St Helena

For those longing to fully experience the untouched beauty of nature, St Helena is the perfect island escape. This remote and idyllic subtropical paradise offers a spectacular array of diverse landscapes – all just a few minutes away from each other.  Nestled in the South Atlantic Ocean, this unique island is brimming with incredible sights – from its soaring mountains and rocky cliffs to its crystal clear ocean waters and unbelievable biodiversity. Your friends will surely be jealous when they hear about your once-in-a-lifetime trip!  Visit St Helena for an unforgettable travel experience that is both relaxing and adventurous at the same time. Enjoy clean air, friendly locals, lush scenery, and activities like hiking, snorkeling, sailing, and more. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world while being surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.

Getting Around:  A weekly air service to St Helena is operated by Airlink from OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Flights arrive on Saturdays, returning the same day, except once every four weeks when a shuttle flight to Ascension takes place. On these occasions, the aircraft stays overnight on Ascension on the Saturday night, returning to St Helena on the Sunday for a brief stop before continuing on to South Africa.  Download the Flight Schedule to Oct 2023

Things To Do:  Visit Jamestown – the town’s streets echo with impressions recalling the past – Napoleon walked this way as did the Duke of Wellington, Captain Bligh, Edmund Halley, Charles Darwin and Captain James Cook. Jamestown’s overwhelming texture tells of colonial conquest, slavery, imperialist ideals, the age of sailing ships, war and exile. Jamestown has a unique quality; it’s a town which brings the past boldly into the present.

Post Box Walk – One of the best ways to tackle walking on St Helena is to start with the Post Box Walks, devised by the St Helena Nature Conservation Group (SNCG). With quirky names such as Lot’s Wife’s Ponds, Sharks Valley and Flagstaff, these walks cover some of the most scenic and untouched parts of the island. The 21 walks are rated on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10.

Plantation House visit – Plantation House is open for house tours. The tour takes visitors on a viewing of both the ground and first floor, with a look at Jonathan and his companions through the Tortoise Corridor ending with a complimentary cup of tea or St Helena coffee (guests can also purchase cream scones/cakes and souvenirs).

Marine Life –  Nearly 750 marine species have so far been recorded, with at least 50 of those being endemic. Divers and snorkelers will encounter a vast array of marine life including fish (of which 16 species are endemic) and various invertebrates including sea slugs and anemones (about 40 of which are endemic). Green and Hawksbill turtles are often seen and visits from devil rays are not uncommon. The island also has resident populations of Pantropical Spotted, Bottlenose and Rough-toothed dolphin and is seasonally visited by a number of transient species, including Humpback whales which can be spotted from June to December.

Being a Saint –  One of St Helena’s greatest attractions is its unique culture. The friendliness of the people; the feeling that one has stepped back in time to an era where greeting passers-by and chatting on the side of the road is a way of life; a great sense of community and pride in traditions and customs – these are but a few of the reasons why visitors to St Helena become enchanted with this rocky outcrop in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. Saint-ness is experienced with all of the senses, be it the taste of delicious local fishcakes, the wafting aroma of a cup of premium St Helena coffee, the sounds of a local band drifting up from the Wharf, the vibrant colors of a local parade or the straining of mind and muscle as you race up Jacob’s Ladder. Want to be a Saint? Here’s how to speak like a Saint, eat like a Saint, dance and sing like a Saint, celebrate like a Saint and even greet and drive like a Saint. Heritage & History – St Helena’s built heritage provides a significant legacy of historic buildings, fortifications and monuments, including what has been described as “the quintessential Atlantic port”, Jamestown.

Getting Around – Saint Helena Airport is the perfect destination for those who seek an unforgettable journey. Located on the remote island of Saint Helena, the airport links two of South Africa’s largest cities – Johannesburg and Cape Town – with a weekly flight that lasts just over six hours.
Once you land in this spectacular enclave, take the time to explore its unrivaled nature beauty, stunning harbor views, and colorful culture. Whether you’re in search of adventure or relaxation—or something in between—the journey starts right here at Saint Helena Airport.

The Culture – Step into St Helena’s unique world, where quaint villages and rolling hills merge with a culture steeped in warmth, friendship and tradition. For generations, the people of this beautiful island have welcomed visitors with open arms and generous hospitality. At the heart of it all is a great sense of community and pride that comes from dozens of celebrations throughout the year, including rich music festivals featuring traditional dance and dress, friendly cricket matches followed by lively barbecues, and heartfelt church services held every Sunday morning. Whether you spend your days exploring its historical relics or just relaxing at one of the breathtaking beaches, St Helena holds something for everyone. Come experience it all – where time stands still but friendship lasts a lifetime.

Currency: The local currency is the St Helena pound which is equivalent to the British Pound Sterling (GBP) that is accepted on the island.  Please bear in min that there are NO ATMs, cash advances from major debit and credit cards can be obtained at the Bank of St Helena for a 5% charge or min of £2.50. The local Bank offers a Virtual Prepaid GBP Cash Card called the Tourist Card that allows visitors to access a virtual bank card available on a mobile device to make payments on-island using the local card payment system called St Helena Pay. For more information and to apply for a Tourist Card, visit the Bank’s official website here.

What is the weather like?  Welcome to St Helena, an island unrivaled for its beauty and natural diversity. Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, this remarkable destination offers a mild climate that is controlled by the South Atlantic High Pressure Cell and Equatorial Trough – where even rainy mornings can turn into bright sunny afternoons.  Experience all the wonders of St Helena, from beautiful landscapes to rich marine life. You won’t find seasons here since no drastic weather patterns exist – so plan your visit any time of year! Find joy in every step you take, watching as plants sway with gentle trade winds, or feeling awe-struck from the view atop Mount Actaeon. With its diverse array of offerings and unparalleled climate, St Helena is one destination you don’t want to miss!

The St Helena Island Landscape – Tucked away in the south Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena is an ancient volcanic island of unique beauty and grandeur. Visitors to the island can marvel at its stunning scenery, from its craggy coastline to its majestic ridges and sweeping vistas. The lush flora and fauna, which thrive here thanks to a mild climate year-round, contribute to the area’s diverse natural wonder.  Uncovering the secrets of St. Helena takes time – but it’s worth it. A deep dive into the island’s unique geology reveals stories of a volcanic hotspot that’s been active for over 145 million years, as well as evidence of centuries-old human activity – evidence that still abounds today in easily accessible ruins scattered across this fascinating landscape.