Remire-Montjoly Beach
French Guiana
Remire-Montjoly Beach, locally known as Salines de Montjoly, is a unique natural coastal area located within the urban zone of Remire-Montjoly in French Guiana, France. Stretching approximately 1,200 meters along the Atlantic Ocean, it features a variety of biomes including dune ridges with desert vegetation, freshwater wetlands, mangrove forests, and beach habitats. Historically a natural salt evaporation pond, it was used for salt harvesting before becoming a protected area in 1985. The beach is an important nesting ground for three species of sea turtles: the leatherback, olive ridley, and green sea turtles. The adjacent freshwater wetlands attract migratory birds such as muscovy ducks and blue-winged teals, while the mangrove forest is the only publicly accessible one in French Guiana. The area also supports diverse amphibians, reptiles, and recently, giant otters. Managed by the Conservatoire du littoral, Remire-Montjoly Beach offers visitors walking paths through mangroves and an observation platform overlooking the lagoon. Recent municipal improvements include enhanced visitor facilities, secured access points, and infrastructure for people with reduced mobility, making it a valued natural and recreational site near the capital city, Cayenne.
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Tip: The best time to visit Remire-Montjoly Beach is during the dry season when trails and wildlife viewing are optimal. Visitors should consider exploring the observation platform for bird watching and walking the paths through the mangrove forest. Some parts of the area may be temporarily closed for restoration, so checking local updates before visiting is recommended. The site offers accessibility features such as a new bridge for people with reduced mobility. Booking is generally not required, and no specific ticketing is needed as it is a natural protected area.
Interesting facts
- •Remire-Montjoly Beach is a nesting site for three species of sea turtles: leatherback, olive ridley, and green sea turtles.
- •The area contains the only publicly accessible mangrove forest in French Guiana.
- •Giant otters have recently been observed inhabiting the wetlands of Salines de Montjoly.
- •The beach was historically a natural salt evaporation pond, not a man-made saltworks.
- •Migratory birds such as muscovy ducks and blue-winged teals frequent the freshwater wetlands behind the beach.
History
Originally a natural salt evaporation pond used for harvesting salt, Salines de Montjoly was designated a protected area in 1985 to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Over the years, the site has faced challenges from strong tides causing environmental damage, leading to partial closures for restoration starting around 2020.
The municipality of Remire-Montjoly began developing visitor facilities in 2021, enhancing accessibility and security.
These efforts reflect ongoing commitment to balancing conservation with public enjoyment of this coastal natural reserve near Cayenne.
Place Guide
Observation Platform
A publicly accessible platform overlooking the lagoon, ideal for bird watching and observing the diverse wetland ecosystem.
Mangrove Forest Trails
Several walking paths traverse the only publicly accessible mangrove forest in French Guiana, allowing visitors to experience this unique coastal biome up close.
