Weather
St Helena is a year-round destination with a sub-tropical temperate climate. Temperature remains warm for most of the year, ranging from 15 – 30ºC. For such a small island, the variation across locations can be quite dramatic; it can be hot and sunny in the capital of Jamestown, but much cooler and misty in the island’s elevated interior.
ST HELENA | AN INTRODUCTION
Clear blue water and a very agreeable sub-tropical climate make St Helena a year-round diving destination, home to a number of species only found in the waters of this tiny, isolated island - plus a seasonal visit by one of the most important whale shark aggregations in the world
St Helena is one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, some 1,200 miles into the southern Atlantic Ocean from the African continent. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and settled by the British in 1659, it once provided an important stopover for shipping on the trade routes from the east, but nowadays is trying to come to terms with life in the modern world.
More widely known as the home in exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, this British Overseas territory has much more to offer than a sliver of history. It is an idyllic sub-tropical paradise full of the most vibrant and diverse landscapes imaginable, all on a volcanic island less than 10 miles across.
Click on map to enlarge
Needless to say, the unblemished waters of the island, where marine life has evolved in quiet isolation, offers some very special diving. Since scuba diving first arrived on the island in 1962 only a few hundred people have ever had the opportunity to explore these truly pristine sites.
The diving around St Helena is placid and beautiful. Although the island is swept by strong South Atlantic currents, much of the diving is in the sheltered lee of the island and can be enjoyed by recreational divers of all experience levels. The absence of mass tourism means the only other people in the ocean may be several thousand miles away, and there's little chance of bumping into anything other than the splendid array of wildlife that the island's waters have to offer.
Whale shark congregations occur between December - March each year (Photo: Marine Division / SHG)
The only route to St Helena used to be via a five-day voyage from Cape Town, South Africa, aboard the RMS St Helena, a working Royal Mail Ship that ferries islanders, tourists and fresh supplies to and from the island every three weeks. After a series of successful test flights, however, South Africa's Airlink will start the first commercial air service to St Helena, from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Windhoek in Namibia. flights commence on 14 October, and can be booked via Airlink's website.
The RMS St Helena will be phased out once the airport is fully operational. Travel information for the RMS St. Helena can be found at www.rmssthelena.com. For more about life on board this wonderful little ship, click here.
|
Visas
A short-term entry permit which allows the visitor to remain on the island for up to six months is issued upon arrival, for a fee of £17. Visas are not generally needed unless they might be otherwise required for visiting the UK. If in any doubt, please contact the St Helena immigration department directly.
Phones AND INTERNET
Mobile phones were only introduced to the island in 2015 and although there is adequate coverage in Jamestown, it’s not perfect across the island. Wi-fi based Internet access is available through pre-paid vouchers which can be bought from shops, hotels, and some cafes. It costs £6.50 per hour and is fairly slow.
Money
The St Helena Pound is equivalent to the UK Pound Sterling, and both are accepted on the island. Expect to receive St Helena Pounds in change if you make purchases in Sterling. There are no ATMs on the island and the only way to withdraw money is by visiting the local bank, which can be a lengthy process. Credit and debit cards are accepted at the hotels, but at few other places.
LANGUAGE
The local patois – ‘Saint’ – can be very difficult to understand, but it is, in fact, a short-form version of English with a mixture of accents, evolved from the various cultures that have amalgamated on the island. All the Saints, however, speak fluent ‘proper’ English and will automatically adjust for visitors.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
There is very little crime on the island and no reason to fear for either your safety or the security of your personal belongings. This is a place where front doors are left unlocked. A small, dedicated and friendly police force patrols the island.
Malaria, dengue and suchlike have no presence on the island, which is kept in a state of cleanliness rarely found anywhere in the world. Tap water is safe to drink and restaurant hygiene standards are excellent. There is a well-appointed hospital on St Helena which can look after most ailments, but serious medical emergencies may need a medevac to Cape Town.
Transport
Scheduled flights from Johannesburg will begin on 14 October with South Africa's Airlink. A longer, but much more sophisticated mode of transport is the 5-day voyage from Cape Town aboard the RMS St Helena. The service will be phased out after the commerical flight services commence, however passage can be booked until February 2018 at www.rms-sthelana.com. On island, the easiest way to get around is by car. Excellent taxi services are available, and cars can be rented for around £15 per day. There is a scheduled - but infrequent - bus service.
Electricity
All outlets on the island are standard 3-pin, 220-240V British ‘type G’ plug sockets.
Latest Articles
Destinations Spotlight
Need inspiration for your next dive trip? Try one of our featured destinations from DIVE's travel partners.
DIVE Partners
Trending
Read DIVE magazine
DIVE magazine is available to read on many devices. Simply click one one of the options below
