A Caribbean island with a difference, visitors can wander the coal-coloured shores of Sint Eustatius, take in its fascinating colonial roots, and witness a vibrant underwater world.
SINT EUSTATIUS
As the heart of the Dutch Caribbean, history infuses every corner of Sint Eustatius, with a storied past steeped in colonialism and trade.
Known locally as Statia, its intriguing heritage is the result of having been under French, British, and Dutch rule, changing hands 22 times before the latter eventually regained ownership of the island in 1816. As such, Sint Eustatius’ historical narrative has had a major influence on its modern-day architecture and culture.
Thanks to its ties with the Dutch West India Company (WIC), Sint Eustatius became a commercial trade centre throughout the 19th century and was heavily involved in Caribbean slavery. Moreover, the island was a key port in the American Revolutionary War and was also the site of the ‘First Salute’ as an American merchant ship entered Fort Oranje.
With such a winding history of international significance, travellers to Sint Eustatius can’t help but be immersed in its fascinating and momentous past.
Unlike its Caribbean counterparts, the island is fringed by black shores caused by eroded volcanic materials, a stark contrast from the white sandy beaches that typify its neighbouring territories. However, visitors should not be deterred, as Sint Eustatius holds many hidden bays and long stretches of warming sand that make the perfect spot for visitors to relax and unwind.
Sint Eustatius’ myriad colourful diving sites also make for an unforgettable experience, as the island’s vibrant, turquoise waters contain majestic coral reefs and migrating channels for the world’s most exquisite fish species.
For those looking to delve deeper under the water’s surface, Sint Eustatius has two dive centres where aquanauts can choose between 36 diving sites across the island.
Above all, visitors to Sint Eustatius will immediately be taken in by the island’s warming hospitality and diverse culture, as over 20 nationalities call it their home. Tourists can likewise experience home comforts thanks to a vast array of accommodation, from luxurious and indulgent hotels to off-the-beaten-path, local boutiques.
As a destination of engrossing historical significance and breathtaking sea and landscapes, Sint Eustatius sets itself apart as the hidden haven of the Caribbean.
Q&A WITH STATIA TOURISM
Going above and beyond to highlight Sint Eustatius as a key contender in Caribbean destination holidays, Statia Tourism ensures that travellers discover all there is to offer on this unique island.
Maya Pandt, Product Development Manager, opens our eyes to Sint Eustatius’ fascinating ties to colonial and Jewish heritage and explains how the board promotes sustainable tourism across the island.
Firstly, please introduce us to Statia Tourism – what is your vision and mission?
Maya Pandt, Product Development Manager (MP): Our vision is for Statia to be recognised as an authentic and sustainable destination. It is an island of memorable and unique culture and nature-based experiences in a peaceful and tranquil setting amongst friendly people who take pride in their identity, cultural heritage, and natural environment.
How do you promote Sint Eustatius as a destination, and what makes it different from other Caribbean islands?
MP: Statia is promoted in various destination marketing publications, on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and in collaboration with neighbouring islands’ tourism entities.
Statia does not have the white sand beaches to attract beach lovers, however, we do have amazing diving experiences with several wreck dive sites, breathtaking hikes for nature lovers, and well-maintained historical areas that tell the story of Statia’s past.
As an island teeming with heritage, what historical attractions await travellers to Sint Eustatius?
MP: Statia has various historical sites that give travellers a sense of what occurred on our little island, including the Honen Dalim synagogue and Jewish cemetery, both opened in 1739; the Dutch Reformed Church built in 1755 that has ties to President Roosevelt; and Fort Oranje, where the ‘First Salute’ to the US happened.
Simon Doncker House, an 18th century mansion built by wealthy merchant Simon Doncker, is now a museum that chronicles Statia’s history with exhibits of colonial trade and slavery, its Jewish community, and the famous ‘First Salute’. In the basement, there are also artefacts from the pre-Columbian era.
What other unique landmarks and activities can visitors enjoy on the island?
MP: Zeelandia Beach is a unique landmark as it’s the location where leatherback turtles arrive to nest. Although it’s not safe to swim there due to the strong Atlantic currents, the beautiful stretch of sand is ideal for picnics, beach sports, and, at night, beautiful star gazing with bonfires.
How can travellers also embrace sustainable tourism and nature on their visit?
MP: Travellers can assist in sustainable tourism by reducing plastic usage, respecting the island’s nature laws, such as not breaking plants or feeding animals in the wild, and not touching the coral reefs or taking archaeological artefacts when diving. Visitors can also engage more in local and cultural heritage.
Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Sint Eustatius in 2025, and are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry going into next year?
MP: Statia is a unique, safe destination with friendly people, great diving spots, an interesting history, and relaxing nature hikes.
We always have to be optimistic, and with increased marketing efforts, we can put Statia in the spotlight for visitors who will appreciate what we have to offer.
JEWISH HERITAGE IN FOCUS
Built in 1739 and an emblem of the island’s Jewish heritage, the Honen Dalim synagogue is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
The two-storey ruin offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews who arrived on Sint Eustatius around the early 1700s, with the island’s status as a key trading epicentre at the time said to have drawn the diaspora.
Built from yellow bricks transported from the Netherlands in 1739, the structure tied together Sint Eustatius’ historical roots. However, by the 1800s, the vast Jewish community had significantly diminished, leaving the temple abandoned.
Today, visitors can gaze upon the remnants of this once bustling communal site. For example, the ruin still has the boreholes that supported the beams of the ladies’ gallery. Elsewhere, travellers can follow in the footsteps of those before them by ascending the remains of a stone staircase leading to the gallery.
For those who wish to find out more about the history of the island’s Jewish community, the Jewish cemetery, located in the town of Oranjestad, holds a small collection of gravestones dating between 1739 and 1824. The burial site tells the sombre story of the Jewish populations that tried to avoid the wrath of British troops, making the cemetery an important reminder of the island’s past.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Sleep:
FOR SPACIOUS, STYLISH ROOMS IN A PRIME LOCATION…
The Old Gin House combines old-fashioned charm and vast oceanfront views for all guests. Nestled amongst beautiful 18th century restorations, visitors can relax in comfortable and affordable rooms with plenty of amenities, as well as stylishly furnished suites, all with their own secluded balcony space.
Diners can delight in a fruity cocktail whilst looking out over the shimmering waters at the resort’s in-house restaurant, tucking into carefully prepared plates and some of the best beverages the island has to offer.
Do:
FOR IMMERSING YOURSELF IN THE ULTIMATE ISLAND EXPERIENCE…
Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort delights visitors with the full island package, offering stunning island-guided tours and once-in-a-lifetime diving expeditions, coupled with stylish and comfortable rooms and blissfully relaxing facilities.
Guests can choose from a plethora of both leisurely and adrenaline-filled activities, ranging from long hikes around the national parks to otherworldly stargazing, unmissable sunset boat cruises, and even fun-filled bee experiences.
After an action-packed day, visitors can unwind at the resort’s rock spa, dip their toes in one of the many pools and lagoons, or be hypnotised by the exquisite ecosystem of birds, butterflies, and trees.
Eat:
FOR AUTHENTIC AND DELICIOUS CUISINE…
There is a variety of restaurants to choose from, from local to international, where travellers can find something to please the tastebuds.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Fort Oranje
A monument of Dutch occupation, Fort Oranje was erected in 1636 and has since been intricately restored to give history lovers a unique insight into the Dutch architecture that once scattered the island. The fort comprises cannon sites, formidable triple bastions, and a hardy selection of canons, which look out to the sweeping Oranje Bay.
Quill National Park
These emerald hills are home to the bridled quail-dove and red-billed tropicbird that darts between the trees. Visitors can also feast their eyes on The Quill, a dormant volcano that offers a multitude of hiking trails for experienced mountaineers. Quill National Park also includes other natural spectacles including the White Wall, a stunning limestone formation that is a must-see.
Sint Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum
This 18th century grandiose manor house showcases Sint Eustatius’ most cherished relics and historical artefacts. The museum was the former home of Simon Doncker and one of the island’s oldest plantations, dating back to 1740. As such, the museum paints a picture of Sint Eustatius’ historical roots in colonialism and delves into the historic ‘First Salute’ to the US.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
To reach Sint Eustatius by air, travellers must fly from Sint Maarten, a neighbouring Dutch Caribbean island that has flights available from Amsterdam and Paris as well as myriad locations in the US. Once safely in Sint Maarten, travellers can fly to Sint Eustatius in just 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can access the island via regular ferry services from St Kitts with Makana Ferry Services, whose boats carry 149 passengers with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Not only is this form of travel reliable and affordable, but it also gives tourists the opportunity to see the sparkling waters of the island whilst convening with some of the locals and fellow travellers.
Once on solid ground, there are a plethora of car rental options for seeing all the delights of Sint Eustatius up close, with travellers only requiring a valid foreign or international driver’s license. However, be aware that the island has a limited road network that primarily follows the coast.
If you prefer to be a passenger princess, travellers can also rent a taxi for the day and be whisked around some of the island’s most memorable landmarks.
Alternatively, a vast network of hiking trails and walking paths allows you to immerse in the island’s flora and fauna and unique culture.
