Making the most of Jamestown
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This is a tender port. You will walk past old warehouses and what appear to be barracks, one enters the town through what was once a narrow, fortified gate to reveal an inclined hill, either side of which are the buildings of the town.
Saint Helena is one of the most isolated places in the world being located more than 1200 miles (2000km) from the nearest major landmass. The island is most famous for the fact that Napoleon was imprisoned on the island (1815-1821) by the British after he escaped from an earlier exile on the island of Elba in the Mediterranean. He died in 1821 at his farmhouse home known as Longwood, near Jamestown.
The famous “Jacob’s Ladder” connects Jamestown with the residential area at the top of the mountain to the right of Jamestown. The name of the local icon is a reference to the Biblical Old Testament event when Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth into heaven. Consisting of 669 steps, it was built by the Royal Engineers as a ‘quick’ access to a battery of cannons. Not for the faint of heart!
Getting around
A ship's organized tour is recommended, due to the hilly environment.
Money
Purchases are made in Saint Helena Pounds. The Saint Helena Pound is held at parity with the British pound sterling and British currency can be used interchangeably on the island. Some shops may also accept US Dollars and Euro.
Staying connected
Official language: English
There are a few public WiFi hotspots in Jamestown, which are also being operated by Cable & Wireless.