St Helena Tourist Office

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St Helena is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, 5° 43' west and 15° 56' south, 1,200 miles (1,950km) from the south-west coast of Africa, and 1,800 miles (2,900km) from the coast of South America. The nearest land is Ascension Island, which lies 703 miles (1,125km) to the north-west.


ZOOM - MAP!

Endemic species, such as the Wirebird, are highly protected and a birdwatchers delight.

Flora & Fauna

Today, the visitor to St Helena is surprised by the varied vegetation zones within short distances. On the higher grounds of the island there is an abundance of lush semi-tropical vegetation. This changes to grasslands and pastures and finally arid terrain as one moves down to the coast.
The highest point on St Helena is Diana's Peak at 2685 ft or 818m.
St Helena Island land area covers 47 square miles or 122 square km, ten and a half miles or 17km long and six and a half miles or 10km wide.
St Helena Island is of volcanic origin emerging from the sea some 14 million years ago.
St Helena Island possesses two other dependencies: Ascension Island which lies 703 miles to the north west and Tristan da Cunha, which lies 1500 miles to the south west.
The nearest place of importance to St Helena is Cape Town which lies 1700 miles or 4400 km to the south east.

The Land

The island rises dramatically from the South Atlantic, with sheer cliffs intersected with deep valleys (locally known as "guts") which slope from the central ridges. The island is hilly with rocky shores. Inshore St Helena consists of rolling hills, subtropical forest and grasslands.

Conservation attracts increasing attention on the island and several projects are currently underway to assist with the recovery of the island's fragile endemic floral kingdom.

The main environmental center is located at Sandy Bay. {MAP}
Enquiries or questions about visiting the Island of St Helena can be addressed to the St Helena Tourist Office. Remember to include your full name and return contact details.
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