St. Eustatius Travel Guide

St. Eustatius, affectionately called Statia, is a sleepy little island predominantly frequented by divers seeking opportunities to explore the many undisturbed dive sites and even participate in a bit of archeological exploration. The Statia Marine Park was formed to protect the pristine waters surrounding the island and establishing the structure for careful promotion of the area.

Hikers and nature lovers too, are discovering the abundance of natural resources available on Statia, the most noteworthy of which is The Quill, a 1940 foot extinct volcano. The Quill provides a variety of tropical plants and flowers, 54 species of birds all tucked within a lush rainforest. Several trails exist offering challenging yet exhilarating hikes with incredible views of neighboring islands: St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba and St. Maarten.

Once a bustling commercial center to the New World, nicknamed "The Golden Rock" denoting its former prosperity and wealth, St. Eustatius changing hands at least 22 times, until the Dutch finally took possession in 1636. Statia is today a member of the Netherlands Antilles along with Saba, St. Maarten, Bonaire and Curacao.

Fairly easy to get to, just a 20 minute plane ride from St. Maarten, Statia welcomes you with a warm people, history, and hidden treasures waiting for your discovery. A few inns and guesthouses exist, mostly dive and eco-related, offering affordable accommodations and friendly service. With more than 20 nationalities living on the island, you can expect a diverse range of cuisine from traditional West Indian dishes to French, Italian and even Asian fare.

Several strands of beige and black sands line the shores of Statia where sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming can be had. Crooks Castle beach on the Caribbean side is especially popular for snorkelers and the golden sands of Corre Corre Bay on the Atlantic coast is well worth the hike(about 30 minutes). You'll find that most of the island is free of crowds and open to imaginative discovery.

Nightlife is virtually non-existent on Statia. You'll spend the evening eating dinner and relaxing from a day full of activity. There are usually live bands playing on the weekends at various hotels or clubs. To experience a blast of Statia's culture, foods, and people visit in late July, early August when carnival is in full swing. The island wakes up for 10 days of music, competitions and island activities.

Relatively undiscovered Statia is entering a period of rediscovery with interest in careful promotion of its natural resources both on land and beneath its pristine waters. For hikers and divers alike, St. Eustatius continues to be the best kept secret of the Caribbean.