An island paradise set at one of the most isolated land co-ordinates in the world, 15.9650 degrees south and 5.7089 degrees west. St Helena Island offers a most unique adventure. Surrounded by pristine oceans, diving here is second to none, with treasured marine experiences to last a lifetime.
Visitors can be thrilled with pods of hundreds of playful dolphins and swim with shivers of inquisitive whale sharks, which visit the island during the summer periods of December to March every year. Sparking scientific interest, the whale sharks found around St Helena are adult male and female which is uncommon in the marine world, and has led to the theory that St Helena could be the link for whale shark mating. Whale shark researchers and marine lovers alike travel from all around the world for the opportunity to have the unique experience of swimming with whale sharks in St Helena’s clear waters.
With its designated marine protected area, the island’s waters are also home to a diverse array of marine life including many endemic fish, Chilean devil rays, Hawksbill and green turtles and a large pod of playful dolphins that can be seen from the island’s coasts. Divers are spoilt for choice with ancient wreck dives, rocky reefs and underwater caves, some of which are shallow enough for snorkelers to enjoy as well.
Rising from the sea, the island also boasts incredible topography that can best be experienced by hiking and walking the array of trails that meander around the island. Together with a fascinating history that includes Napoleon I.
St Helena is an emerging destination in the travel arena and many opportunities are appearing following the opening of its award winning design airport in October 2017.
With new and improved access St Helena is becoming globally connected and is striving to become a green- environmentally and blue – marine sustainable island destination with a vibrant tourism-driven economy.
SA Airlink fly to St Helena on Saturday of each week from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa, and the six-hour flight starts from approximately £810 return.
Swim with whale sharks in St Helena’s waters with Airlink’s special excursion fare on its weekly Johannesburg to St Helena Island service, as well as on its seasonal Cape Town to St Helena Island service for 10-day minimum stay between the travel period 14 January 2020 to 25 February 2020.
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Pictures: Supplied
