and other community traditions varying by place. Reserve meals outside larger towns and discuss ingredients directly with the kitchen.
Give the meal its own time in the day. Ask what is seasonal and discuss ingredients directly with the kitchen for allergies or dietary requirements. A comfortable pause leaves more attention for the next part of the visit.
Choose a base that fits the visit
Where to stay.
Hostellerie des Îles
An island accommodation enquiry. Confirm which island, room type, meals and boat connection are included.
An editorial enquiry choice, not an inspected property or a claim of ATA membership.
Ask the practical questions
Confirm the exact location, current operation, room access, meals and total price directly. Ask what is included in transfers and activities, and request written terms for a booking. Choose the base for the visit you want to make, not only for a photograph of the property.
Boats depart from Kourou, with meeting points varying by operator. Ask about cancellations, seasickness considerations and the time actually available ashore.
Go to the source
Useful information.
Use the operator for its current services, the venue for access arrangements and official advice for travel conditions. Confirm details for your dates before paying.
Reviewed 12 November 2026. Pacing and base suggestions are ATA editorial choices. Accommodation links are direct enquiry points, not inspected-property endorsements or claims of ATA membership. Confirm current services, access and terms. Photographs are credited beside the images and may show earlier conditions.
