ST. EUSTATIU EUSTATIUS

F FIVE REASONS TO “DATE” STATIA

By Jesse Serwer

St. Eustatius is truly the Caribbean’s hidden treasure. Statia, as it’s commonly known, is officially a part of the Netherlands but this eight-square-mile island due south of St. Maarten has a personality all of its own. A rich history, diverse population, stunning natural beauty and the absence of mass tourism all combine to give it its uniquely low-key vibe. Here’s five reasons why you should make St. Eustatius your next Caribbean destination.

1. DIVING

St. Eustatius is home to some of the Caribbean’s best diving. Unlike many of the region’s other underwater hotspots, however, you’ll never have to worry about crowds. Divers can explore over a dozen shipwrecks in Oranje Bay, many bearing treasures of antique glass, porcelain and other relics of the island’s legacy as a major trading center. The aptlynamed Blue Bead Hole is home to a motherlode of striking blue beads, a symbol of the island’s past. Coral reefs ring the island, protected within a marine habitat administered by St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA). Elsewhere, lava flows formed through recent volcanic activity create otherworldly underwater tapestries. Members of the three endangered sea turtle species—the leatherback, the green turtle, and the hawksbill— which nest on the island are also commonly sighted near Statia’s reefs and wrecks.

2. ADVENTURE

Statia is home to over a dozen hiking trails.The most essential of these will take you to The Quill, the dormant, 2,000-foot volcano which dominates the island. A hike to the summit can be completed in under an hour, but you will want to leave time to explore the Quill’s inner crater, which is home to a spectacular tropical rainforest.

3. TRANQUILITY

Statia is a place to unplug, relax and unwind. From the moment you land at F. D. Roosevelt Airport, you’ll be struck by an overwhelming sense of tranquility. In fact, the sound of small, single-engine planes taking off and landing is just about the only noise of note you’ll encounter on your stay. What you will hear are crashing waves, braying goats and chirps from the more than 30 bird species that make their home on St. Eustatius.