- A special municipality of the Netherlands, known locally as Statia
- Hike into the crater of The Quill, a dormant volcano with rainforest inside
- Dive a marine park scattered with historic anchors, wrecks and colonial remains
- Statia Day on 16 November remembers the "First Salute" to the United States in 1776
- Airports
- F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX), about 20 minutes' flight from Sint Maarten (SXM)
- Flight time
- about 10-12h from London with connections via Sint Maarten
- Best time to go
- December-April for drier weather; November for Statia Day
- Currency
- US dollar (US$)
Sint Eustatius, or Statia, is a small island in the north-eastern Caribbean that sees very few tourists. That has not always been the case: in the 18th century it was one of the busiest trading ports in the world, nicknamed "the Golden Rock", with hundreds of ships anchored in its bay. On 16 November 1776 the guns of Fort Oranje returned a salute from an American warship, one of the first acknowledgements of the newly independent United States, an event still celebrated as Statia Day.
Today it is a special municipality of the Netherlands, home to around 3,000 people. English is spoken everywhere, the currency is the US dollar, and the pace is slow. It is reached from Sint Maarten, lies between Saba and St Kitts and Nevis, and suits divers, hikers and anyone interested in Caribbean history.
Things to do
- Hike The Quill – the dormant volcano dominates the south of the island. A trail climbs to the crater rim in about an hour, and a steeper path descends into the crater, where giant trees, ferns and orchids grow in a sheltered rainforest. Allow a half day and take plenty of water.
- Dive the marine park – the St Eustatius National Marine Park protects reefs, lava flows and a seabed littered with old anchors, cannon, trade beads and wrecks from the island's trading heyday, alongside a few deliberately sunk modern ships. Dive operators in Lower Town run guided trips; diving independently is not allowed.
- Explore Oranjestad – the restored Fort Oranje looks down over the bay, and the Sint Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum, the ruined Dutch Reformed Church and the Honen Dalim synagogue ruins recall the island's busy past.
- Lower Town – stroll the waterfront, where ruined warehouses line the shore and some foundations now lie under the water.
- Boven National Park and the north – quieter hiking trails cross the hills in the north of the island, with sea views and a chance of seeing iguanas and tropicbirds.
- Statia Day and Emancipation Day – 16 November and 1 July bring music, food and celebration, and the summer carnival is the island's biggest party.
Where to stay
- Oranjestad Upper Town – guesthouses and small hotels close to the fort, museum and restaurants.
- Lower Town and the bay – waterfront lodging close to the dive shops, ideal for divers.
- Around the island – a few cottages and apartments on the slopes, which work best with a hire car.
There are only a handful of places to stay, so book ahead, especially around Statia Day and carnival.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Fly first to Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) on Sint Maarten, usually with KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris or via the US, for a total journey of around 10 to 12 hours plus connections. Winair then flies to F.D. Roosevelt Airport in about 20 minutes, with occasional connections via Saba. Ferry links have operated at times, but schedules change, so check locally.
British passport holders can usually visit for short stays without a visa, but your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. Hire cars, scooters and taxis are available, and distances are short.
Best time to visit
Statia is warm year-round, around 26 to 31 °C. December to April is drier and the most comfortable for hiking The Quill. Visit in November to coincide with Statia Day. The hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October, though the island is quiet at any time.
Start the Quill hike early in the morning, before the heat builds; the crater trail can be muddy and slippery after rain, so wear proper walking shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sint Eustatius worth visiting?
Yes, if you like diving, hiking and history rather than resorts and nightlife. It is one of the least visited islands in the Caribbean, which is its main appeal.
Does Statia have good beaches?
Not really. Zeelandia on the Atlantic coast has dark sand but strong currents and is not safe for swimming. Most swimming happens on dive and snorkel trips.
Can I combine Statia with other islands?
Easily. Saba and Sint Maarten are short flights away, and St Kitts is visible across the channel, though direct transport to St Kitts is limited.
What currency does Sint Eustatius use?
The US dollar. Some businesses accept cards, but bring cash for small purchases and taxis.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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