Napoleon spent his final six years on this lonely volcanic outcrop, 1,200 miles from the nearest continent. Today it's one of the most unusual — and unhurried — port calls in the world.
Saint Helena has no cruise pier — all ships tender from anchorage into Jamestown Wharf.
💡 Pro move: Weather occasionally affects tendering — James Bay can become choppy; ships may shorten the call or cancel altogether.
All cruise ships anchor off Jamestown and tender passengers to the stone wharf at the foot of Main Street.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (World Voyages, expedition) | Jamestown anchorage, James Bay | Tendered |
| Expedition / small ships | Jamestown anchorage, James Bay | Tendered |
Saint Helena's highlights are spread across the island — most excursions combine Napoleon's history with the island's wild interior.
Visit the country house where Napoleon Bonaparte lived from 1815 until his death in 1821. Managed by France, it's remarkably preserved — his bedroom, billiard room, and personal effects are all on display.
Find Napoleon history tours →699 steep steps cut into the cliff face above Jamestown — a lung-busting climb rewarded with sweeping views over James Bay and the anchorage. Built in 1829 as an inclined plane to move goods between the town and Ladder Hill Fort above.
Find walking tours →The Governor's residence is home to Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise born around 1832 — recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest known living land animal. He roams the lawn freely.
Find island tour packages →The island's highest point (2,684 ft) is laced with cloud forest trails through endemic tree ferns and black cabbage trees. Clear days give views across the entire island.
Find hiking tours →The capital's Georgian main street is lined with 18th-century buildings, a castle, and the old museum in the former public library. The whole town is essentially a living colonial-era time capsule.
Find walking tour guides →Jamestown itself is very walkable; reaching outlying sites requires a car or tour.
Walk the length of Main Street from the wharf, pass the castle and gardens, then tackle the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder. Return the same way for views over the anchorage.
🗺️ See route in MapsFrom the wharf, stroll up Main Street past the East India Company castle, the Supreme Court, St James's Church (the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere), and the small public gardens.
🗺️ See route in MapsClimate normals for Jamestown, Saint Helena, South Atlantic (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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F / -7°C | 5°F / -15°C | 5 |
| Feb | 21°F / -6°C | 3°F / -16°C | 4 |
| Mar | 37°F / 3°C | 19°F / -7°C | 6 |
| Apr | 49°F / 9°C | 29°F / -2°C | 9 |
| May | 66°F / 19°C | 45°F / 7°C | 10 |
| Jun | 77°F / 25°C | 58°F / 14°C | 10 |
| Jul | 80°F / 27°C | 62°F / 17°C | 8 |
| Aug | 78°F / 26°C | 60°F / 16°C | 9 |
| Sep | 71°F / 22°C | 53°F / 12°C | 7 |
| Oct | 54°F / 12°C | 38°F / 3°C | 7 |
| Nov | 39°F / 4°C | 24°F / -4°C | 5 |
| Dec | 26°F / -3°C | 11°F / -12°C | 6 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)