Rémire-Montjoly

Rémire-Montjoly holds the best of the Cayenne peninsula: the long Montjoly and Gosselin beaches where leatherback turtles nest on spring and summer nights, the Rorota trail looping through forest on the hill with sloths in the trees above it, the ruins of the Vidal sugar mill among the palms, and Fort Diamant on the point. For a suburb it packs in more than the capital itself.

What you actually see

• The turtle beaches - leatherbacks nesting at night in season.
• The Rorota trail - the forest loop on the hill, sloths overhead.
• The Vidal mill ruins - the old sugar works among the palms.
• Fort Diamant - the small fort guarding the point.

When to go

April to July is the leatherback nesting peak, at night. July to November is the dry season for the trail and beaches. Turtle watching follows the rules or not at all.

Honest expectations

The sea is murky Atlantic water with strong currents, not a swimming paradise. Turtle nights mean red lights, distance and patience. Car break-ins at trailheads happen - leave nothing visible.

Nearby

Cayenne is west, and the Mahury port is south.