Plage de Montjoly lies along the Atlantic coast in Rémire-Montjoly, a suburb roughly 10 km east of central Cayenne in French Guiana. The beach extends about 2 km between low wooded headlands and is one of the most accessible wildlife beaches in the region, reachable by taxi or private car without the long western journey required to reach Les Hattes. From April through August, leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles nest here after dark; encounters with nesting females are possible close to the capital on nights between May and July. During daylight hours the beach functions as the main swimming and leisure beach for Cayenne residents. The sand is coarse and golden, the Atlantic swell moderate, and a fringe of sea grape trees provides shade during midday heat. At the southern end of the beach a rocky promontory marks a popular spot for fishing and sunset photography, with views across the bay toward the horizon. Informal food stalls sometimes operate on weekends selling accras and grilled fish. The beach is monitored by ONF (Office National des Forêts) rangers during nesting season; red-light protocols are enforced after dark. Turtle monitoring from local conservation groups takes place on the beach most nights between April and August. The beach offers a dual purpose — swimming and wildlife — that makes it one of the most versatile natural sites within easy reach of Cayenne.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; turtle monitoring typically 21:00–06:00 during nesting season
- Best time
- April–August for olive ridley and leatherback turtle nesting
Location
Route de Montjoly, 97354 Rémire-Montjoly, French Guiana
4.9167, -52.2667 View on map
Highlights
- Sea turtle nesting within 10 km of Cayenne — olive ridley and leatherback turtles visit April through August
- Rocky southern headland offering sunset photography spots with views along the Guiana coast
- Functioning local beach with calm swimming sections suitable for families during the day
- Informal weekend food stalls serving Creole snacks and grilled fish
- Excellent birdwatching with frigatebirds, pelicans, and terns patrolling the surf line
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekday evenings during nesting season (May–July) for a quieter experience with fewer people on the beach
- Bring a red torch if planning to walk the beach after dark — white-light torches and flash are prohibited near turtles
- Swimming is generally safe on the calmer northern section; rip currents form near the rocky headland at the southern end
- Parking is free at the beach car park; taxis from central Cayenne cost approximately €15 each way
- ONF rangers are typically present from 21:00 during peak nesting months — ask them about nest activity on the evening
- Combine a daytime swimming visit with an evening return for turtle observation during May–July
When to visit
April through August for sea turtle nesting; May through July is peak for leatherbacks. Daytime visits are most pleasant from October through March during the drier season.
Accessibility
The beach car park is accessible by car and a compacted gravel path leads to the sand, manageable for some wheelchairs, but the sand itself is soft and uneven. There are no beach wheelchairs or dedicated accessible facilities.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Plage de Montjoly take?
A daytime beach visit typically lasts 1–3 hours. For turtle watching, plan to arrive around 20:30 and stay until at least midnight; encounters can happen at any point during the night.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes for daytime swimming with supervision. Night turtle watching suits older children who can stay quiet and follow instructions. There are no formal facilities at the beach.
Is photography of turtles allowed?
Photography without flash is permitted. Flash photography is prohibited on the beach at night as it disorients nesting females and hatchlings.