Director's House

Lonely Planet review

The old director's house on Île Royale, administrative center of the former penal colony, contains an interesting English-language history display and temporary exhibits; two-hour guided tours of the island (usually in French) begin here. Surprisingly abundant local wildlife includes macaws, agoutis, capuchins and sea turtles.

Carry a swimsuit and towel to take advantage of the white-sand beach on St Joseph; it's a refreshing place for a shallow dip but be extremely careful of the dangerous currents. The Centre Spatial Guyanais has a huge infrared camera on Île Royale and the islands are evacuated when there is an eastward launch from the space center.