Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha with this comprehensive tour guide. Plan your trip easily with our itinerary, transportation options, and travel tips.


Introduction to Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Located in the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are three unique and isolated destinations. Saint Helena is the largest island, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century and famous for being the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. Ascension Island is a volcanic, desert island with unique wildlife and beautiful beaches. Finally, Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited island in the world, with a small community of friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Saint Helena

  • Napoleon’s Tomb: Visit the final resting place of the former French emperor, who was exiled on the island from 1815 to 1821.
  • Longwood House: Discover the place where Napoleon lived during his exile on Saint Helena. The house has been converted into a museum.
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral: A beautiful Georgian church, built in 1851, with a stunning view of the island.

Ascension Island

  • Fort Hayes: A complex of buildings built in 1899, now converted into a museum.
  • Georgetown: The only town on the island, with several historical sites to discover, such as the Ascension Island Heritage Society Museum and the National History Museum.
  • Devil’s Ashpit: A crater at the heart of the island, believed to be the result of a volcanic eruption in 1872.

Tristan da Cunha

  • Calshot Harbour: The main port and departure point for boat tours around the island.
  • Saint Mary’s School: The only school on the island, established in 1974.
  • The Albatross Bar and Restaurant: The cultural hub of the island, where visitors can meet locals and exchange stories.

Natural Attractions of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Saint Helena

  • Diana’s Peak National Park: A stunning national park covering 820 hectares, with scenic hiking trails and endemic wildlife.
  • Sandy Bay Beach: A picturesque beach, popular with divers and swimmers.
  • High Knoll Fort: A historic fort with panoramic views of the island.

Ascension Island

  • Green Mountain National Park: A green oasis in the heart of the island, with unique plant and animal species.
  • Lava Flows: Explore the black volcanic rocks covering the island, the result of repeated volcanic eruptions over thousands of years.
  • Comfortless Cove: A rugged and beautiful beach, surrounded by rocky cliffs and perfect for a picnic.

Tristan da Cunha

  • Queen Mary’s Peak: The highest point in the South Atlantic, with a stunning view of the island.
  • Nightingale Island: A bird watcher’s paradise, with penguins, albatross and petrels, among others.
  • Gough Island: A UNESCO World Heritage site, with diverse wildlife and scenic hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Saint Helena

  • Heart-Shaped Waterfall Trail: a 7km hike through the island’s wilderness, with beautiful views of waterfalls and pools.
  • Flagstaff to Thompson’s Valley Trail: a 10km hike, also suitable for cycling, with stunning views of the island’s peaks and valleys.
  • Jacob’s Ladder: a steep and challenging staircase built in 1829, with 699 steps leading to the top of Ladder Hill Fort.

Ascension Island

  • The Devil’s Riding School: a 6km hiking trail through the island’s volcanic landscape, culminating in a spectacular view of the island.
  • Green Mountain: a scenic drive and hike through the island’s national park, with panoramic views of the ocean and wildlife sightings.
  • Comfortless Cove: a 5km hike through the island’s rugged coastline, with beautiful views of the sea and cliffs.

Tristan da Cunha

  • The Peak: a 10km hike to the highest point in the South Atlantic, with stunning views of the island and its surroundings.
  • Tristan Exploration Walk: a guided tour of the island’s main sites, including the harbor, the settlement and the potato patches.
  • The Potato Patches Walk: a 8km hike through the island’s traditional potato patches, with beautiful views of the sea and inland.

Best Things to Do in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Activities and Tours

Saint Helena

  • Diving: Experience the island’s unique marine life, including whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins.
  • Fishing: Join local fishermen and try your luck at catching tuna and marlin.
  • Stargazing: Enjoy the clear skies and watch the stars at the island’s observatory.

Ascension Island

  • Surfing: Catch a wave on one of the island’s many beaches.
  • Golfing: Play a round of golf at the island’s golf course.
  • Turtle Watching: Witness the nesting and hatching of the green turtles.

Tristan da Cunha

  • Fishing: Join local fishermen and catch your own dinner.
  • Boat Tours: Explore the island’s rugged coastline and surrounding waters.
  • Cultural Visits: Meet the locals and learn about their unique way of life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Day 1 - Arrival and sightseeing in Saint Helena Day 2 - History and culture tour of Saint Helena Day 3 - Outdoor adventures on Saint Helena Day 4 - Transfer to Ascension Island and relaxation on Comfortless Cove Beach Day 5 - Exploration of Ascension Island’s unique landscape and wildlife Day 6 - Turtle watching and boat tour on Ascension Island Day 7 - Transfer to Tristan da Cunha and cultural tour of the island

Food and Drink Scene of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Must-Try Dishes

Saint Helena

  • Fried Green Banana
  • Fishcakes
  • Plo (a type of rice dish)

Ascension Island

  • Lobster and seafood dishes
  • Goat Curry
  • Island BBQ

Tristan da Cunha

  • Tristan Lobster
  • Tuna Curry
  • Fish Cakes

Local Beverages

Saint Helena

  • Saint Helena Coffee
  • Tungi Spirit
  • Guinness

Ascension Island

  • Ales and beers from the Island Brewery
  • Ascension Island Coffee
  • Mango Juice

Tristan da Cunha

  • Homemade liqueurs
  • Boxwood Tea
  • Ginger Beer

Where to Stay in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saint Helena

  • Mantis St. Helena: A luxurious eco-hotel, with scenic views of the sea.
  • Consulate Hotel: A cozy hotel located in Jamestown’s historic district.
  • Farm Lodge Country House Hotel: A family-owned guesthouse, with beautiful views of the island.

Ascension Island

  • Obsidian Hotel: A stylish hotel with a great view of the island.
  • GAB’s Guest House: A cozy and friendly guesthouse, run by a local family.
  • Comfortless Cove Chalets: A beautiful and secluded guesthouse, located on the island’s best beach.

Tristan da Cunha

  • Residence at The Albatross: A comfortable guesthouse with scenic views.
  • The Patches Guest House: A cozy and affordable guesthouse, with friendly hosts.
  • The Tourism Programme: A unique opportunity to stay with a local family and experience Tristan da Cunha’s way of life.

What to Buy in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Saint Helena

  • Wire Bird Crafts: Handmade wire bird sculptures, unique to Saint Helena.
  • Saint Helena Coffee: Locally-grown and processed coffee beans.
  • Bamboo Products: Handcrafted bamboo items, such as baskets and hats.

Ascension Island

  • Island Photography: Unique shots of the island, taken by local photographers.
  • Green Mountain Honey: Locally-harvested honey, with a delicate floral flavor.
  • Island Souvenirs: T-shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs with the island’s logos and graphics.

Tristan da Cunha

  • Tristan Island Stamp Collection: A unique collection of stamps, featuring the island’s flora, fauna, and daily life.
  • Island knick-knacks: Souvenirs made of driftwood, sea glass, and other island materials.
  • Island-made knitwear: Woolen hats, sweaters, and socks, knitted by locals.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

The people of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are friendly and welcoming, with a unique way of life. The island’s culture is influenced by European and African heritage, with a mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs.

Best Time to Visit Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

The best time to visit Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is during the dry season, from October to April. During this time, tourists can enjoy the sunny weather and clear skies, with comfortable temperatures and little rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Do:

  • Respect the island’s unique environment and wildlife.
  • Engage with the local culture and people.
  • Ask for permission before taking photographs of the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb the island’s delicate ecosystems.
  • Ignore cultural norms or customs.
  • Take souvenirs from the island’s protected areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

The islands of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are considered safe for tourists, but visitors should still exercise caution and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Medical facilities on the island are limited, and tourists should bring any necessary medications and vaccines. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before visiting.

Getting to Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

There is only one airport in Saint Helena, located in the capital city of Jamestown. Ascension Island has an international airport, with flights from the UK, South Africa, and other countries. There is no airport on Tristan da Cunha, and the island is only accessible by boat.

Bus Stations Near Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

There are no bus stations on the islands.

Other Options

The islands can also be accessed by boat, with regular services from South Africa, Brazil, and other nearby countries.

How to Get Around in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

The islands of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are small, and visitors can easily explore them on foot or by bicycle. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but roads can be narrow and winding.

Where to Go Next from Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

South Africa

  • Cape Town
  • Durban

Brazil

  • Rio de Janeiro

Conclusion

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are three unique and isolated destinations, each with its own rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the islands’ cultural and natural attractions, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the local cuisine and hospitality. Plan your trip with our comprehensive tour guide, and discover these hidden gems of the Atlantic Ocean.



    Tristan da Cunha