Saint Helena

Saint Helena

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Hike to Napoleon's remote exile home nestled in volcanic peaks while spotting endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

Currency Saint Helena Pound (SHP)
Language English
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar
Typical Duration 73-129 nights
Price Range $6,749–$68,500 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

One of the world's most remote and isolated ports, offering a unique glimpse into a pristine Atlantic island with rich colonial history and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cruises that visit Saint Helena

Build Your Day in Saint Helena

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Anne's Place Lovely little place - friendly staff and good food, reasonably priced. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Sandy Bay Beach And the walk from here to Lots Wife’s Ponds is spectecular Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
St Helena Coffee Shop If you are in the area stop by for good coffee and tasty meals of all types! Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Wed
Plantation House This included coffee and cake plus time for photos with Jonathan. Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Tue
Richards Travel Lodge Dine-in·Curbside pickup Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 AM Mon
Prosperous Bay Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
Dan’s Bakery Brilliant iced coffee and really cute outside seating area, love it here ! Bakery · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Joshie's Takeout Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Bertrand's Cottage - Afropolitan Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout African restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM Fri
Solomon's Bakery Takeout·No delivery Bakery · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Solomon's Supermarket Grocery store · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
The Standard Sit and talk with the locals. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Orange Tree Oriental Restaurant The chef cooked me the best meal I’d had on the island. Asian restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
Serena's Gift Shop Gift shop · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Sandy Bay Beach Fort Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Get Carter's Pizza Takeout · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Thu
Moonshine's Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Sandwich Bar Go for the specials or submit to the fab fish cake roll Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
Rose & Crown Airport Store Duty free store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Sat
Philly’s Food Truck This food service is by far the best and of the greatest quality. Takeout Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Andrews Takeaway Delicious food, local and international cuisine. Fast food restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
The Victoria Has locally made goods. General store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
The Departures Cafe Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Saint Helena

About Saint Helena

Saint Helena stands as one of the world's most remote and exclusive cruise destinations, served by just two premium cruise lines—Holland America Line and Silversea—that offer carefully curated itineraries to this isolated South Atlantic island. As primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Saint Helena attracts discerning travelers seeking something truly extraordinary, with most voyages spanning 35 nights and featuring fascinating routes connecting Cape Town, Walvis Bay, and European ports like Bordeaux and Copenhagen. The peak season runs through the Southern Hemisphere summer months of January through March, when the island welcomes a select number of cruise visitors.

Stepping ashore at Saint Helena rewards passengers with an authentic glimpse of one of Earth's most untouched destinations. The island's dramatic volcanic landscape and rich historical significance—most famously as the exile location of Napoleon Bonaparte—provide compelling reasons to explore during your port visit. With limited cruise traffic and a welcoming local community, Saint Helena offers the rare opportunity to experience genuine cultural exchange and pristine natural beauty far removed from typical cruise destinations.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Napoleon's Exile Island History

Walk through the poignant history of Napoleon's imprisonment at Longwood House, where the French emperor spent his final years in exile. The restored plantation offers authentic period furnishings and commanding views across the Atlantic. This UNESCO-recognized site provides fascinating insight into one of history's most dramatic stories, accessible via scenic hillside paths from Jamestown.

2

Fresh Local Seafood Delights

Savor exceptional fresh fish and locally-caught tuna at waterfront restaurants in Jamestown, where chefs prepare traditional Saint Helenian cuisine using daily catches. Try the famous fish cakes and locally-grown vegetables at casual eateries overlooking the harbor. The island's isolation ensures incredibly fresh seafood you won't find elsewhere.

3

Dramatic Volcanic Landscape Hikes

Explore Saint Helena's stunning volcanic terrain on accessible walking trails featuring dramatic cliffs, verdant valleys, and panoramic ocean vistas. Diana's Peak offers rewarding summit views, while coastal paths showcase the island's rugged natural beauty. The unique endemic flora and rare bird species make this a naturalist's paradise.

4

Jamestown's Colonial Architecture

Discover charming Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the narrow streets of Jamestown, the island's historic capital nestled in a picturesque valley. Browse local craft shops, galleries, and the fascinating Saint Helena Museum showcasing the island's maritime heritage. The compact town center is easily walkable and brimming with colonial character.

5

Meet Genuine Island Community

Experience authentic interaction with Saint Helena's warm, welcoming locals who eagerly share stories about island life on this remote South Atlantic outpost. Visit local markets, chat with artisans selling handmade crafts, and learn about the island's unique culture shaped by centuries of isolation. This genuine hospitality creates unforgettable personal connections.

Cruise Lines at Saint Helena

Cruises Departing From Saint Helena

Cruises Visiting Saint Helena

Ship Schedule at Saint Helena

Saint Helena Location

Other Cruise Ports in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saint Helena best known for?

Napoleon Bonaparte's exile at Longwood House and the island's isolation.

How can I reach Saint Helena?

Limited access by air via Air Saint Helena or occasional ships; plan ahead.

When is the best time to visit?

Dry season from May to September offers clearer skies and cooler temperatures.

What wildlife can I see?

Seabirds, marine life, and endemic flora; diverse natural scenery.