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Upon arrival, it felt like stepping back in time. After a long wait for a taxi—only one was available on the entire island—it’s essential to arrange a pickup with your hotel in advance. We were fortunate that a kind local woman came to our rescue and drove us to our hotel.
It’s hard to imagine that centuries ago, Sint Eustatius was a bustling hub known as the trading center of the world and the wealthiest island around. That’s how it earned its nickname, the Golden Rock, thanks to its lucrative trade activities.
Unveiling Legends: The Myth of the Royal Gift of Sint Eustatius
During our visit to Sint Eustatius, locals shared a fascinating story that the English queen once gifted the island to the Dutch queen, portraying it as a grand and generous gesture. They spoke of it as if receiving an entire island as a present was a common occurrence in their history. However, our guide clarified that this tale is more of a charming local legend rather than a historical fact. In reality, Sint Eustatius was primarily under Dutch control and played a significant role in global trade during its peak. The island’s history involves various colonial powers and treaties, but the idea of a royal gift is not supported by historical records.
Is Sint Eustatius worth visiting
Well, it depends on what you’re into. If you’re not really into history and diving, then Sint Eustatius might not be your top choice. With just one taxi on the island and only a few restaurants, there isn’t a whole lot for the casual visitor to do. But if you’re a diving enthusiast and love exploring the incredible underwater world of the Caribbean, or if delving into Caribbean history gets you excited, then Sint Eustatius is definitely worth a visit
What is The best time to visit Sint Eustatius
The best time to explore Sint Eustatius is pretty much all year long, but January through September are particularly ideal. During these months, you can expect warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. August usually sees the highest temperatures, averaging around 85°F, while January tends to be cooler, averaging around 75°F. This period offers favorable weather conditions for enjoying all that Sint Eustatius has to offer. We visited in June and had great weather, so it’s definitely a fantastic time to go.
How To Get To Sint Eustatius
There are two ways to reach Sint Eustatius: by ferry or by air. The nearest airport to Sint Eustatius is in Sint Maarten (SXM). Airfare typically ranges between $60 to $120, depending on the season of travel, with a flight duration of about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, the Makana Ferry operates a daily service from Sint Martin to Statia. Tickets for the ferry cost $65, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. While we chose to fly to the island, experiencing the ferry ride is something we’d consider if we ever go back.
Where to Stay in Sint Eustatius
In Sint Eustatius, there are several guesthouses and a handful of hotels to choose from. During our visit, we stayed at the Orange Bay Hotel, conveniently located close to the beach, where we were treated to stunning sunsets. The rooms were simple yet clean, providing all the essentials for a comfortable one-night stay. The hotel also had a restaurant, Harbourclub Statia, where we enjoyed breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, cheese, and toast. We also dined at the restaurant for lunch and found the food to be delicious. One of the highlights of our dining experience was the friendly chickens roaming around the restaurant. They provided entertainment by acting like cats, sitting next to us at the table while we ate.
One of the highlights of our dining experience was the friendly chickens roaming around the restaurant. They provided entertainment by acting like cats, sitting next to us at the table while we ate.
5 Things to Do in Sint Eustatius
1. Sint Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum
We were fortunate to stay in close proximity to Fort de Windt, allowing us to take a leisurely stroll to this historic site. Situated on the southern end of Sint Eustatius, the fort boasts a small but intriguing piece of history. As we explored the area, we couldn’t help but notice the well-appointed wall adorned with a couple of cannons. However, what truly captivated us were the gentle breezes and breathtaking views that made it difficult to tear ourselves away. From this vantage point, we enjoyed a picturesque vista stretching across to St. Kitts and Nevis, creating a peaceful ambiance perfect for a moment of relaxation atop the wall.
2. Fort de Windt
We were fortunate to stay in close proximity to Fort de Windt, allowing us to take a leisurely stroll to this historic site. Situated on the southern end of Sint Eustatius, the fort boasts a small but intriguing piece of history. As we explored the area, we couldn’t help but notice the well-appointed wall adorned with a couple of cannons. However, what truly captivated us were the gentle breezes and breathtaking views that made it difficult to tear ourselves away. From this vantage point, we enjoyed a picturesque vista stretching across to St. Kitts and Nevis, creating a peaceful ambiance perfect for a moment of relaxation atop the wall.
3. Hike Quill National Park
Quill National Park is a special place on the island of Sint Eustatius in the Caribbean. It’s famous for its one-of-a-kind volcanic scenery. The park includes not just the Quill volcano, but also the lush rainforest around it, which makes it perfect for people who love nature and being outside. One of the coolest things about Quill National Park is that you can hike up to the top of the Quill volcano. Besides hiking, the park is great for birdwatching, taking pictures, and just enjoying the beautiful nature of the Caribbean.
4. Diving in Sint Eustatius
There are a few fantastic diving centers in Sint Eustatius. Diving here is a big draw for many visitors to the island. The waters around the island are among the best in the tropics, boasting amazing reefs and lava formations. Besides the beautiful underwater scenery, divers can explore several underwater archaeological sites, most of which are ancient ships covered in coral. One notable site is the ‘Blue Bead Hole.’
In terms of weather, divers can enjoy warm tropical conditions year-round, with water temperatures averaging around 80°F.
5. Visit Zeelandia Bay
This spot is where turtles come to lay their eggs, a rare sight on Statia where beaches aren’t common. While it’s not safe to swim because of the strong currents, it’s great for a relaxed walk by the water. The waves are big and come from different directions, making it cool to watch. You might even spot turtles while you stroll, but remember, it’s not safe to swim or snorkel here due to the currents. Even though it’s not for swimming, the beach still offers awesome views of the Atlantic and is worth checking out. Just know it’s pretty isolated with no shops nearby. Overall, it’s a beautiful spot for a hike and to enjoy the natural beauty of Statia.
Where to eat in Sint Eustatius
There are some really delicious places to eat on Sint Eustatius. Since we were only on the island for a short time, we didn’t have the chance to try many restaurants, but the ones we did try were amazing. We had dinner at Blue Bead Restaurant, and the staff was incredibly friendly, and the food was delicious. We also visited Broadwalk Cafe and had the most delicious apple strudel there. At night, it’s very beautiful, and you can take a walk on the beach and see all the boats and lights.
10 fun facts about Saba
- Strategic Location: Sint Eustatius, also known as Statia, played a crucial role in colonial trade due to its strategic location in the Caribbean, serving as a key trading hub for European powers.
- Early Settlement: The island was first settled by the Dutch West India Company in 1636, making it one of the earliest European settlements in the Caribbean.
- Slave Trade: During the 18th century, Sint Eustatius became a major center for the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved Africans passing through the island.
- American Revolution: In 1776, Sint Eustatius became the first foreign port to officially recognize the United States’ Declaration of Independence, marking a significant moment in American history.
- British Capture: The British captured Sint Eustatius in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. The island was later returned to the Dutch in 1784 through the Treaty of Paris.
- Volcanic Activity: The island is home to the dormant volcano, the Quill, which last erupted in the 18th century. The Quill is a prominent geological feature and a key part of the island’s landscape.
- Historic Fortifications: Sint Eustatius has several well-preserved historical fortifications, including Fort Oranje, which dates back to the 17th century and offers insights into the island’s military history.
- Economic Boom: In the 18th century, Sint Eustatius experienced a period of economic prosperity, known as the “Golden Age,” due to its role as a major trading center and its free port status.
- Dutch Colonial Heritage: The island’s Dutch colonial past is still evident in its architecture and place names, reflecting its historical ties with the Netherlands. World War II: During World War II, Sint Eustatius was occupied by the United States as part of a strategic effort to protect the Caribbean and its shipping lanes from potential Axis threats.
- Nickname: Sint Eustatius is often called “Statia” by locals and frequent visitors, making it a bit of a hidden gem in the Caribbean.
