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.
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Tourist Office Hours – Tourist Office: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 4pm | Wednesday 9.30am to 4pm |
Saturday and Sunday, if you require any tourism related assistance, please contact +290 67862 during the hours of 9am to 1pm
WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL TOURISM DESTINATION WEBSITE
ABOUT 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.
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
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ST HELENA
BY AIR
Flights to St Helena from Johannesburg depart every Saturday to the Island with operator SA Airlink. The return flight departs from St Helena on the same day for Johannesburg. Tickets are available via the SA Airlink website and via Solomon’s shipping and travel agency office at the Malabar in Jamestown St Helena
THINGS TO DO
PLACES TO VISIT
St Helena has a wide variety of fascinating locations. Jamestown, the Island’s capital, can keep you well occupied for most of the day, however venturing further afield you will discover many reasons why St Helena is well known for its natural beauty an historical connections – once an important and strategic location for many years.
SAINTS ON ST HELENA
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT OUR ISLAND
DOWNLOAD OUR STRATEGY
ST HELENA
COME AND EXPLORE
Book your flight to St Helena with SA Airlink
S.A Air-link operates a weekly service between St Helena and Johannesburg.
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