St Eustatius Island Travel
St Eustatius Overview
Saint Eustatius, also known affectionately to locals as Statia or Statius, is one of the islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles. It is in the northern, Leeward Islands portion of West Indies, southeast of the Virgin Islands. The island has a hot tropical climate tempered by cooling trade winds. The annual mean temperature is 27 degree centigrade that varies by no more than two or three degrees throughout the year that anytime of the year will provide a great vacation.
St Eustatius Main Attractions
Saint Eustatius was at one point the most important port in the New World. Successive transfer of control compelled the once-prosperous merchant community to seek better profit elsewhere, but the archaeological record their presence. Hence the Saint Eustatius current motto, "The Historic Gem." Nowadays, the only visible record of its once-proud presence is the fragments of pottery incorporated into local driveways and crumbling 18th century Caribbean architecture.
Saint Eustatius, as once known as the Caribbean's golden rock is now submerged to the sea. The subsequent decline of the island has only recently been halted by an influx of tourists. The foundations of the Dutch sea walls are now sunk beneath the clear waters of the bay. Scuba divers and snorkelers can see many of the submerged ruins. The colorful history is still available for viewing. This is only of the remaining ruins of heritage the island have.
St Eustatius Activities
Catch glimpses of the island's past by wandering about the colonial houses, visiting Fort Oranje, built by the French in 1629, and Fort Amsterdam, and going underwater to see the bay's sunken Dutch sea walls. Wander around the restored Old Town; walk up to The Quill, a dormant volcano surrounded by lush tropical rainforest; and visit the Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden. Relax on many beautiful and unspoilt beaches with unusual layers of black and tan sand. Enjoy the island's superb scuba-diving opportunities. Many wrecks filled with marine life lie on the black sand amid coral reefs.
St Eustatius Accommodation & Dining
Saint Eustatius has a host of accommodations to suit every budget and need. And no matter where you choose to stay, you'll always be near the ocean. If you're looking for a quiet and secluded hideaway, or an action packed resort, you've come to the right place. The sea offers a bounty that is fresh and healthy. Landlubbers will find their share of chicken, beef, lamb, pork, pasta and vegetarian dishes. Many restaurants offer a unique blend of Caribbean or Continental ambience, and the quality of the food is second to none.
St Eustatius Shopping & Nightlife
There not much to see for a nightlife in Saint Eustatius. However, there's the largest and long running owner operated bar Chuckies. The expatriate community typically restricts itself to this bar as the patron will frequently drink with patrons and keep the bar open until the last customer leaves. There are so many great products in the Saint Eustatius that it's guaranteed that you'll be tempted to shop. It might be colorful beachwear, evening fashions, and an exquisite piece of art, an ultra-smart purse, a tropical shirt, a gorgeous piece of jewelries or native crafts.
Getting To & Around St Eustatius
St Eustatius is served by Winair, which runs scheduled flights from St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten and from Saba. The roll-on, roll-off pier at Oranjestad enables small cruise ships to dock on St Eustatius.
