Lac de Petit Saut is a large artificial lake created in 1994 by the construction of the Petit Saut hydroelectric dam on the Sinnamary River, approximately 90 km west of Cayenne in French Guiana. The dam now supplies approximately 60% of French Guiana's electricity. The lake covers around 365 km² of what was previously primary rainforest; the drowned treetops still emerge from the water surface across much of the upper lake, creating an eerie and photogenic landscape unlike anything else in the region. As the forest around the lake's margins recovered over the decades following inundation, the area became one of the most accessible wildlife-watching locations in French Guiana: giant river otters, black caimans, red and green macaws, Jabiru storks, and dozens of wading and waterbird species are regularly encountered on early morning boat tours. Local operators based in Sinnamary run dawn pirogue excursions of 3–5 hours departing around 06:00, navigating the drowned forest channels where wildlife density is highest. The dam access road can be reached without a boat for views over the lake and dam structure. Fishing for peacock bass (tucunaré) is also popular among local visitors. The lake is most spectacular at dawn when mist rises from the water and the morning light catches the skeletal tree forms emerging from the surface.
Good to know
- Hours
- Boat tours depart at dawn (~06:00) and dusk (~17:00); book through Sinnamary operators
- Best time
- Dawn for wildlife spotting (giant otters, birds, caimans)
Location
Petit Saut, 97315 Sinnamary, French Guiana
5.0665, -53.0521 View on map
Highlights
- Drowned forest landscape with submerged treetops emerging from the lake — a unique and photogenic environment
- Giant river otter sightings on early morning boat tours through the flooded forest channels
- Black caimans and Jabiru storks regularly observed on dawn pirogue excursions from Sinnamary operators
- Views of the Petit Saut hydroelectric dam supplying approximately 60% of French Guiana's electricity
- Accessible wildlife experience within 90 km of Cayenne requiring no long-distance travel
Tips for visiting
- Book dawn pirogue tours (departing around 06:00) through operators in Sinnamary; giant otter sightings are most likely in the first two hours of light
- Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars — wildlife tends to stay at distance on the open water surface
- Rubber boots or waterproof sandals are recommended as boat access points can be muddy
- The lakeside road from Sinnamary to the dam viewpoint is paved and driveable in a standard car
- Morning mist on the lake is densest in the wet season — sunrise visits offer the most dramatic photography
- Combine with a stop at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou (30 km further west) for a full day from Cayenne
When to visit
Dawn year-round for wildlife watching; October through January for optimal conditions when water levels are lower and morning mist is most dramatic over the drowned forest.
Accessibility
The dam viewpoint access road is driveable by standard car and has a paved parking area. Pirogue boarding involves stepping down onto floating docks which is difficult for visitors with limited mobility. No accessible boat tours are currently available.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a boat tour take?
Most dawn tours run 3–5 hours. Departures from Cayenne must be no later than 04:30 to reach the launch site by dawn; plan accordingly.
Are giant otter sightings guaranteed?
No, but Lac de Petit Saut is one of the most reliable locations for giant otters in French Guiana. Operators report sightings on the majority of tours during the dry season from August through November.
Is the lake safe for swimming?
Swimming is not recommended due to the presence of caimans and piranhas. The lake is used for boat tours and fishing only.