Sint Eustatius (Statia)

Oh, the diving! Sint Eustatius has been named the best diving in the Caribbean by National Geographic. The island has become a sought-after destination for globetrotting divers. An exceptional and unforgettable experience awaits beneath the waves, sure to leave a lasting impression. Within its pristine waters, 36 enchanting sites are waiting to be explored from lava flows to shallow reefs, shipwrecks, and archaeological sites, the latter offering you a glimpse into the region's maritime history. Sint Eustatius’ relative seclusion means you will enjoy untouched and uncrowded diving. All skill levels are welcome – dive on in!

Intrepid hikers can experience an adventurous and memorable trek up the (sleeping) Quill volcano leading to a breathtaking crater at its summit, all rewarded with 360 views of the island, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. Along the way you’ll stumble across iguanas, lizards, hermit crabs, goats, and honeybees. Aside from knowing the volcano like the back of their hand, we recommend opting for a locally guided hike as you will gain brilliant insight into the island and its flora and fauna along the way.

Step back in time. Visitors can embark on guided tours to delve into the island’s rich history. Meander through the historic yet well-preserved Fort Oranje that once protected the harbour, and walk down to Oranje Bay, originally the centre of Sint Eustatius’ trading activities. Old merchant warehouses are now crumbling ruins along the shoreline and submerged sea walls accompany coral-slung cannons and anchors that rest semi-hidden on the seabed.

Whether you are looking for a romantic oceanfront dinner, a vibrant night of mingling with locals and fellow visitors, or a casual lunch, this small island offers a great little food scene. Sample both international and local cuisines from restaurants such as Barrellhouse or The Boardwalk: freshly caught seafood, goat curry, conch fritters and plantain-based dishes are all on the menu!

Hunting for blue beads in Statia is a fascinating and historical pursuit. Blue beads are a significant cultural treasure as they were once used as currency in the 17th century so keep your eyes peeled as you dive the crystal-clear waters, hike up the Quill, or explore the historic landmarks around the island. Blue bead hunting offers visitors a unique chance to reflect on the complex historic narratives that shaped the island into the culturally rich and vibrant place it is today. Legend has it, the beads find you, you don’t find them. If a blue bead does find you then it means you will return to Sint Eustatius one day. These are the only relics you are permitted to take home with you as a souvenir of the island.

English is most commonly spoken on the island, and you will also occasionally hear Papiamento, a language combining African, Dutch, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The official language of Sint Eustatius is Dutch, being a municipality of the Netherlands. This is mainly only used for administrative and official purposes.

No vaccinations are required for Sint Eustatius, but the country is regarded as having a risk of contracting the Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The time difference is GMT -4 hours.

The flight time from London Gatwick to St. Kitts is a little over 10 hours including a 1 hour stop in Antigua. This is followed by a 10-minute road transfer in St. Kitts to the marina and a 40 to 50 minute boat ride over to Sint Eustatius.

The currency is the US dollar.

UK nationals don’t need a visa to travel to Sint Eustatius.