Planning Your First Trip to St Helena: What Every Visitor Should Know
Visiting St Helena for the very first time is a little different from planning an ordinary holiday. The island is one of the most remote inhabited places in the world, sitting quietly in the South Atlantic Ocean, and that sense of remoteness is exactly what makes it so unforgettable. But it also means that if you’re heading here, it helps to know a few things before you arrive.
Your journey will almost certainly begin in Johannesburg, South Africa, as that’s where the weekly Airlink flight to St Helena departs. It’s not like hopping on a plane every few hours to a busy destination; this one flight is the island’s lifeline. Because of that, most visitors book months ahead, and it’s always a smart idea to give yourself a little breathing space in Johannesburg before flying out.
Once you land on St Helena’s dramatic runway — perched between cliffs and the ocean — you’ll be greeted with the warmest welcome. Pre-booking an airport transfer with a local provider like Williams Taxis & Tours is the easiest way to get straight into holiday mode without worrying about the steep, winding drive down into Jamestown and up to Half Tree Hollow or across county with the blind turnings.
St Helena Airport viewing platform – where tradition blends seamlessly with exceptional quality.
Getting around St Helena is part of the adventure. Public buses exist, most visitors either hire a car or use Williams Taxis & Tours. Driving here can be exciting — the roads are narrow and twisting — but if you’d rather sit back and take in the views, a local taxi driver will happily double as your guide. Many visitors start their holiday with a full island tour, which is the best way to understand the lay of the land and get to grips with all the hidden spots you’ll want to revisit.
Money is another thing to think about. The island uses the St Helena Pound, which is tied to the British Pound, and while you can use GBP notes, you won’t find cash machines on the island. Some businesses are starting to take card payments and even the St Helena Tourist App, but it’s wise to carry cash for some of your stay.
Connectivity is improving but still limited compared to what most visitors are used to. Wi-Fi is available at Williams Estate (Check out our Blog on this), but don’t expect super-fast 5G streaming. In fact, the best advice we can give is to download books, films, or playlists before you travel and then embrace the digital detox once you arrive. There’s something wonderfully refreshing about being more present in the moment — and St Helena is the kind of place where that comes naturally.
Self-catering here is part of the experience, too. Shopping for groceries is an adventure in itself. Jamestown’s shops stock both local produce and imported goods, though you’ll need to be flexible as availability varies week to week. Fresh fish from the wharf is a highlight, with tuna and wahoo often available straight off the boats, and local farmers supply delicious seasonal vegetables and fruits. Cooking with whatever’s fresh on the day is half the fun, and our kitchens at Williams Estate make it easy to prepare meals that give you a real taste of island life.
And of course, once you’ve settled in, the island is full of things to do. Whether you’re hiking up to Lots Wife Pods, wandering around Napoleon’s Longwood House, spotting dolphins on a boat trip with Dive St Helena, or climbing the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, every day brings something new. The beauty of St Helena is that there’s no rush; with a week or more here, you can balance adventure with quiet time, soaking up the peace of an island that feels far removed from the bustle of the outside world.
Don’t forget about Destination St Helena who have digital downloads for you about tips & tricks with travel hacks when it comes to St Helena Island, even more if you wanted to have them plan your stay on Island - Go have a look at their website and their Social Media for what they do and have!
Planning a trip here might feel overwhelming at first, but once you arrive, everything falls into place. The pace of life slows, the community embraces you like an old friend, and the island itself does the rest. Staying somewhere comfortable and flexible, like Williams Estate, means you can focus on the important part: making memories that will last a lifetime.
So if you’re packing your bags and wondering how to make the most of your first visit, keep it simple — bring sturdy shoes, prepare to be flexible with food shopping, carry some cash, and most of all, be ready to experience life on island time. St Helena isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. And from the comfort of Williams Estate, you’ll be in the perfect place to enjoy it all.
