About The Port Of Jamestown
Jamestown sits in a narrow volcanic valley on St Helena, one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world, roughly midway between Africa and South America. Its compact center, lined with well-preserved Georgian buildings, is easily explored on foot from the landing point, and the town's famous Jacob's Ladder, a steep stone stairway of nearly 700 steps, climbs the hillside above the settlement. The island's isolation shaped its most famous chapter as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's final exile, and sites linked to his residence and burial remain preserved inland.
Beyond the town, St Helena's rugged terrain unfolds into green highlands and dramatic coastal cliffs, offering a striking contrast to the arid lower slopes near the harbor. Visits here typically arrive by tender, given the island's lack of a deepwater pier, making calm-weather landings part of the experience. Few destinations offer such a genuine sense of remoteness paired with tangible historical depth.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Jamestown.
Climb Jacob's Ladder
Tackle the 699 stone steps rising from town to the old fort above; the climb is steep but the payoff is a sweeping view over Jamestown's rooftops and the harbor. Sturdy shoes and a slow pace are recommended.
Tour Longwood House
Napoleon's final residence, restored with period furnishings, sits inland and is reached by taxi or organized transfer, about 20 minutes from the landing point. A guide on site brings his six years of exile into vivid focus.
Meet Jonathan the Tortoise
Plantation House, the governor's residence, is home to Jonathan, among the world's oldest living tortoises, roaming the grounds freely. A short drive from town, it pairs easily with a visit to Longwood House.
Last Minute Cruise Deals From Jamestown
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2027 | Holland America | Volendam | 130 | $28,009 | ||
| Mar 22, 2027 | Holland America | Volendam | 35 | $7,999 | ||
| Mar 22, 2027 | Holland America | Volendam | 54 | $11,999 | ||
| Jan 5, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 176 | $63,339 | ||
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 96 | $80,278 | ||
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 56 | $43,018 | ||
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 67 | $52,378 | ||
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 81 | $65,698 | ||
| Mar 11, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 44 | $33,028 | ||
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 86 | $74,197 | ||
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 57 | $43,197 | ||
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 34 | $23,997 | ||
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 71 | $57,997 | ||
| Mar 21, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 46 | $32,797 | ||
| May 9, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 17 | $3,019 | ||
| Jan 7, 2029 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 139 | $84,999 | ||
| Mar 7, 2029 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 80 | $44,699 | ||
| Mar 31, 2029 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 56 | $31,799 | ||
| Apr 13, 2029 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 43 | $23,999 | ||
| May 2, 2029 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 24 | $14,799 |
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Jamestown sailings and Pavlus pricing.