DEVIL’S ISLAND
Devil’s Island, French Guiana, isn’t your usual cruise ship port. It’s part of a set of 3 islands, Ile du Diable, Ille Royale, and Ille Ste-Joseph, which housed the penal colony of Cayenne, a French penal colony, that operated for 100 years.
The prison officially opened in 1852, and it’s where criminals from the Second French Empire were sent. Most were political prisoners, and they were notoriously treated terribly.
After decades of escape, war, hardship, and woe, the operations were shuttered in 1953. (Read all about it in Dry Guillotine by Rene Belbenoit.) The island remained purposeless until responsibility was transferred to Guiana Space Center in 1965.
Today, Devil’s Island is closed to the public, but the other two are open. Tenders will go to Ile Royale, and there are multiple walking paths that take your around. There is a giftshop, restaurant, and the Commandant’s House Museum. But mostly this port of call is about wandering the paths and soaking up the history.
Tips: Keep a keen eye for wildlife! Monkey and Agouti spottings are quite common. And good walking shoes are highly advised.
PORT FAST FACTS
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DOCKED OR TENDERED?
Tender Port.
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TERMINAL BUILDING OR PIER?
Pier.
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WIFI AVAILABLE?
No.
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PUBLIC RESTROOMS ASHORE?
Not right by the port upon most recent visit.
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TOURIST INFORMATION?
Not upon most recent visit.
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MAPS AVAILABLE?
Not upon most recent visit.
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TAXIs / PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
No.
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ATMs / MONEY EXCHANGE?
No.
PORT AREA PHOTOS
