Sint Eustatius (Statia) travel guide
A quiet volcanic island with an outsized history and some of the most relaxed diving in the Caribbean.
Sint Eustatius, known to almost everyone as Statia, is a small island in the northern Caribbean and a special municipality of the Netherlands. It has no cruise-ship crowds, no high-rise resorts and very little traffic. What it does have is a dormant volcano you can hike into, a protected marine park full of turtles and old shipwreck remains, and a historic capital that was once one of the busiest trading ports in the Americas. It suits travellers who want nature, history and a slow pace.
Open Sint Eustatius on the map- Capital
- Oranjestad
- Size
- About 21 km²
- Status
- Special municipality of the Netherlands (Caribbean Netherlands)
- Currency
- US dollar
- Languages
- Dutch (official), English widely spoken
- Getting there
- Short flights from St. Maarten; ferry links on some routes
Why visit
In the 18th century Statia was nicknamed "the Golden Rock" because so much trade passed through its harbour. In 1776 the fort here fired a salute to a ship flying the flag of the newly declared United States, one of the first foreign acknowledgements of American independence. Islanders still mark the date each November as Statia Day.
Today the island is calm and friendly. Most visitors come for diving, hiking and history, and many say the best part is how unhurried everything feels.
Top things to do
A few days is enough to see the highlights; a week lets you settle into island time.
- Hike The Quill: trails climb the rim of the dormant volcano and drop into the crater, where a rainforest grows. Start early to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water.
- Walk Upper Town and Fort Oranje: the restored fort overlooks the bay, and nearby you will find historic churches, a synagogue ruin and the local museum.
- Explore Lower Town: the waterfront below the cliff was once lined with warehouses. Ruins of old walls are still visible along the shore and underwater.
- Visit the Botanical Garden on the slopes of Boven and look out for the island's rare iguanas and land birds.
- Watch sunset from the cliff road above Oranjestad Bay.
Diving and snorkelling
The waters around Statia are protected as the Statia National Marine Park, managed by the local parks foundation. Divers and snorkellers pay a park fee, which supports conservation work. Dive operators will arrange this for you.
Sites range from shallow reefs scattered with remains of colonial-era ships, anchors and trade goods (including the famous blue glass beads) to deeper walls and modern wrecks that have been sunk as artificial reefs. Sea turtles, rays and reef sharks are common sightings. Because visitor numbers are low, sites rarely feel crowded.
Collecting artefacts, including blue beads found underwater, is not allowed. Leave everything where you find it.
Getting there and around
Most visitors fly in on a short hop from Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten. There are also ferry services connecting Statia with nearby islands on some days; schedules change, so check with the operator before you plan around them.
The island is small. Taxis meet flights, and renting a car or scooter is the easiest way to get around. Many places are also within walking distance of Oranjestad.
Good to know
- Shops and restaurants are limited and may close early or on Sundays; plan meals ahead.
- Mobile coverage can be patchy on trails. Download the map in the IslandGuide app before you hike.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- Respect the national park rules: stay on marked trails and do not disturb wildlife.
Schedules, prices and opening hours change often. Always confirm details with operators before you travel.