One of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, Saint Helena earned its place in history as Napoleon Bonaparte's final exile — and today rewards intrepid cruisers with a living land animal who was already old when Queen Victoria was crowned.
All cruise ships anchor in James Bay and ferry passengers ashore by tender — there is no deep-water pier for large vessels.
💡 Pro move: Rupert's Valley handles port control, customs, and immigration (as of late 2025), but passenger tenders still land at Jamestown Wharf.
Saint Helena has no cruise ship terminal; all ships anchor in James Bay and tender to the historic Jamestown Wharf.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (world-cruise & expedition ships) | James Bay anchorage → Jamestown Wharf tender📍 | Tendered |
With only a handful of taxis on the island, pre-booking a tour is essential — and the best way to reach sites well beyond Jamestown.
Tour the villa where Napoleon lived from 1815 until his death in 1821, preserved by the French government with original furniture and personal effects.
Find Napoleon history tours →Meet Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise born around 1832 and officially the world's oldest known living land animal, on the lawn of the Governor's residence.
Find Plantation House tours →Tackle 699 steps up a 41-degree staircase built in 1829, rising straight out of Jamestown to Ladder Hill Fort. Free to climb; earn a completion certificate from the Museum of Saint Helena.
Find Jamestown walking tours →Hike to the island's highest point (818 m) through lush tree-fern cloud forest. The views over the Atlantic are extraordinary — pure isolation made visible.
Find nature hike tours →Visit the peaceful wooded glade where Napoleon was buried before his remains were returned to France in 1840. Often bundled with the Longwood House ticket.
Find Napoleon's Tomb tours →Stroll the island's only town past St. James' Church (the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere, 1774), the Castle Gardens, and the Museum of Saint Helena at the foot of Jacob's Ladder.
Find Jamestown walking tours →Jamestown itself is compact and walkable; everything beyond requires a taxi or pre-booked excursion.
From the wharf, walk through the historic fortified gate into Main Street. Visit the 1774 St. James' Church, the Castle and its gardens, and the Museum of Saint Helena at the base of Jacob's Ladder.
Start at the foot of Jacob's Ladder in Jamestown and climb all 699 steps to Ladder Hill Fort for sweeping views over the bay. Collect your completion certificate at the Museum on the way back.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Saint Helena Island, South Atlantic, British Overseas Territory (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 72°F / 22°C | 71°F / 22°C | 6 | 6:03 AM | 7:01 PM |
| Feb | 74°F / 23°C | 73°F / 23°C | 5 | 6:19 AM | 6:54 PM |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 8 | 6:26 AM | 6:36 PM |
| Apr | 74°F / 23°C | 72°F / 22°C | 6 | 6:30 AM | 6:14 PM |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 6 | 6:38 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Jun | 70°F / 21°C | 68°F / 20°C | 7 | 6:48 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Jul | 69°F / 21°C | 66°F / 19°C | 8 | 6:51 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Aug | 67°F / 19°C | 65°F / 18°C | 7 | 6:40 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Sep | 67°F / 19°C | 65°F / 18°C | 6 | 6:18 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Oct | 67°F / 19°C | 65°F / 18°C | 5 | 5:55 AM | 6:21 PM |
| Nov | 68°F / 20°C | 66°F / 19°C | 4 | 5:41 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Dec | 70°F / 21°C | 68°F / 20°C | 6 | 5:46 AM | 6:50 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers directly to the Jamestown Wharf Landing Steps, placing you right at the entrance to the city centre — no additional transfer needed.
Local taxis are available for trips to attractions outside Jamestown. Fares are not metered — agree on a price before departure. Supply is very limited when cruise ships are in port, so pre-booking is strongly advised.
Local operators such as Williams Taxis & Tours run group transit buses for cruise passengers. This is the most practical way to reach key sights like Longwood House, Napoleon's Tomb, and Jonathan the Tortoise at Plantation House.
Self-drive hire cars offer maximum flexibility, but the island's steep, narrow roads can be challenging. Arrange well in advance as availability is very limited on cruise days.
Jamestown itself is compact and walkable from the tender landing. The famous Jacob's Ladder (699 steps) is within walking distance of the wharf.
Upcoming cruises that call at Saint Helena Island, South Atlantic, British Overseas Territory. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.