St. Helena UK TerritoryCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
There is no pier capable of docking cruise ships at St. Helena; vessels anchor in James Bay and ferry passengers ashore by Zodiac or lifeboat tender to a small concrete jetty in Jamestown. The landing area and entire Jamestown are immediately accessible on foot — the town's Main Street begins at the wharf. However, the island's main attractions (Longwood House, Napoleon's Tomb, Diana's Peak, Plantation House/Jonathan) are in the central and eastern parts of the island, requiring vehicle transport. The island is only 16 km long and 8 km wide, but roads are narrow and steep. Taxis and local minibus tours are available at the jetty; half-day organized island tours from local operators cost approximately £30–50 per person including Longwood House, Napoleon's Tomb, and Plantation House (Jonathan the tortoise). Car hire is also available from Jamestown for self-guided exploration.
Attractions and Activities
Longwood House (Napoleon's exile residence): £5–10 entry; managed by the French Consulate as an official French government property. Napoleon's Tomb (original burial site): Free; a peaceful garden valley — the actual sarcophagus is in Les Invalides, Paris, but the setting is hauntingly appropriate. Plantation House and Jonathan the tortoise: Free garden access; the world's oldest land animal lives on the front lawn of the Governor's residence — an astonishing encounter. Jacob's Ladder (699 steps): Free; a 10-minute walk from the Jamestown jetty — the steep iron staircase provides a genuine cardiac workout and spectacular harbor views from the top. Diana's Peak National Park: Free; hiking trails through mist-forest to the 818-meter summit pass gum trees, tree ferns, and endemic wirebird habitat. The castle and museum (Jamestown): Free or small fee; exhibits on island history from East India Company to Napoleon. Heritage walks of Jamestown's Georgian architecture: Self-guided using free town map from the tourism office near the jetty.
Dining & Shopping
Jamestown has a handful of restaurants and cafes concentrated on Main Street. St. Helena cuisine reflects its unique multicultural heritage (Creole community of mixed African, Asian, and European descent): fish cakes, tuna steaks, goat stew, 'St. Helena curry' (a mild, spiced meat and vegetable dish), and 'plo' (a pickled fish preparation) are local specialties. The local coffee — St. Helena coffee, grown in the island's fertile central highlands — is one of the world's rarest and most expensive coffees, praised for its distinctive citrus-floral character; a small cup is an experience worth seeking. Napoleon's Tomb area has a small cafe. Main Street has a few curio shops selling island-themed items: Napoleon memorabilia, St. Helena coffee (whole beans and ground), endemic plant seeds, and local craft items. Postage stamps are highly collectible. The annual bulletin of Jonathan the tortoise's official portrait is a popular souvenir. Supplies and variety are limited — the island is genuinely remote.
Weather
Saint Helena in the remote South Atlantic has a mild subtropical climate with temperatures year-round between 64°F and 79°F (18–26°C), moderated by southeast trade winds with little seasonal variation. The island is accessible year-round by air or the occasional cruise ship, with the exposed South Atlantic swells occasionally making tender operations challenging. Pack lightweight clothing and a windproof layer for the constant trade winds.
Safety
St. Helena is exceptionally safe — one of the most peaceful and crime-free communities anywhere, with a population of under 5,000 people. The primary hazards are physical: Jacob's Ladder is strenuous (699 near-vertical steps) and should be attempted only by those with adequate fitness; sturdy shoes are essential. Mountain and coastal paths can be steep and slippery after rain. The tender landing in James Bay is weather-dependent — swells occasionally cancel or delay tender operations. Medical care: St. Helena has a small government hospital in Jamestown with one or two doctors; serious medical emergencies require air evacuation to South Africa (weekly flights). The island's isolation means that medical insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly advisable.
Currency and Language
St. Helena Pound (SHP), equivalent in value to the British Pound Sterling (GBP). GBP is accepted everywhere. As of 2026, approximately 0.79 GBP per USD. Limited ATM availability in Jamestown (Bank of St. Helena); bring GBP or USD cash. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and shops; cash is preferred for smaller transactions. USD is widely understood and accepted at tourist venues.