About the Port
Rising from the South Atlantic roughly halfway between Africa and South America, St Helena is one of the most isolated inhabited islands on earth, a British overseas territory shaped by volcanic peaks, steep green valleys, and a history of maritime trade. Its capital, Jamestown, sits in a narrow ravine along the coast, its Georgian facades and the famous Jacob's Ladder staircase climbing sharply from the waterfront toward the hills above.
The island's best-known chapter unfolded here in the early nineteenth century, when Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile at Longwood House, now preserved as a museum. Ships call at anchor offshore, with tenders ferrying travelers into Jamestown, where the compact old town invites unhurried walking. Beyond the capital, winding roads lead to windswept ridges, endemic flora, and sweeping ocean views that reward the effort of reaching this far-flung corner of the Atlantic.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in St Helena.
Climb Jacob's Ladder
Tackle the 699 steps rising straight up from Jamestown's waterfront to the ridge above; the climb takes about 15-20 minutes and rewards with sweeping views over the capital and harbor.
Tour Longwood House
Step inside Napoleon's restored final residence, filled with period furnishings and personal artifacts from his exile years, located a short taxi ride from Jamestown.
Visit Napoleon's Tomb
Walk the quiet, tree-shaded Sane Valley site where the emperor was first buried before his remains were returned to France, a peaceful stop easily paired with Longwood House.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit St Helena
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Shadow | 132 | $100,900 | |
| Feb 27, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Shadow | 19 | $10,500 | |
| Mar 6, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Endeavour | 25 | $24,240 |