Summary
St. Eustatius, or Statia, is aptly described as a sleepy corner of the Caribbean, even though the island historically was at the heart of the action as the English, French, Dutch, and Spanish fought for control of the Caribbean. “The Golden Rock” is one of the last great destinations where you can get a taste of the old Caribbean, a laid-back island with few flashy attractions but lots of great diving, well-preserved natural habitats, and history aplenty.
Statia Basic Travel Information
- Location: Part of the Netherlands, located in the Leeward Islands near St. Martin/Maarten, Saba, and St. Barths.
- Size: 8.1 square miles.
- Capital: Oranjestad
- Language: Dutch, English, Spanish
- Religions: Various, including Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, and more.
- Currency: Antillean Guilder; U.S. dollar also widely accepted.
- Telephone/Area Code: 599.
- Tipping: 15%; service charge is included at hotels.
- Weather: Arid tropical maritime; hurricane threat from July to November.
- Airport: F.D. Roosevelt Airport. Most flights originate in St. Maarten, and regular ferry service is available from this nearby Dutch Caribbean island.
Statia Attractions
Diving is a significant attraction in Statia, thanks to its unique mix of warm water, healthy reefs, ample shipwrecks, and underwater volcanic landscape. The St. Eustatius Marine Park is a highlight of Statia’s diverse ecotourism offerings, which also include a dormant volcano sheltering a tropical rainforest and an extensive trail system. History buffs will find plenty to explore, including the fully restored circa 1629 Fort Oranje, the old Lower Town in Oranjestad, and the Lynch Plantation Museum.
Statia Beaches
Statia isn’t primarily known as a beach destination, but there are a few swimmable beaches on the island. Oranje Beach, located on the Caribbean side, is calm with beige and black sand, whereas Zeelandia Beach offers a secluded spot on the Atlantic side with rough waters—more suitable for sunbathing than swimming due to the dangerous undertow. Lynch Beach, also on the Atlantic side, has shallow waters that are good for close-to-shore bathing. Be mindful that none of these beaches have lifeguards.
Statia Hotels and Resorts
Selecting a hotel on Statia is rather straightforward, with only five options available: The Country Inn has six rooms set in a garden, the seaside Golden Era Hotel offers 20 rooms, Kings Well Resort features a dozen villas with views of Oranje Bay, the historic Old Gin House has 19 rooms built from bricks carried as ship’s ballast, and Statia Lodge includes 10 private cottages nestled between a dormant volcano and the Caribbean.
Statia Restaurants
Although Statia is not primarily a culinary destination like nearby St. Barths, the island does boast a dozen-plus restaurants that offer interesting dining options. Fine dining is typically found in hotel restaurants such as the Kings Well and the Old Gin House. Don’t miss the Ocean View Terrace in the courtyard of the Government Guest House, which overlooks Fort Oranje. Casual dining options include burgers, pizza, local cuisine, and a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. The Smoke Alley Bar and Grill offers an open-air beach experience, while the Blue Bead Bar and Restaurant in Lower Town Oranjestad is renowned for its Italian and French cuisine.
Statia Culture and History
Now regarded as a quiet outpost, Statia was once among the busiest—and most contested—islands in the Caribbean. The island changed hands at least 22 times during battles for control between the Dutch and Spanish, and Statia’s bustling port served as a critical conduit for arms to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War against the British. Following more than 150 years of decline, Statia began developing its tourism infrastructure in the 1960s and 1970s.
Statia Events and Festivals
Carnival, celebrated annually since 1964, is the highlight of Statia’s festive calendar, occurring over two weeks each July and early August. Statia-America Day is observed on November 16, recognizing St. Eustatius as the first nation to acknowledge the independence of the U.S. Other major holidays include the Queen’s Birthday (April 30), Emancipation Day (July 1), and Antillean Day (October 21).
Statia Nightlife
While Statia is not a party hotspot, the nightlife here typically revolves around hotel lounges and a few bars. The Smoke Alley Bar and Grille on Gallows Bay is an open-air beach bar, offering a classic Caribbean atmosphere. Local bands often play at bars in downtown Oranjestad on weekends. However, the island truly comes alive during its annual Carnival celebration in July and August.
