March 28, 2024by Sasha Ella

The Hidden Gems of St Helena

Your Ultimate Guide to Island Exploration

Welcome to St Helena, a haven for intrepid travelers seeking unparalleled adventures and untold stories. Nestled in the heart of Jamestown lies Mantis St Helena Hotel, your luxurious sanctuary amidst this captivating island paradise. As the central hub for your island escapades, Mantis St Helena hotel invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, where every corner reveals a new tale waiting to be told.

Planning Your St Helena Experience

With most travelers opting for a week-long sojourn, it’s paramount to plan ahead to make the most of your St Helena adventure. Dive deep into the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes by pre-booking your preferred activities and tours.

Napoleon’s Footsteps

Historical Sites

Explore the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte with guided tours to iconic landmarks.

Briars Pavilion

Dive into history at the former abode of Napoleon, offering glimpses into his life during exile.

Opening times: Monday & Friday 10:00am – 11:00am. No booking required.
Guide price: £5 pp. Audio guide £2.

Longwood House

Walk in the footsteps of the French Emperor at his final residence, now a poignant museum preserving his memory.

Opening times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11am – 1pm. No booking required.
Guide price: £12 pp. Audio Guide: £2

The Tomb

Pay homage to Napoleon’s resting place, a solemn testament to his enduring legacy.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 08:30am – 3pm. No booking required

Historical Town Walks

Guided Exploration

Uncover the secrets of Lower Jamestown and beyond with expert-led tours.

Lower Jamestown Walk with Cynthia

Delve into the town’s history and architecture with Cynthia’s insightful commentary.

Opening times: Wednesday, 9am.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Guide price: £8pp

Historical Town Walk with French Consul

Join Michel Martineau on a journey through Jamestown’s past, steeped in French influence.

Opening times: Thursday, 8:30am.
Duration: 2 hours
Guide price: From £10pp (guide book included)

Plantation House

Governor’s Residence

Immerse yourself in colonial splendor at Plantation House, home to the island’s governor and the legendary Jonathan, the 191-year-old giant tortoise.

Opening times: Tuesday, 10:30am. Booking required (via Tourist Office or Plantation House)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Guide price: £15 pp.

Museum of St Helena

Timeless Treasures

Journey through centuries of island history at the Museum of St Helena, where artifacts and exhibits illuminate the island’s fascinating narrative.

Opening times: Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri, 10am – 2pm, Saturday: 10am – noon
Donations welcome

Island Tours

Nature’s Bounty

Embark on off-road adventures and scenic drives to St Helena’s natural wonders.

4×4 Adventure Tour

Traverse volcanic landscapes and verdant countryside on a full-day expedition, complete with captivating stories from your guide.

Duration: Full day (6-7 hours)
Guide price: From a minimum of £150 full tour (1-3 persons). Booking required.
Contact: Aaron’s Adventure Tours

Island Tour

Discover the island’s diverse terrain, from Deadwood Plain to Sandy Bay, with stops at historic fortifications and panoramic viewpoints.

Duration: Full day excursion (6-7 hours)
Guide price: From £120 full tour (1-3 persons). Booking required.
Contact: Aarons Adventure Tours

Outdoor Escapades

Hiking and More

Unleash your adventurous spirit with hiking trails, go-karting, and marine excursions.

Post Box Walks

Choose from 21 trails catering to all fitness levels, with distances ranging from 1.5km and 12km, lasting from a couple hours to half a day, all showcasing the island’s stunning biodiversity. Make sure to grab the essential ‘Post Box Walks book’ that can be purchased from the Tourist Office, Museum of St Helena or the Arts & Crafts shop.

Contact Details: Tourist Office
E: visit@sainthelena.gov.sh

Hiking Tours

Explore scenic landscapes with guided hikes led by experienced locals, offering glimpses of St Helena’s hidden wonders.

Guide price from: £55pp
Contact: Tom Wortley
E: rockmountbookings@gmail.com

Jacobs Ladder

A legendary landmark on St Helena Island, conquer its 699 steps and enjoy a panoramic vista from the top.

Price: Free

Seafaring Adventures

Marine Marvels

Set sail on boat trips and snorkeling expeditions to encounter St Helena’s marine wonders.

Marine Wildlife Tours

Spot dolphins, whales, and birdlife on exhilarating boat excursions around the island’s pristine waters.

Dive & Marine Tour operators:
Dive St Helena
Enchanted Isle
Sub-Tropic Adventures
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Guide price: Marine Trip from £35pp
Snorkelling from £20pp

Whale Shark Trips

Dive into the depths to swim alongside majestic whale sharks, an unforgettable encounter in St Helena’s azure seas.

Dive & Marine Tour operators:
Dive St Helena
Enchanted Isle
Sub-Tropic Adventures
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Guide price: From £35 pp

Golfing and Gastronomy

Island Indulgences

Tee off at the world’s most remote golf course or savor homemade delicacies at Wranghams, a charming stone cottage nestled in Sandy Bay and get to taste locally grown St Helena Coffee.

Arrange golf via the Tourist Office: visit@sainthelena.gov.sh

Coffee tour: From £10pp
Home hosted evening meal: price on request
Contact: Debbie Fantom
E: debbie.fantom@gmail.com or www.wranghams.com/contact

Planning Your St Helena Adventure

Prepare to embark on the journey of a lifetime by pre-booking your desired activities and tours. Contact the Tourist Office or respective tour operators to secure your spots and ensure a seamless exploration of St Helena’s wonders.

Make a Difference

The team at Mantis Saint Helena is pleased to offer you the following activities and opportunities to make a positive contribution to the beautiful island of St Helena.

Saint Helena National Trust

Plant an endemic tree at Millenium Forest
Adopt a Wirebird
Adopt a Whaleshark

Shape Saint Helena

Saint Helena Organic Crafts Workshop
Saint Helena Paper and Block Making

As you anticipate your island odyssey, Mantis St Helena Hotel eagerly awaits your arrival, ready to provide unparalleled hospitality and unforgettable experiences amidst the splendor of St Helena. Start planning your escape today, and let the adventure begin!