Home - St Helena Tourism

Our Opening Hours: Tourist Office: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30 am to 4 pm GMT| Wednesday 9.30 am to 4 pm | Sunday 9 am to 1 pm GMT

Airport Office: Saturday 10 am to 3 pm GMT

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ABOUT ST HELENA

With its uniquely rich diversity of heritage-based attractions, both built and natural, St Helena offers many things to see and lots to do — from visiting the Georgian town to the rugged coastline, from the rolling hills to the stark yet striking geology at Sandy Bay. That’s the thing about this destination here’s so much more to the island than you may think. St Helena is home to the most varied heritage and nature, breathtaking views from the highest peaks, inviting waters, and 100% quaintness. We beckon you to a true discovery.

Why St Helena
The People
Climate
Nature
History
Geography

WHY ST HELENA.

Whether you’re simply looking for somewhere off the beaten path St Helena offers adventure for everyone, Marine life is equally outstanding, from a variety of dolphins, whales and the whale sharks. This biodiversity has fascinated and influenced scientists and explorers Walking, rambling and hiking are amongst the most popular activities St Helena is home to over 1,000 species, of which over 400 are endemic to the Island.

THE PEOPLE.

St Helena has a small population, mainly descended from people from Europe (mostly planters, government employees and ex-soldiers serving in the local St Helena Regiment), Chinese and slaves (mostly from Madagascar and Asia, only a few coming from Africa from 1840 onward) The estimated population of St Helena at the end of 2016 is 4550. St Helenians, also known as “Saints”, are known for their friendliness – everyone waves and greets each other, even to passing cars.

CLIMATE

The climate of St Helena is controlled by the South Atlantic High Pressure Cell and the Equatorial Trough. Despite the island’s locality within the tropics, its climate is kept mild and equable by the South East Trade Winds. The trade winds blow from high to low almost continuously making our weather so changeable, a dull rainy morning can often lead onto a bright sunny afternoon. The four seasons are not recognised on St Helena, as there are no drastic weather patterns.

NATURE

Numerous volumes describe the natural history of the island, documenting the endemic and endangered species ranging from the gumwood tree to the wire bird. Millions of years in the making, these fragments from the wreck of an ancient world include tree ferns, black cabbage trees, Jellico, a native dogwood and the golden sail spider. The Diana’s Peak National Park is a testament to the island’s pristine environment; a home to most of St. Helena’s endemic wildlife.

HISTORY

The History of St Helena is fascinating and touches many aspects of world history. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, it became a Dutch then a British possession . It was a strategically important port of call during the British Empire, until the opening of the Suez Canal and the advent of steamships. The island’s remote location meant it was used as a place of exile for key prisoners, including some 6 000 Boers, King Dinuzulu, Bahraini princes and, of course, Napoleon.

GEOGRAPHY.

St Helena Island is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, at 15° 56′ south and 5° 45′ west. The nearest land is Ascension Island, which is 703 miles (1,125km) to the North West. It is 1 200 miles (1 950km) from the South-West coast of Africa and 1 800 miles (2 900km) from the coast of South America. A 47 square mile island, it is one of the remotest settled islands in the world. A sub-tropical paradise, it is also one of the most spectacular as far as contrast goes. St Helena is 10.5 miles long and 6.5 mile

Why St Helena: WHY ST HELENA.

Whether you’re simply looking for somewhere off the beaten path St Helena offers adventure for everyone, Marine life is equally outstanding, from a variety of dolphins, whales and the whale sharks. This biodiversity has fascinated and influenced scientists and explorers Walking, rambling and hiking are amongst the most popular activities St Helena is home to over 1,000 species, of which over 400 are endemic to the Island.
The People: THE PEOPLE.

St Helena has a small population, mainly descended from people from Europe (mostly planters, government employees and ex-soldiers serving in the local St Helena Regiment), Chinese and slaves (mostly from Madagascar and Asia, only a few coming from Africa from 1840 onward) The estimated population of St Helena at the end of 2016 is 4550. St Helenians, also known as “Saints”, are known for their friendliness – everyone waves and greets each other, even to passing cars.
Climate: CLIMATE

The climate of St Helena is controlled by the South Atlantic High Pressure Cell and the Equatorial Trough. Despite the island’s locality within the tropics, its climate is kept mild and equable by the South East Trade Winds. The trade winds blow from high to low almost continuously making our weather so changeable, a dull rainy morning can often lead onto a bright sunny afternoon. The four seasons are not recognised on St Helena, as there are no drastic weather patterns.
Nature: NATURE

Numerous volumes describe the natural history of the island, documenting the endemic and endangered species ranging from the gumwood tree to the wire bird. Millions of years in the making, these fragments from the wreck of an ancient world include tree ferns, black cabbage trees, Jellico, a native dogwood and the golden sail spider. The Diana’s Peak National Park is a testament to the island’s pristine environment; a home to most of St. Helena’s endemic wildlife.
History: HISTORY

The History of St Helena is fascinating and touches many aspects of world history. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, it became a Dutch then a British possession . It was a strategically important port of call during the British Empire, until the opening of the Suez Canal and the advent of steamships. The island’s remote location meant it was used as a place of exile for key prisoners, including some 6 000 Boers, King Dinuzulu, Bahraini princes and, of course, Napoleon.
Geography: GEOGRAPHY.

St Helena Island is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, at 15° 56′ south and 5° 45′ west. The nearest land is Ascension Island, which is 703 miles (1,125km) to the North West. It is 1 200 miles (1 950km) from the South-West coast of Africa and 1 800 miles (2 900km) from the coast of South America. A 47 square mile island, it is one of the remotest settled islands in the world. A sub-tropical paradise, it is also one of the most spectacular as far as contrast goes. St Helena is 10.5 miles long and 6.5 mile