Egg Island

Egg Island lies off the northwestern coast of St Helena, a rock stack with a flat top that seabirds nest on, and boats from Jamestown run along the coast past it, taking in the sea caves, the cliffs and the offshore stacks along the way. Landing is not generally possible. The waters here hold whale sharks in season and dolphins year round, and the boat trip is usually sold as a coastal and wildlife run rather than as a visit to the island.

What you actually see

• The seabird stack - the flat-topped rock the birds nest on.
• The coastal cliffs - the faces and caves passed on the boat run.
• The whale sharks - the seasonal visitors to these waters.
• The dolphins - the pods present along this coast year round.

When to go

Whale sharks are most likely between December and March. Dolphins are present year round. Swell cancels boat trips at times.

Honest expectations

Landing on the island is not generally possible. Whale shark encounters are seasonal and not guaranteed. Boat trips are cancelled in swell.

Nearby

Lemon Valley is southeast, and Jamestown is east.