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5. What to Do
Planning Your Trip to St Helena Island
Where is St Helena Island?
About 1,200 miles off Africa's southwestern coast in the South Atlantic Ocean, St Helena is one of the world's most remote islands. It forms a British Overseas Territory with Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Its volcanic origin dates back to around 11—14 million years ago, when the breccia and basalt lava flows of the Northeastern Volcanic Centre formed due to undersea eruptions. Its formation has since resulted in flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Around 94% of the British endemic species lie within its Overseas Territories and, of the 1,547 species, St Helena holds the majority of over 500 and counting.
Diverse scenery ranges from untouched volcanic landscapes to forested mountains descending into subtropical interiors and craggy coastlines, collectively boasting superb biodiversity as a result.
When is the best time to visit St Helena Island?
St Helena is a year-round destination. Summer is from December—March and the winter is May—August. Diving is at its best in the summer months with the arrival of whale sharks in January—March.
As there are minimal changes to the climate season upon season, the weather on St Helena Island lends well to activities such as birdwatching for the endemic St Helena plover (wirebird). If you experience a dull, rainy morning, the most likely chance is that it leads to a bright, sunny afternoon!
Getting to St Helena Island
Flights to St Helena Island from the UK
St Helena Airport is the only international airport on the island, located near Jamestown.
From the UK, it's on average a six-hour flight with a 30-minute re-fuelling stop at Walvis Bay. To extend your trip to Africa, Airlink operates fortnightly flights between Johannesburg and St Helena. Speak with our Travel Specialists to tailor your stay.
British citizens are required to present an entry permit and proof of medical insurance upon arrival. Entry permits cost £20 per person. There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter St Helena.
History and Culture of St Helena Island
What is the history of St Helena Island?
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and settled by the British in 1659 (initially under the British East India Company and then the British Crown), St Helena Island history is fascinating, which in turn touches upon many aspects of world history. It was named after Saint Helena, a Christian saint, and has been a place of exile for key prisoners, including some 6,000 Boers, King Dinuzulu, Bahraini princes and French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte from 1815—1821. You're immersed in this history during your visit.
Culture and society on St Helena Island
St Helenians are known as 'Saints', with many residents identifying as British, despite the island’s transient history. So, you'll feel right at home when visiting. On a journey along one of the 21 Post Box hikes or during time exploring places such as Jamestown, you may greet passers-by and have a chat.
The St Helena Island population is around 4,439, so there's a small community feel where everyone seems to know everyone. During your trip, you can have dinner with one of the local families to get a sense of their way of life on the island, sampling their cuisine and understanding St Helenian culture.
"I’ve travelled a lot, and the people of St Helena are probably the friendliest and most welcoming of anywhere I’ve been. I felt like a friend rather than a visitor. St Helena very much feels off-the-beaten-track, with rugged scenery unspoilt by tourism." - Nikki Lynas, Africa Travel Specialist
Places to Visit on St Helena Island
Jamestown
Nestled in a narrow valley in the northwest, Jamestown is the capital and port of St Helena. Exploring here immerses you in unspoiled Georgian architecture, like the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere – Saint James. Also head to Jacob's Ladder, a Grade I-listed staircase overlooking the town.
One of our favourite St Helena hotels is The Mantis – a stylish and comfortable retreat in Jamestown with oodles of old-world charm. After exploring the town, the hotel is the perfect place in which to rest up for tomorrow's adventure, with a large restaurant, cocktail bar and guest lounge for you to enjoy.
Longwood House
Heading further inland east of Jamestown to the Longwood district takes you to Longwood House, the final residence used during Napoleon's exile. Nowadays, it acts as a museum that showcases where he once lived and eventually died in his later years. After he passed away, the building reverted to the East India Company and later to the Crown before being sold to the French Government who now own it. Thousands of visitors come here annually to tour the premises along with Napoleon's initial tomb nearby.
Millennium Forest
A National Trust conservation project, the Millennium Forest is located near the east coast of the island. The site was originally a huge forest that was cleared when the British settlers arrived. Its landscape turned to semi-desert land and the goal is to restore the endemic vegetation to its former glory.
As well as being able to plant your own tree, you can also spot the endemic St Helena plover (wirebird)! Conservation efforts have helped to move it from critically endangered to vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. During the last census in 2023, a total of 592 adults, 41 juveniles and 25 chicks were counted.
Plantation House
Plantation House is the official home of St Helena's Governor and the oldest living terrestrial animal, Jonathan – a 192-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise. You can tour the residence (at the discretion of the Governor's partner, who spends most of their time at the house) and see the 'Governor’s Room', 'Admiral’s Room', 'Baron’s Room' and 'General’s Room'. By entering the paddock, you'll meet several tortoises including Jonathan, who first arrived to the island in 1882 aged just 50-years-old!
Wranghams Estate
Be sure to visit Wranghams Estate on your holiday to St Helena. The small, family-run coffee farm produces a velvety smooth, medium roast blend that's simply divine. With notes of florals, citrus, honey, berries and stonefruits, one cup will leave you craving more. While there, a bag will only cost you £10.
To see how the final product is made, you're given an overview of the coffee production process, from the growth of the plants to the final roasted beans. As well as learning about this intriguing journey, you're even treated to the sight of the lush Sandy Bay scenery surrounding you, all with a brew in hand.
What to do on St Helena Island
Hiking and Trekking
St Helena offers many ways to explore its beautiful eco-systems.
One of those is through the 21 Post Box Walks. Each vary in terms of difficulty, but all end with a post box that has a guestbook to sign and stamp to collect, showcasing your efforts in traversing the island.
Along the way, you're introduced to spectacular flora and fauna, including the national flower, the St Helena ebony, which brings a pop of white to the landscapes. On the Blue Point Post Box hike, you're taken through the 'Gates of Chaos' (heavily eroded cliffs) and left awe-struck by its natural splendour.
E-Bike Tour
Why not discover the island by e-bike? You're joined by your guide, Martin (who's actually the Minister for Health!) and set out to explore the gorgeous landscapes beyond you. On the ride, you learn a lot about the island, the locals' way of life and the day-to-day issues which they face and look to conquer.
Whale Watching
Humpback whales migrate to St Helena Island and are most often sighted from June to December. The warm waters provide the perfect conditions for them to give birth to their calves. And, if you're lucky enough, you may see a mother with their baby in tow passing by James Bay close inshore.
Whale shark watching is also possible in St Helena's waters. Take a boat out onto the waters with your knowledgeable guide, who'll take you to the most reliable spots for sightings. They do come close to the surface, so you may be able to see them from the boat if you aren’t comfortable getting into the water.
Top Tip: "If you want to spot whale sharks, make sure you plan your trip during their nearby migration season, between January and March." - Candice Buchan, Head of Rainbow
Napoleon Tour
Conducted by Michel, the French Consul, this tour starts at Briars House – where Napoleon stayed for the first two months of his exile. Then continue to Longwood House, where he spent the majority of his exile, and further to his now empty tomb. It’s in a beautiful, peaceful spot where you have time to reflect.
Diving and Snorkelling
St Helena is excellent for scuba divers, as you’ll discover all sorts of sunken shipwrecks such as Papanui and biodiverse marine species like the St Helena butterflyfish. Part of the whale shark tour takes you underneath the surface (should you wish to) and introduce you to the vibrant marine life living there.
On a guided exploration, whether underneath surface or cruising above the waves, you may see bottlenose and pantropical dolphins (year-round) and, on the rare occasion rough-toothed dolphins.
Peak visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling is from December—May.
Further Reading: Top 10 Things to Do on St Helena
Why You Should Visit St Helena Island
The island of St Helena is a joy to experience. The mix of a unique history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty truly sets it apart, providing a different African holiday from what you'd usually expect.
Since the twice-weekly flights have been introduced during the summer months (December—March), there's never been a better (or easier) time to visit than now. The biodiverse volcanic island has a bounty of activities and excursions to keep nature lovers busy, and wanting to come back for more!
Speak with our Africa Travel Specialists to plan your tailor-made holiday to St Helena Island.
Candice Buchan
Travel Specialist
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