Swim through shipwrecks, sweat it out on scenic hikes, and step back in time in Statia.
Blink and you might miss it . An island just over eight square miles — smaller than the city ofProvidence , Rhode IslandorBurlington , Vermont — Sint Eustatius is a tiny Caribbean specification packed with adventure . unremarkably referred to plainly as Statia , here you ’ll findblack sand beaches , three dozen pristine Aqua-Lung and snorkel sites , and sleepy vent crisscross with hiking paths . And nearly one-half of the island is taken up by a national park .
“ Statia is unequaled for many reasons , admit the people , the clime , nature , the culture , and most of all the peace and muted , ” says Anthony Reid , longtime resident and general manager ofGolden Rock Dive & Nature Resort , the island ’s premiere eco - resort and big cordial reception offering . “ walk through nature , play dominoes with the topical anesthetic , or driving to the beach and hear to the waves crash against the shoreline — it ’s like make a promenade back in meter , but you still have entree to the 21st hundred . ”
Thankfully , getting to the evenhandedly distant island does n’t have to be a timewarp adventure . It used to be that you had to pilot intoSint Maarten , then either book one of two - ish casual teeny , diminutive pool jumper flight or board a prolonged , sometimes disruptive ferryboat to strive Sint Eustatius . However , November 2023 see JetBlue launchthree new weekly direct flightsfrom New York ’s JFK into nearbySt . Kitts and Nevis . From there , invitee of Reid ’s Golden Rock Resort can link up with a very 21st - century speed gravy boat to jet across the water in stylus .
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disregarding of how you arrive , with a lush volcanic crater that you may climb into , plus eight tramp trails , wild raspberry and orchidaceous plant , a lily-white limestone drop overlooking the sea , position - back bars and eatery , and go historical sites , Sint Eustatius is a worthy stopon any Caribbean island - hop jaunt . Here ’s what to do in Statia , the Dutch Caribbean ’s sweetest enshroud gem .
Best places for first timers to visit in Sint Eustatius
If you , like many , have never before set foot on — or even heard of — Statia , Reid ’s must - doh include “ snorkel in the Caribbean Sea , hiking up the Quill and a historical walking tour of the Old Town . ”
A sojourn to the Quill is much more than a uncomplicated hike . The colonizers first called the ancient vent Kuil , entail pit or hole , and the English variation evolve into the Quill . At one time , a majority of the vent was used for cultivated land , so the long - dormant Quill was also the internet site of an all-encompassing orchard . If you calculate closely between the natural giantism of plant liveliness , you ’ll see the remnant of century of rock boulders stack in horizontal way , used ( along with sugarcane ) to keep the land from slide as enslaved peoples worked their elbow room up the volcano . It ’s not only a suspension into nature , but a meaningful experience with a reminder of how the yesteryear skirt everything .
Sint Eustatius changed European hands several sentence from the 14th to seventeenth centuries , but finally continue a Dutch dominion . As a resultant role of its roiling past , the island is littered with historical leftover . From ancient submersed shipwreck prim up for snorkel diving and scuba diving to restored stone forts with epic views and religious ruination teeming with pensive reverence , what Statia lacks in straightforward footage it more than build up for in riveting cultural experience .
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Speaking of submerged adventure , the island ’s plentiful honkytonk chance are one of the main ground people come back to Statia over and over again . Nearly 17 miles of protected marine reserve hugs the coastline , traverse eight different ecosystem , largely undisturbed coral reef , hundreds of aquatic specie , and 36 different designated diva sites . And if you keep your eyes peeled , you might just recognize a blue glass beading cuddle in the flaxen depth . bring on by Dutch glassblowers , these five - sided cobalt - hue orbs were in the first place throw to Statia ’s enslaved population as an imposed form of currentness . And upon emancipation , they were purportedly tossed into the ocean as a celebratory act of freedom . Though you might not want to look too hard — legend has it the bead line up you .
Where to eat and drink like a local in Sint Eustatius
For such a small pickup , Sint Eustatius more than holds its own when it comes to food and drinkable . option race the gamut from elegant sit down - down suppers to beachfront dives , each imbued with a healthy dose of island charm .
“ My favorite restaurant in Statia isBobbie ’s Beach Clubbecause of the stave , the food , the vibe and the cosmopolitan ambiance , ” says Reid , aptly repping Golden Rock ’s gelidity dining spot . Yet while it ’s housed at the refuge , the al fresco stunner is a huge standoff for both field islander and entrant alike . “ The eyeshot is outstanding — to the South you’re able to see the Quill and to the due north you have the Atlantic Ocean , and the ocean wind tops it off . ”
Other culinary standouts includeGolden Rock ’s more upscale Breezeas well as theOld Gin House , an 18th - century cotton plant gin - turn - boutique hotel serving cocktails and inspired cuisine in its scenic waterfront restaurant and lounge . For something more low - primal , head to the ever - upbeatBlue Bead Restaurant , beachyOcean View Terrace , and any of several democratic Chinese eating house — namelyCool Corner , a wood - clad , family - work community of interests hub stocked with an invite wraparound bar , cosy interior decoration , and some of the good vibraphone around .
Bobbies Beach Club
As for booze , it ’s all about the local digs . derive nightfall , the harborfrontBoardwalk Cafe — a cluster of food truck - style legal community and collation vendors centered around a canopied dance floor and DJ booth — hums with action , laughter , and plenty of Caribbean rum . A hint further inland , Franky ’s Barholds courtyard as one of the field ’s most beloved hangouts , its brightly paint walls , dusty beer , island eats , and extremely loyal clientele add up to what Reid dub “ an veritable Statia experience . ”
Museums and culture in Sint Eustatius
It ’s toilsome to visit Statia without hear mention of Statia Day , peculiarly if you protrude into town during the leadup to the November 16 national vacation . And that last double if you ’re come up from the States , as the solemnization is very nearly tied to America ’s own Independence Day . Back in 1776 , as the story goes , Sint Eustatius was the first place on Earth to recognize the United States ’ triumph over English rule when the troops stationed at Fort Oranje returned the US flag - flying Continental Navy ship Andrew Doria ’s salute as it entered the harbor , thus solidifying its country ’s reign . know as the “ first military greeting , ” the action at law put Statia on the map , and today the event is marked by twenty-four hour period of exposed - air festivities including a parade , street fairs , performances , traditional food and drunkenness , and other public merriments .
Regardless of the time of year , Fort Oranjeis always a pile to lay eyes on . Perched on a drop leave out Oranje Bay , do n’t leave without roaming around the 1636 fortress ’s hulking stone walls while taking in the sweeping ocean thought .
Nearby you ’ll also find theSint Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum , which not only feature a vast collection of historical objects and archive housed in an incredibly well - uphold seventeenth - hundred plantation house , but also propose immersive walking turn that paint a graphic picture of Statia ’s past , present , and time to come . The tour allow no stone unturned , showcasing gripping island highlights like the statelyBethel Methodist Churchwith its illustrious London - made buzzer towboat go steady to 1896 , the towering persist of theDutch Reformed Church , build in 1755 from local volcanic basalt and Bermuda limestone , and the greenery - strewn ruination ofSynagogue Honem Dalin — finished in 1739 , it stands as the third - oldest synagogue in the Caribbean .
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Nature and outdoor experiences in Sint Eustatius
We ’ve already mentioned the wonderment of Statia ’s aqualung and snorkeling scene , but breaking a exertion aboveground is just as enticing . Quill / Boven National Parkis split into two sides on either end of Sint Eustatius , with its most notable feature being the 2,000 - foot inactive volcano , the Quill . The sleep giant is arduous to miss as you start your descent by plane . believe to be around 30,000 years old , the Quill ’s last volcanic eruption took place about 1,600 years ago , and it was specify as part of theSint Eustatius National Parks Foundationby the Dutch regime in 1998 . The Boven side has five Hill and dry vegetation , but it ’s the Quill side where most traveller drop their time .
The Quill is known mostly for hiking , as it is not driveable or developed with any man - made playthings . It ’s just you and the out-of-doors here . boost alter from meek one - hour cardio sashay to more arduous 2.5 - hour crater treks to journeys around the vent that can last all day . There ’s a minuscule parking lot at the foundation of the trail , near the carrefour of Rosemary Lane , or you’re able to take the air much further by beginning your hiking from the capital of Oranjestad , where the trail polarity is tick .
One of the most popular trails is the 2.8 - mileQuill Trailto the volcanic crater brim , which is a moderate salary increase with more advanced mounting when you approach the rocky top . Some ropes are there to help hikers ascend to the end of the trail . If you want to turn over the high point of the Quill , you may follow the rough running known as the Mazinga Trail , which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and Caribbean H2O . To check out the northern volcanic crater rim , you would turn go out from the end of the Quill Trail , and follow the Panorama Point course .
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One of the most thrilling hikes is into the volcanic crater itself via the Crater Trail , which has some stairs along the itinerary to assist navigate some of the steep areas . The Crater Trail terminates in some lush vegetation . Another option for pay off to the crater would be the Couchar Mountain Trail , which is actually a short path than the Crater Trail , but is accordingly more steep .
For the most adventuresome hikers , the Around the Mountain Trail does exactly as it says and circles the stack . It ’s a popular all - day boost with a visit to the summit , the volcanic crater , and survey overlooking the White Wall limestone cliff in front of the sea . On the southeasterly side of the mountain , it join with the Bird Trail and Botanical Garden Trail .
The corking observer will also notice the variety of vegetation that ’s strike over the side . The Quill ’s voluminous internal volcanic crater and surrounding land mass is home to a tropical - similar rain forest replete with elephant ears , mahogany , begonia , figs , plantain , and dozens more varieties of tree and plant . You may recognize the round , seedless breadfruit hanging from their parent trees , try some of the raging raspberry bush throughout the woodland , or see the sway of small pear-shaped fruit grow on sea grapeshot trees .
Golden Rock Resort, Dive & Nature Resort - St. Eustatius
The distinct characteristic of the gum tree will also pop out at you along the trail , because its barque peels in promising , cherry flake that can be boiled and used to fight back infection . tramp can also keep an eye out for some of the aboriginal and introduced diverseness of colorful orchids , of which there are over a dozen types . And there ’s a chance to see swift , two - inch - farseeing land crabmeat , iguanas , Hydra , herds of devoid - cast wild goats , several butterfly stroke species , and endemic fowl like the brown - stripy killi killi .
Sint Eustatius hotels and other great places to stay
Despite its status as a nature - lover ’s paradise , camping is not set aside anywhere on the island , so a traditional hotel stay is commonly the good option for travelers to Sint Eustatius .
turn up less than a five - minute drive from the Quill , the 40 - acreGolden Rock Resortprovides sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean flank with landscaping that incorporates endemic plant and heyday species . The property lay claim to two different swimming pool , an oceanfront gymnasium , and standalone in - elbow room tub double-dyed for hock away the aching after a farsighted hike . All that plus two onsite restaurants fed by an onsite nursery , a minigolf grade , saltwater lagoon , fully fit dive center , several dissimilar room types , and regular well - attended consequence popular with both tourists and locals make it a no - brainer booking if you ’re be after a trip to Statia .
But do n’t have the resort label throw you off — it ’s about as far as you get from a stuffy black - tie - at - dinner ordeal or cheesy all - inclusive . “ Golden Rock Resort is a nature and eco - resort — you could make relaxed and relax , it ’s not overly push , the gardens are one of a sort , and there ’s potpourri throughout , from the elbow room to the cuisine , ” enounce Reid . And those perks do n’t just apply to hotel guests . “ For local , it ’s the place they come to dine and relax . Even though it ’s on the island , they can still escape for a bit . ”
Stenapa St Eustatius
Additional lodging options include the aforementionedOld Gin House , Quill Gardens Boutique Hotel , andWhale Tails Boutique Hotel , alongside a smattering ofapartment renting and homestays .
What to know before you go to Sint Eustatius
Best times of the year to visit
If tackling the Quill is your main focal point , note that the lead to the crater brim can be done year around , block up any extreme weather during hurricane time of year ( August through October ) . The dry season is the time of yr where you have a enceinte chance of a more gratifying hike . February , March , and April are usually the driest month , and the next ideal time would be December and January . It ’s good to think that because the volcano is a rain forest , the trails can become tricky even in the teetotal seasons , since it rains oft at the higher elevation .
For other activities , Reid commend timing your sojourn to some of Statia ’s top public parties . “ Carnival in July , Statia Day on November 16 , Easter weekend when the main route and beaches are transformed into a picnic centre for acquaintance and families , the vacation season and end of the year — Statia is great all twelvemonth around , ” he assures .
The time zone
Sint Eustatius fall under Atlantic Standard Time ( AST ) . This translates to one hour ahead of New York ’s Eastern Standard Time and four hour ahead of California ’s Pacific Standard Time .
The weather and climate
Sint Eustatius is classified as having a tropic monsoon climate , marked by consistently hot temperatures and frequent refreshingly cool trade winds throughout the class . The intermediate class - round temperature is 80 level Fahrenheit , with highs range from 82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit ( May to November ) and lows ranging from 71 to 77 point Fahrenheit ( December to April ) .
Sporadic rainfall is common in every season , though August through September bring the most humidity . tropic storms and hurricanes can occur during the Atlantic hurricane season ( June through November ) , and the last hurricanes to inflict major scathe were Irma and Maria in 2017 . No matter what clock time of class you down , ensure to apply peck of sunblock , as those shaft can be even strong than they look .
How to get around
Clocking in at just over eight substantial miles , many portion of the island are quite walkable , specially the meshwork of residential and commercial street that wind their manner from the drome down to the ocean . And that ’s a secure matter , as there are no train or public coach in Sint Eustatius .
Since the terrain can be hilly in parts , it ’s a good thought to eitherrent a railcar on - island(nointernational driver ’s license ) , flag down one of the many taxicab hold off near the airdrome , or call ahead to ensure your hotel offers a birdie service . That way , you ’ll be able to navigate Sint Eustatius ’ varied topography with ease .
The currency
Sint Eustatius has been using the US dollar ( USD ) as its prescribed currency since 2011 .
International adapters you’ll need
Sint Eustatius use type A , B , and F chaw ( though A and B are much more common ) . Standard voltage on the island is 110/220 V and the frequence is 60 Hz .
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Golden Rock Resort, Dive & Nature Resort - St. Eustatius
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