Saint Helena Travel Guide: Plan Your Remote Island Escape

Why visit Saint Helena?

Rising abruptly from the depths of the South Atlantic Ocean, Saint Helena is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. For centuries, this volcanic outpost was a critical stopover for sailing ships trading between Europe and the East Indies. Today, the island offers travelers a rare, slow-paced escape defined by sheer sea cliffs, lush green microclimates, and an extraordinarily warm local community known as the 'Saints'.

The opening of Saint Helena Airport has made this once-isolated island accessible via scheduled weekly flights from Johannesburg, replacing the multi-day voyage on the historic RMS St Helena. Visitors are drawn here to hike the rugged Post Box walks, encounter ancient giant tortoises like Jonathan (the world's oldest living land animal), and trace the historic exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, who spent his final years at Longwood House.

Jonathan the Tortoise

Meet the Seychelles giant tortoise residing at Plantation House, officially recognized as the oldest known living land animal.

Jacob's Ladder

Climb the 699 steep stone steps rising directly from Jamestown to Ladder Hill for panoramic valley and ocean views.

Napoleon's Exile Sites

Tour Longwood House, the Briars Pavilion, and the empty Tomb of Napoleon to trace the emperor's final years of exile from 1815 to 1821.

Diana's Peak National Park

Hike through rare cloud forests to the island's highest point at 823 meters to spot endemic plants found nowhere else on earth.

Whale Shark Snorkeling

Swim alongside gentle whale sharks that gather in the clear, deep coastal waters of the island between January and March.

Post Box Walks

Explore a network of 21 self-guided trails ranging from easy coastal paths to challenging scrambles across volcanic ridges.

Popular regions

Jamestown

The historic capital nestled in a narrow volcanic ravine, featuring Georgian architecture, the Castle, and the main harbor front.

The Peaks and Interior

The cool, lush highland heart of the island where cloud forests, pastures, and historic estates like Plantation House lie.

Longwood and Eastern Plains

An arid, windswept plateau home to Napoleon's final residence, the airport, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

When to visit Saint Helena

Based on average conditions in Saint Helena.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temperature	24°	25°	26°	25°	24°	22°	21°	20°	20°	20°	21°	22°
Rain	3d	4d	4d	3d	3d	4d	6d	6d	5d	4d	3d	3d
Crowds	High	High	Med	Med	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Med	Med	High

Cold
Comfortable / dry / low crowds
Cool–hot / typical / moderate
Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Saint Helena

Length of Stay

7 to 14 days

Flights are usually weekly, meaning trips naturally structure around 7-day increments.

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the warmest period of the year, perfect for hiking and snorkeling with whale sharks.

Gateway

Johannesburg (JNB)

Airlink operates scheduled flights to Saint Helena from O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Primary Focus

Heritage, Hiking, and Marine Wildlife

Ideal for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and travelers looking to disconnect from the modern world.

Getting around Saint Helena

Car Rental

Essential for exploring the island independently. Roads are narrow, steep, and winding; local etiquette requires yielding to uphill traffic.

Public Buses

A limited bus network connects Jamestown with outer districts, operating mostly on specific days and tailored to local commuting schedules.

Taxis

Available in Jamestown, but it is highly recommended to book them in advance, especially for evening journeys or airport transfers.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

Budget
£70 - £120 per day
For travelers staying in self-catering units, preparing meals with local groceries, and utilizing the limited bus system.
Mid-range
£120 - £250 per day
Covers guesthouse accommodation, dining out at local pubs, car rental, and participating in guided tours.
Luxury
£250+ per day
Includes high-end heritage hotel stays, private guided excursions, daily car hire, and premium dining experiences.

Almost all goods are imported, meaning grocery prices and restaurant menus reflect high shipping costs. Cash (GBP or SHP) is highly preferred; card acceptance is growing but not universal, and there are no ATMs on the island—only cash withdrawals at the Bank of Saint Helena.

Food & drinks

Plo (spiced local one-pot rice and curry dish)£6 - £10
Saint Helena Fishcakes (freshly spiced fish and potato patties)£4 - £7
Freshly caught Tuna steak at a local eatery£12 - £18
Saint Helena Coffee (renowned, rare single-origin cup)£5 - £8
Traditional Coconut Fingers (sweet local coconut pastry)£2 - £3

Practical

Medical Insurance
Evacuation insurance covering up to £100,000 is a mandatory entry requirement for all tourists due to the island's remote location.
No ATMs
There are no ATMs on Saint Helena. You must bring British Pounds cash or use the local Bank of Saint Helena in Jamestown to withdraw funds using a debit card.
Internet and Connectivity
Internet is satellite-based and can be slow and expensive. It is best to purchase a local tourist SIM card or Wi-Fi vouchers upon arrival.
Customs and Biosecurity
Strict biosecurity laws protect the island's unique ecosystem. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey cannot be brought ashore.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Saint Helena

How do you get to Saint Helena? +

The primary way to reach the island is via scheduled weekly flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, operated by Airlink. There are no longer regular passenger ship services.

Do I need a visa to visit Saint Helena? +

Most tourists require an eVisa or can obtain an entry permit on arrival, depending on nationality. You must prove you have medical insurance covering emergency medical evacuation.

What currency is used on Saint Helena? +

The Saint Helena Pound (SHP) is the local currency, which is pegged 1:1 with the British Pound (GBP). GBP cash is accepted everywhere, but change is usually given in SHP.

Can I use credit cards on the island? +

Card payment is accepted at larger hotels and some shops in Jamestown, but many smaller businesses, guesthouses, and taxis accept cash only. There are no ATMs.

Is Saint Helena safe for solo travelers? +

Saint Helena is exceptionally safe with a virtually non-existent crime rate. The local community is highly supportive, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers.

When is the best time to see whale sharks? +

Whale sharks gather in Saint Helena’s waters from January to March. Marine operators offer strictly regulated snorkeling tours to swim alongside these gentle giants.

Is driving difficult on the island? +

Driving can be challenging due to extremely steep, single-lane roads with hairpin bends. Drivers must be comfortable with hill starts and yielding to oncoming, ascending traffic.