Plage de l'île Saint-Joseph

Plage de l'île Saint-Joseph is a sandy beach on the eastern shore of the island in French Guiana, fringed with coconut palms and backed by remnants of old structures. The turquoise Atlantic waters lap against the shoreline, creating a setting where natural beauty and historical ruins coexist.

Saint-Joseph Island served as part of a French penal system operating from 1852 to 1953, marked by harsh confinement and high mortality rates among prisoners. The facility was eventually abandoned, leaving behind architectural evidence of this difficult era.

The island transformed from a place of punishment into a site where visitors can witness the remnants of French colonial rule. People today reflect on this history while enjoying the natural surroundings that contrast sharply with the island's darker past.

The beach is accessible only by boat from the mainland port of Kourou, typically as part of organized island-hopping tours that visit nearby islands as well. Visitors should arrange tours in advance and plan for a full day experience, as the crossing takes time and multiple stops are usually included.

The island harbors a rare colony of iguanas that roam freely among the ruins and are easily spotted by visitors. These reptiles have adapted to the abandoned structures and are now among the most noticeable features of the site.