Popular Destinations in French Guiana
Salvation Islands
There is an interesting legend behind the Salvation Island that makes this
place an attraction to visit. Frenchman Henri Charriere was wrongly
convicted of a murder in 1931. He was sent to the Salvation Island for life
imprisonment where shark-filled waters lash the shores. He survived 12
years of horrific conditions and then escaped to Venezuela. A trip to this
island brings his story to life. The buildings on the island have been
converted to hotels and various other tourist facilities, and a wide range
of wildlife now inhabits the island, including monkeys, agouti, and macaws.
There is also a gift shop from where tourists can buy postcards stamped
"Devil's Island."
Ilet la Mere
The lovely little monkeys are the main attraction at the beautiful little
Ilet la Mere. It is an uninhabited island located about a 30-minute boat
trip from Degrad des Cannes. These monkeys are gentle and jump on visitors’
shoulders and rifle through their bags. Tourists can click photos with the
monkeys. Some of the other popular things to do on the island include
swimming in the small beach, enjoying a picnic, and strolling around the
walking trails. Tourists must bring their own food as the island has no
such facilities.
Tresor Nature Reserve
Tresor Nature Reserve is located around 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Cayenne.
The reserve boasts wildlife-rich marshes of Kaw covering thousands of
square kilometers and includes a huge area of the Kaw ecosystem and is an
excellent place to view black caimans, as well as an affluent variety of
bird life such as scarlet ibis. Tourists can explore the wetlands using
guided tours provided on local boats.