St Eustatius or Statia as it is better known, is a very calm and a tranquil island in the Caribbean. Rather than the beaches, the forts of Statia take centre stage as the main tourist attractions. Fort Oranje, replete with cannons, triple bastions and a cobblestone courtyard and the Fort de Windt situated on top of a cliff with splendid views of St.Kitts are the prime tourists spots.
What is it?: Sint Eustatius, also known as Statia, is a small Dutch Caribbean island known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant marine life. With its colonial architecture, volcanic terrain, and excellent diving opportunities, Sint Eustatius offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and divers alike.
Affordability: Sint Eustatius is generally affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations, especially with fewer tourists and less commercial development. Accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels, and local dining is quite affordable. Activities like hiking and exploring the island’s historical sites are also low-cost options, making it an attractive destination for budget travelers.
Safety: Sint Eustatius is considered very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The small size of the island and its tight-knit community make it easy to explore and navigate, and most visitors feel comfortable walking around. As with any destination, it’s advised to take basic precautions in unfamiliar areas.
Popularity: Sint Eustatius is a quiet, less-visited destination, making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful and less commercialized Caribbean experience. While it is known for its historical significance and natural beauty, the island attracts a smaller number of visitors compared to larger, more tourist-heavy Caribbean islands, offering a more tranquil escape.
Tourist Infrastructure: The infrastructure on Sint Eustatius is limited but functional. There are a few small hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, and the island offers some basic amenities for visitors, including rental cars and taxis. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore, and most attractions, including the historical sites and hiking trails, are within short distances.
Weather: Sint Eustatius has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and sightseeing. The wet season lasts from May to November, with occasional rain showers and higher humidity.
Best Time to Go: December–April for the best weather, perfect for exploring the island’s natural beauty, hiking, and enjoying the marine life. The off-season (May–November) is quieter and offers lower prices, though there’s a higher chance of rain.
Known For: Oranjestad, historical sites, Quill Volcano, diving, hiking, St. Eustatius National Parks, rich colonial history, and pristine beaches.
Top Destinations: Oranjestad • Quill Volcano • St. Eustatius National Parks • The Battery • Boven National Park • Scenic Road • Dutch Reformed Church
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Nature Buffs: Sint Eustatius is a paradise for nature lovers, offering hiking opportunities like those on Quill Volcano, along with marine life-filled waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. The island’s rich biodiversity, including its wildlife and plant species, makes it ideal for eco-tourism and outdoor exploration.
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History Buffs: Sint Eustatius is a historical gem, with colonial sites like Oranjestad, the Dutch Reformed Church, and remnants of its role in the transatlantic trade. The island was a key trading hub in the 18th century, and its historic significance can be explored through sites like The Battery and St. Eustatius National Parks.
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Beach Bunnies: While Sint Eustatius is not known for long stretches of beach resorts, it offers quiet, unspoiled beaches like those at Scenic Road, perfect for relaxation and peaceful swimming. The island’s natural beauty and less crowded beaches provide a serene experience for those looking to unwind by the sea.
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Digital Nomads: Sint Eustatius offers a peaceful environment and reliable internet, but the infrastructure for digital nomads is limited. With fewer coworking spaces and limited amenities, it may not be the best option for long-term remote work, but it’s a great choice for short-term stays in a quiet, scenic location.
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Families: Sint Eustatius is great for families looking for a tranquil getaway with outdoor adventures like hiking Quill Volcano, exploring St. Eustatius National Parks, and visiting historical sites. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and safe environment make it ideal for family vacations focused on nature, education, and relaxation.
Sint Eustatius, or “Statia,” is a quiet Dutch Caribbean island steeped in colonial history and natural beauty. Once a major trading hub, its capital Oranjestad is now a sleepy town with crumbling forts, 18th-century buildings, and sea views. The Quill, a dormant volcano, offers excellent hiking through tropical forest to a crater rim with panoramic views. Offshore, the surrounding marine park is ideal for diving, with coral reefs, shipwrecks, and clear waters. With no cruise crowds or big resorts, Statia feels like the Caribbean of the past, peaceful, friendly, and refreshingly authentic.
Once a major trading port in the 1700s, it’s now a sleepy, under-the-radar destination best suited for divers, history lovers, and travelers looking to truly unplug. Most visitors stay in or around Oranjestad (not to be confused with Aruba’s), a small town with old stone ruins, churches, and colonial buildings scattered around its Upper and Lower Towns. The island’s crown jewel is The Quill, a dormant volcano you can hike up and into, passing through rainforest and ending at a crater rim with panoramic views.
Statia is affordable and uncrowded, with small hotels, guesthouses, and rental cottages run by locals, there are no resorts or chains. Dining is low-key but satisfying: you’ll find Caribbean staples like fried fish, goat stew, and plantains, with a few Dutch and international options in town. Don’t expect fine dining or nightlife, but you will find quiet dinners, friendly conversation, and ocean views.
Getting to Statia usually means a short flight from Sint Maarten, though there’s also a ferry service. Once on the island, it’s easy to get around by foot, taxi, or rental car, the whole island is just 11 square miles. English is widely spoken, even though Dutch is the official language. Statia is very safe, peaceful, and welcoming, with a strong sense of local pride and community.
- Capital: Oranjestad
- Population: ~3,200 (Density: ~150 people per km², ~389 per mi²)
- Area: 21 km² (8 mi²)
- Official Language: Dutch
- Common Languages: English (widely spoken), Spanish
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Time Zone: UTC-4
- Electricity: Plug Type A, B (110V, 60Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 911, Ambulance 912, Fire 919
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Christianity ~90% (Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican), Other beliefs ~10%
- Government: Special Municipality of the Netherlands
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): 17.4890, -62.9736
Why Go to Sint Eustatius?
- The Quill Volcano: Hike through rainforest trails to the top of The Quill, or descend into the crater’s jungle-like interior for an unforgettable day trek.
- Old Oranjestad’s History: Walk among the ruins of Dutch colonial mansions, forts, and warehouses in Lower Town, once a booming trade center.
- Diving & Shipwrecks: Explore coral reefs and historic wrecks in the Statia Marine Park, known for its healthy underwater life and conservation efforts.
- No Crowds, No Cruise Ships: Enjoy a quiet, authentic Caribbean experience without traffic, resorts, or tourist traps.
- Local Food & Friendly Vibes: Try home-cooked Caribbean meals, fresh seafood, and Statia’s own rum punch while chatting with locals.
- Sunsets & Seclusion: Watch the sun drop into the sea from a beachside bench, with no noise but the wind and waves.
- Hidden Caribbean History: Visit Fort Oranje, the Synagogue ruins, and learn about the island’s role in early U.S. independence and Atlantic trade.
Who Might Not Enjoy Sint Eustatius?
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Travelers Looking for Beach Resorts: Sint Eustatius (Statia) has very limited beach access, with mostly rocky shorelines and just one small black-sand beach. It’s not a sun-and-sand destination in the traditional Caribbean sense.
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Luxury Travelers Expecting High-End Comfort: The island has no large resorts, no all-inclusives, and only a handful of modest hotels and guesthouses. Luxury services, spas, and fine dining are minimal.
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Nightlife Enthusiasts: Statia is extremely quiet at night. There are a few local bars, but nightlife is nearly nonexistent, no clubs, live music, or late-night social scene.
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Shoppers or Cruise Tourists: There’s very little in terms of shopping, entertainment, or tourist excursions. Statia sees almost no cruise ship traffic and has a slow-paced, residential vibe.
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Visitors Wanting Easy, Walkable Exploration: Public transportation is nonexistent, and while the island is small, getting around without a car or bike can be difficult, especially in hot weather.
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Travelers Not Interested in History, Diving, or Hiking: The main attractions are historical ruins, diving sites, and hiking The Quill volcano. If those don’t appeal to you, there isn’t much else.
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Vegetarians or Vegans: Dining options are limited, and local cuisine leans heavily on meat and seafood. While you might find some accommodations that cater to special diets, choices are narrow.
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Those Who Want a Highly Organized Tourism Experience: Statia is undeveloped in terms of tourism. Signage is minimal, tours are few, and much of the exploration requires self-guidance and planning.
What’s Cool
Quiet and off-the-radar Caribbean experience, great diving with wrecks and marine life, hiking up Quill volcano with panoramic views, friendly and welcoming locals, rich colonial history with ruins and forts, safe and relaxed pace of life, small and walkable island, charming town of Oranjestad, no crowds or mass tourism, authentic local culture, easygoing atmosphere, good birdwatching and nature spotting, USD accepted, English widely spoken.
What’s Not
Very limited nightlife and entertainment, few beaches and mostly rocky coastline, minimal public transport or infrastructure, expensive flights with limited schedules, basic accommodation and dining options, small size limits activity variety, quiet to the point of isolation, slow service in restaurants, limited shopping and no major chains, occasional water shortages, early closing hours, not ideal for those seeking resort-style amenities or vibrant cultural events.
Sint Eustatius , commonly called Statia, is a special municipality of the Netherlands, located in the northeastern Caribbean, between Sint Maarten and Saint Kitts. It’s part of the Lesser Antilles and the Dutch Caribbean, but far less developed than its neighbors. The island is small and quiet, with a focus on heritage tourism, hiking, and scuba diving. The capital and only town is Oranjestad.
Sint Eustatius is about 21 km² (8 mi²) in size and is dominated by The Quill, a dormant volcano rising to 601 meters. The northern part of the island is more hilly and drier, dotted with ruins and old plantations, while the southern part is greener and forested around the volcano. The coastline includes black sand beaches, rocky bluffs, and marine reserves. The climate is tropical, with steady trade winds, a dry season from January to June, and a wetter season from July to December.
Statia appeals to travelers interested in nature, history, and quiet getaways, it’s largely untouched by mass tourism.
Most visitors arrive via a short Winair flight from Sint Maarten into F.D. Roosevelt Airport. There are no direct international flights. The island has no ferries, though occasional private charters connect it to nearby islands. Car rentals or taxis are the primary way to get around, though the island is small enough to explore by foot or bike for the adventurous.
Oranjestad
The capital and only real settlement, split into Upper Town and Lower Town.
- Oranjestad: The main town with colonial buildings, local shops, and historical ruins.
- Fort Oranje: A 17th-century Dutch fort with cannons, walls, and sweeping views of the sea.
- Dutch Reformed Church Ruins: A roofless stone church with an intact bell tower and adjoining cemetery.
- Historical Foundation Museum: Small but informative, with artifacts, photographs, and island stories.
- Lower Town: Once a major trading port, now quiet and used for diving access and seaside walks.
The Quill and Southern Statia
A nature reserve centered around the island’s iconic volcano and hiking trails.
- The Quill: A dormant volcano with trails leading to the crater rim and lush forest interior.
- Quill National Park: Managed by STENAPA, it offers marked trails, lookout points, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Mazinga Trail: Leads to the summit of The Quill, with panoramic views of surrounding islands.
- Crater Trail: Descends into the volcanic crater, filled with tropical trees, vines, and birds.
- White Wall: A cliff face at the volcano’s base, good for hiking and views of the Atlantic.
Northern Statia
More arid and less populated, dotted with plantation ruins, forts, and wild terrain.
- Boven National Park: A rugged nature reserve with trails through dry hills and historic ruins.
- Signal Hill: A lookout point offering views toward Saint Kitts and Saba.
- Corre Corre Bay: A coastal area with rocky cliffs, blowholes, and secluded coves.
- Godet House Ruins: One of many ruined plantations scattered throughout the north.
- Lynch Plantation Ruins: An atmospheric spot that hints at the island’s agricultural and colonial past.
Dive Sites and Marine Park
Statia’s marine reserve is a top draw for divers and snorkelers.
- The Charles Brown: A giant cable-laying shipwreck sitting deep but accessible to experienced divers.
- Double Wreck: Two historic wrecks in shallow water, covered in corals and marine life.
- Barracuda Point: A reef dive site with good visibility, fish schools, and occasional shark sightings.
- Blue Bead Hole: A sandy area near Lower Town where divers occasionally find glass beads from the 17th century.
- Anchor Point: Features large anchors and coral heads, teeming with reef creatures.
St Eustatius has pleasant moderate climate throughout the year with even rainfall. Hurricanes sometime occur between August and October.
St Eustatius receives direct flights from St. Maarten and Saba and has an anchorage point for yachts and small cruise ships.