Cruise port Ile Royale (Devil's Islands)
Info for port Ile Royale (Devil's Islands) on 17 Oct 2026
Port information & tips for Ile Royale (Devil's Islands)
Île Royale is part of the historic Îles du Salut archipelago off the coast of French Guiana, enchanting visitors with a fascinating blend of untouched nature and colonial heritage. The island captivates with its lush tropical vegetation, which today picturesquely surrounds the ruins of the former penal colony, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Among the most significant sights are the historic chapel, the former house of the prison director, and the lighthouse, visible from afar. Since cruise ships usually anchor offshore, passengers reach the central pier (Débarcadère) comfortably by tender boat and, thanks to the short distances, find themselves immediately in the midst of the historic complex, which is also perfectly accessible through picturesque circular walking trails.
The Îles du Salut, with the main island of Île Royale, are a unique cruise destination off the coast of French Guiana and are typically visited as a tender port by cruise ships. For guests from the DACH region, the journey first leads to French Guiana, from where the islands can be reached by catamaran or ferry.
Airplane
Travel for cruise guests from the DACH region is primarily by plane via Cayenne - Félix Eboué International Airport (CAY) in Matoury, near the capital city of Cayenne. Although there are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, the airport is an easily accessible hub thanks to regular connections with Paris. Due to the long flight time, plan to arrive at least one day before your scheduled ferry crossing to Île Royale.
Transfer & Ferry
From Cayenne Airport (CAY), you can easily reach Kourou, the main departure point for ferries to the Îles du Salut, by shuttle, taxi, or rental car. The drive to Kourou takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with shuttles being the most affordable option (approx. 1 hour travel time). In Kourou, several local providers such as Promaritime Guyane and Tropic Alizés offer daily catamaran or ferry connections to the islands, which take about one hour. Free parking is available directly at the Port de Plaisance in Kourou, near the Hôtel des Roches.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Planning
For a relaxed start to your trip, we recommend staying overnight in Kourou or Cayenne. This allows you to acclimatize to the tropical climate and reach the ferry connection to the Îles du Salut without stress. In Kourou, you will find various hotels such as the Hôtel des Roches or the Mercure Kourou Ariatel, which provide a good base for your excursion. Please note that Île Royale itself does not have traditional terminals, as cruise ships anchor off the coast and bring passengers ashore via tender boats.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 17 Oct 2026
