Devil's Island
French Guiana
Devil's Island is the smallest of the Salvation Islands located about 14 km off the coast of French Guiana. Covering just 14 hectares, this rocky and palm-covered island rises 40 meters above sea level. Established in 1852 under Napoleon III's government, it became part of a French penal colony operating until 1953. Though the smallest island in the colony, it was notorious for housing political prisoners, including the wrongly convicted Captain Alfred Dreyfus. The island's harsh environment, surrounded by shark-infested waters and strong currents, made escape nearly impossible. Initially, it served as a leper colony before transitioning primarily to detain political prisoners. After the penal colony's closure, the island came under the management of the Guiana Space Centre, which has since restored historical buildings. Today, Devil's Island is a significant historical site attracting thousands of tourists annually, offering a glimpse into France's colonial penal history and the resilience of its prisoners.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during the dry season from August to December for more comfortable conditions. Access to Devil's Island is typically arranged via guided tours departing from Kourou, and it is advisable to book tickets in advance due to limited visitor capacity. While the island is small, exploring the historical sites requires moderate walking on rocky terrain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Discounts may be available for groups, students, or seniors through official tour operators. Note that the island is managed by the Guiana Space Centre, and access is controlled to preserve its heritage.
Interesting facts
- •Devil's Island was part of a French penal colony for 101 years, from 1852 to 1953.
- •The island is surrounded by shark-infested waters and strong cross-currents, making escape nearly impossible.
- •Alfred Dreyfus, a French army officer wrongfully convicted of espionage, was imprisoned here.
- •The island was initially used as a leper colony before becoming a political prison.
- •The Guiana Space Centre now manages the island and has restored historic buildings as monuments.
History
Devil's Island was named in the 18th century, reportedly by local indigenous Galibi people associating the island with an evil spirit.
It became part of the French penal colony system in 1852, primarily used for political prisoners.
Over its 101 years as a prison, many inmates died, escaped, or were released, with notable prisoners like Charles Delescluze and Alfred Dreyfus.
The island also served as a leper colony in the late 19th century before returning to political imprisonment during World War I.
The penal colony closed in 1953, and the island was later transferred to the Guiana Space Centre in 1965, which now maintains the site as a historical monument.
Place Guide
Dreyfus' Cell1895
The small cell where Captain Alfred Dreyfus was imprisoned. It has been restored and can be viewed from nearby Île Royale. This site symbolizes the island's role in political imprisonment and injustice.
