Cruise port Jamestown
Info for port Jamestown on 8 Mar 2028
Port information & tips for Jamestown
Jamestown is the fascinating capital of the remote volcanic island of St. Helena and a true hidden gem in the middle of the South Atlantic. The picturesque town is nestled in a deep valley and impresses with its well-preserved Georgian architecture and a unique atmosphere full of the spirit of discovery. Right at the harbor, impressive sights beckon, such as the monumental Jacob’s Ladder with its 699 steps, the historic Castle, and the venerable St James' Church. As cruise ships lie at anchor in protected James Bay, guests reach Jamestown Wharf safely by tender boat. This central landing point provides direct access to the charming city center, allowing all the cultural highlights and small alleys of the island's capital to be easily explored on foot.
Jamestown on St. Helena is an exceptionally remote cruise port, primarily serving as a tender port for transit stops on world cruises or expedition routes. There is no classic terminal infrastructure for embarkation; instead, passengers are brought to Jamestown Wharf by tender boat.
Airplane
Travel to St. Helena Airport (HLE) usually occurs via Johannesburg (JNB) in South Africa. No direct flights to St. Helena are available from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, necessitating connecting flights. Airlink offers weekly return flights between Johannesburg and St. Helena, with additional flights during peak season. The flight time from Johannesburg is approximately six hours. The airport is located on the Prosperous Bay Plain, about 16 kilometers east of Jamestown.
Transfer to the tender pier in Jamestown
A newly built road leads directly from St. Helena Airport (HLE) to Jamestown. Taxis and a public bus service, which operates on flight days, are available for the transfer. It is strongly recommended to book taxis in advance, as availability is limited. Cruise ship tender boats dock directly at the Jamestown Wharf Landing Steps on the waterfront, the central access point to the capital.
Planning notes & pre-cruise stay
Due to St. Helena's extremely remote location and limited flight connections – often only one or two flights per week – a pre-cruise stay of at least one night on the island is recommended if arriving by plane. This provides an important buffer for potential flight delays or cancellations and allows for a relaxed start. St. Helena is not a homeport for cruises but is visited as a transit stop, meaning passengers are usually already on board their ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
In port on 08 Mar 2028
