St. Eustatius 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.
Description
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.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. Statia was once a wealthy commercial and shipping center. Today, it's a sleepy spot with a small population and appeal for tourists seeking complete change. The capital, Oranjestad, is a split level arrangement with Upper and Lower ends. Fort Oranje features fascinating ruins which figure prominently in its history. Explorers like the old synagogue (c. 1840) and its tiny cemetery with beautifully preserved tombstones. Gravestone rubbing is a popular pastime, especially in the yard of the restored Dutch Reformed Church. Beaches are at a premium and the surf is serious. But lovers of the quaint and quiet consider it paradise. Come here to relax, or summon energy to climb The Quill, a volcano with resplendent rain forest on the slopes of its dormant crater.
Local Information
The official language of St. Eustatius is Dutch, but English is widely spoken. The electric current is 110 volts. The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles guilder. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted however Canadian dollars are not. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted in most places. Walking is probably all that is necessary but if you want a tour of the island one of the local taxi drivers will probably suffice ($35 or so). Cars can be rented from the airport and will run about $35 a day. Driving is on the right, and a valid foreign or international driver's license is required. As with many of the lesser inhabited islands, watch for cows and goats in the road.
Airport Information
Service into Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport (EUX) which is served by WINAIR connecting throught St. Maarten. There is no ferry service available to St. Eustatius. A departure tax of $10 US is payable at the airport upon departure.
Hightlights
Undisturbed diving sites
Archaeological exploration
Rich culture with historical sites
Local Weather
Daytime temperatures average mid-80s and evenings average mid-70s. The climate is relatively dry with 45 inches of rain each year occurring mainly during the months of April, June and September.
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