Saint Helena is one of the most extraordinary cruise destinations on the planet — a tiny British Overseas Territory marooned in the South Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,200 miles from the nearest coastline. Known as the island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile, this volcanic speck of land rewards curious travellers with dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, and a warmth from locals that you simply won’t find in more tourist-trampled ports.
What to Expect When Your Ship Arrives
Saint Helena’s remote location means cruise calls here are relatively rare and genuinely special — treasure them. Your ship will anchor in the roadstead off Jamestown, the island’s only town and capital, as there is no deep-water pier capable of accommodating large vessels. You’ll be tendered ashore in small boats, which in itself gives you a cinematic first glimpse of the dramatic cliffs rising from the harbour.
Jamestown greets you with a single main street flanked by Georgian architecture — it’s compact, colourful, and easy to navigate on foot. Don’t be surprised if locals stop to chat; with a population of just around 4,500 people (known as “Saints”), the island has a refreshingly unhurried pace. Time ashore is precious, so have a loose plan ready before you step off the tender.
Top Things to Do and See
Your first stop should be Jacob’s Ladder — 699 near-vertical steps cut into the hillside above Jamestown. Climbing them is optional, but the panoramic views over the harbour from the top are absolutely worth the effort and the burning thighs.
History lovers will want to head straight to Longwood House, where Napoleon lived under British supervision from 1815 until his death in 1821. The rooms are preserved almost exactly as they were during his exile, and the French government still owns and maintains the property — a surreal historical footnote that makes the visit all the more compelling.
The island’s interior is strikingly different from its coastal cliffs. Rolling green hills, endemic flora, and cloud-capped peaks make for spectacular drives and hikes. Jonathan, the world’s oldest known land animal — a Seychelles giant tortoise believed to be around 190 years old — lives at Plantation House and is almost certainly available for a slow-paced encounter.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Saint Helena is one of the best places in the world to snorkel or dive alongside whale sharks between November and May. The island also offers excellent walking trails through its UNESCO-worthy biodiversity.
Best Local Food and Restaurants
Don’t leave without trying “fishy fishy” — a local dish of fresh tuna or wahoo, often served simply grilled or in a curry. The island’s location in the middle of the Atlantic means seafood is extraordinarily fresh. Anne’s Place on the main street in Jamestown is a beloved local institution serving traditional Saints cooking at very reasonable prices.
The Consulate Hotel, housed in a handsome old building near the seafront, is a reliable choice for a sit-down lunch with a cold local St. Helena beer. Look out for the island’s own coffee too — grown in small quantities in the island’s centre, it is considered among the finest in the world and is far more affordable here than anywhere else you’ll find it.
Shopping Tips
Saint Helena offers modest but meaningful shopping. The island is known for its high-quality lace and embroidery, traditionally made by local women — these make genuinely unique souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The St. Helena Tourist Board shop in Jamestown stocks locally made crafts, books about the island’s history, and the famous locally grown coffee.
Look out for stamps too — Saint Helena’s postal service has issued beautifully designed commemorative stamps for decades, and philatelists will have a field day. Given the small size of the island’s high street, budget less time for shopping and more for exploring.
Practical Travel Tips
- Time ashore is limited: Most cruise itineraries give you six to eight hours, so prioritise your must-sees the night before.
- Hire a taxi or local guide: Roads are steep and winding, and local drivers know the island intimately. Many offer informal guided tours for a fixed price — negotiate at the tender pier.
- Cash is useful: Most businesses accept British pounds (the island’s currency), and card facilities, while increasingly available, are not universal.
- Weather: Saint Helena sits in the South Atlantic trade winds and is generally mild year-round, though conditions can be breezy. Pack a light layer.
- Don’t miss the views from Diana’s Peak, the island’s highest point at 818 metres — on a clear day the 360-degree panorama is simply breathtaking.
Saint Helena is the kind of port that stays with you long after your ship has sailed back over the horizon. It asks for your curiosity and your time, and in return it offers history, wilderness, and human connection in a form that feels increasingly rare in modern travel. If your cruise itinerary includes this extraordinary island, count yourself among the lucky few.
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📍 Getting to Saint Helena Saint Helena
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.