Devil's Island

Devil's Island

French Guiana

Explore the hauntingly historic penal colony where Alfred Dreyfus was imprisoned and uncover French Guiana's dark colonial past.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language French
🕐 Time Zone GFT (UTC-3)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Oct–Mar
🚢 Typical Duration 24-40 nights
💰 Price Range $5,349–$79,198 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to exploring the infamous penal colony ruins and the pristine natural beauty of French Guiana's Îles du Salut archipelago.

Cruises that visit Devil's Island

Build Your Day in Devil's Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Devil's Island These islands made a big impression on me. Island · ★ 4 · 0k
Insula Royale Interesting island and great history to be able to review as a tourist. Island · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Phare de L'Île Royale Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Royal Island Chapel Church · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Polissoir de l'île Royale Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Devil's Island

About Devil's Island

Devil's Island stands as one of South America's most intriguing cruise destinations, drawing travelers with its fascinating historical significance and dramatic natural setting. This former penal colony, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has transformed into a compelling port of call that offers cruise passengers a glimpse into a remarkable chapter of colonial history. Served by three distinguished cruise lines—Seabourn, Holland America Line, and Explora Journeys—Devil's Island welcomes approximately 25 cruises throughout the year, making it an accessible destination for those seeking something truly unique.

As a primarily port-of-call destination, Devil's Island typically features on longer expedition-style itineraries, with most cruises spanning 24 nights. The port serves as a fascinating waypoint on voyages that often combine South American exploration with more distant adventures, connecting to destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Bridgetown, and even the remote Falkland Islands and Antarctic experiences. The peak travel season runs from August through October and again from January through February, when weather conditions are most favorable for exploration.

Visitors can expect to explore the island's haunting prison ruins, learn about its storied past, and appreciate the lush tropical landscape that now reclaims much of the site. The port facilities provide convenient access to organized excursions, allowing cruise passengers to maximize their time ashore and fully appreciate this extraordinary historical landmark nestled along the South American coast.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Devil's Island Prison

Visit the infamous penal colony that once housed political prisoners and dangerous criminals. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers guided tours through restored cellblocks, guard towers, and the warden's quarters, revealing fascinating stories of escape attempts and life on this isolated island fortress.

2

Taste Creole Coastal Cuisine

Savor authentic Creole dishes featuring fresh seafood, cassava bread, and tropical fruits at waterfront restaurants near the port. Local specialties like grilled fish with plantains and coconut-based stews reflect generations of French Guianese culinary tradition.

3

Jungle Canopy River Excursion

Embark on a motorboat adventure through pristine rainforest waterways teeming with exotic wildlife including pink river dolphins, caimans, and tropical birds. Navigate narrow channels beneath towering trees to experience the raw beauty of South American wilderness.

4

Local Market Artisan Treasures

Browse the vibrant port-area markets for handcrafted souvenirs, colorful textiles, and local artwork created by Creole and indigenous artisans. Discover unique spices, rum, and traditional crafts unavailable elsewhere in the Caribbean.

5

Colonial Architecture Walking Tour

Stroll through charming streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, historic churches, and French colonial administrative structures. Learn about Devil's Island's complex past as a French territory and its evolution from penal colony to modern port destination.

Cruise Lines at Devil's Island

Cruises Departing From Devil's Island

Cruises Visiting Devil's Island

Ship Schedule at Devil's Island

Devil's Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in French Guiana

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Devil's Island known for?

It was the site of one of France's most infamous prisons, used to imprison criminals and political prisoners until 1953.

Can you visit Devil's Island today?

Today, visits are rare and highly restricted due to its remote location and safety concerns.

When did the prison on Devil's Island close?

The prison on Devil's Island closed in 1953.

What makes Devil's Island historically significant?

Its brutal penal history and isolation give it a lasting notoriety.