Devil's Island - See Old French Penal Colony on South America Cruise (2025)

Devil's Island in the Salvation Isles of French Guiana

Cruise ship passengers and other tourists are not allowed to visit Devil's Island, which is one of the three Salvation Islands, also known as Iles du Salut, of French Guiana off the coast of South America. The three Salvation Islands are named Devil's Island, St. Joseph Island, and Isle Royale, and are located about 10 miles from the mainland of South America.

Cruise ships sailing between the Caribbean and the Amazon River or between the Caribbean and Rio de Janeiro often stopover at the Salvation Islands so that their guests can learn about the history of the island group and see Devil's Island a short distance away.

It was a rainy morning when the Seven Seas Mariner anchored at Isle Royale in the Salvation Isles (Iles du Salut) off the coast of French Guiana. Devil's Island is just a short distance away.

Isle Royale Hotel near Devil's Island

Isle Royale is one of the three Salvation Islands, the most famous of which is Devil's Island.

Auberge des Îles du Salut is the Isle Royale Hotel.

Barracks Building near Devils Island

One of the barracks buildings on Isle Royale near Devil's Island.

Devils Island - South America Cruise Ship Port of Call

A look at Devil's Island from Isle Royale. The two Salvation Islands had different types of prisoners and were connected with a basket on a pulley system.

Isle Royale in the Salvation Islands Off the Coast of South America

The Salvation Islands are picturesque tropical islands today, but they were devoid of these lovely palm trees when the islands were used for prisoners.

Isle Royale - South America Cruise Ship Port of Call

Warden's Pool - Devils Island - South America Cruise Ship Port of Call

The waters surrounding the Devil's Island French penal colony are filled with sharks. The prison warden had the inmates dig this "swimming pool" near the shore so that his family could swim safely.

Isle Royale Swimming Pool and Devil's Island

Isle Royale Water Reservoir - Devil's Island Port of Call

This fresh water reservoir was dug by the prisoners using teaspoons. Yes, this large pool was dug one small spoonful at a time.

Iguanas on Devil Island

For iguana lovers - here's another good iguana photo.

Devils Island Prison Cell

In the 100+ years the Salvation Isles were used as a French penal colony, about 80,000 prisoners were sent to the islands. Only 30,000 lived to tell about it.

Devil's Island Prison Cell

Devil's Island Prisoner Restraints

Even the hospital had restraints to lock the prisoners down at night. This picture was particularly sobering for me.

Devils Island Hospital and Jail House

Devils Island - Prisoners' Toilets

These toilets certainly don't compare well with the bathrooms on the Seven Seas Mariner! We were happy to go back to the luxury of our cruise ship afterwards.

Devils Island Jail House

Hotel Cottages on Isle Royale Near Devil's Island

Church on Isle Royale near Devils Island

Devil's Island Agouti

Devil's Island - South America Cruise Ship Port of Call

Devil's Island Agouti

St. Joseph's Island in the Salvation Islands

Rainy Day on Devil's Island

It was a very rainy day when the Seven Seas Mariner visited Devil's Island. We all had to use our blue and white ship's umbrellas.

Seven Seas Mariner Off the Coast of Devils Island

Seven Seas Mariner Off the Coast of Devils Island