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Country: Dutch Caribbean Area: Dutch Caribbean
Water Temp: 25 - 29°C (77 - 84°F)
Visibility: 20 - 50m (66 - 164 ft)
Book A Diving Trip OnlineSmall friendly island with no mass tourism less than 100 hotel rooms and only 3000 inhabitants.
Book A Dive Center OnlineSint Eustatius (“Statia”) is a tiny haven in the Caribbean for divers. Immediately off the dock of the island are 7 distinct eco systems, with walls, patch reefs, old ship wrecks, macro dive sites, boulder slides, rock outcroppings and lava flows. With only a handful of tourists visiting each year, and truly impressive conservation efforts, this island remains a pristine paradise for those who make the journey.
During the 1700s, the island was a central trading point for slaves, sugar and cotton. The port was among the richest in the region, and was home to a population of approximately 18,000. Unfortuantely, in 1776 the tiny nation recognized American independence which prompted retribution from England and the country’s ultimate demise. Over the century, this area has been reclaimed by the sea, and has remained relatively unclaimed by humans. The 21 square kilometer island has a population of just over 3000, and only one major town.
Underwater creature, Credit
This little known island boasts some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, yet remains virtually untouched by tourism. St. Eustatius was a key trading port in the 1700’s so there are several historic wrecks, these wrecks are in sand beds so as the only structure they attract life like an oasis. The Volcano formed long lava flows that exited into the sea and have been colonized by corals and sponges and also attract life to them. The isolated rock formations are also isolated in sand and once again you find a much higher abundances of life there. For photographers St. Eustatius has a special site here the sand gravel and sea grass are in just the right mix to hold amazing macro life (muck diving in clear water). The small population limited visitors and proximity to deep water make sharks common on most sites, Turtles and rays are numerous on most sites as well. Nowadays you can snorkel or dive this area of sunken building seawalls and find cannons anchors and all manner of artefacts of the old days. The marine life is also abundant on these structures as it is a perfect nursery for juveniles especially Queen and French Angels, lots of Yellow Tail Goat Fish, you could also see Lobsters, turtles, and Rays.
Eagle Ray, Credit
Weather in Sint Eustatius is pleasant and tropical year round. The dry season spans from January to June, while July to December experience higher levels of precipitation and hurricanes. Temperatures range between 29 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius year round.
Ocean temperatures vary between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius year round.
Sint Eustatia formed a protected marine park in 1998, and has since earned itself the reputation for having some of the best preserved reefs in the Caribbean. All dive sites are equipped with a mooring line, and only one boat is allowed at a time at each site. It is forbidden that a non-resident dive without a resident present and a fee is collected from every visitor. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance oversees much of the initiatives in the region, and leads conservation efforts around the Spotted Drum and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle.
Numerous non-profits also work to conserve the marine eco-system, many of which rely on international volunteers to carry out their work. Turtle conservation receives a particularly high level of attention.
Southern Sting Rays, Mantis Shrimp, Pike Blenny’s, Sail Fin Blenny’s & Lobster.
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There is no shore diving in Sint Eustatius.
There are three dive operators working in Sint Eustatius, all of whom run boat diving adventures to the surrounding reefs, canyons and volcanic fissures.
Gobies, Credit
Shallow reefs (12m) surrounding the island have been created by volcanic fingers and are covered in soft and hard corals. Fish life is plentiful here, with rare species such as flying gurnards, high hats, spotted drum fish, jack knife fish and enormous lobsters often spotted.
For those that descend to 18 – 21m, you will encounter over 100 sunken wrecks including Charles Brown, the longest in the Caribbean. These wrecks are often surrounded by schools of snappers, horse eye jack fish and sea turtles. Sting rays often hover near the bottom, while large barracuda swim around the top.
French Angels, Credit
There are a number of archeological dives in the region, which often reveal old Dutch artifacts. It is believed that the island suffered an earthquake that sent a portion of this formerly thriving colony into the ocean.
Some liveaboard operators will include dive spots around Sint Eustatius in a broader tour of the Caribbean, which often includes the Bahamas, St. Maarten, St Kitts. Most of the Liveaboards depart from St. Marteen or St. Kitts.
Queen trigger fish, Credit
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In order to reach Sint Eustatius, you must first travel to St. Maarteen’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM). From here, there are five daily flights run by Winair that connect you to the island’s franklin Elanor Airport (EXU).
Aerial View, Statia, Credit
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The only town in Sint Eustatius is Oranjestad. There is a surprising variety of cuisine available in town, including five different Chinese restaurants. The Fruit Tree offers up great traditional Dutch meals, while Smoke Alley serves classic American fare.
A street near the airport, Credit
There is not a lot of nightlife on this tiny island, but Cool Corner (also known as Chuckies) is a local institution.
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Snorkelling in the sunken warehouse district right in front of the hotels and dive shops is very popular. History of the islands involvement in the establishment of the New World including the first salute to the American flag. Hiking the dormant volcano the “Quill” down into the crater with giant trees, or out to “Venus Bay” to find the Statia Morning Glory found only in this bay is also a good time. The Museum and restored old town and fort round out the options for your non diving time.
The primary on-land activity in Sint Eustatius is hiking. The northern tip of the island has a series of hills which lead hikers towards The Quill – a perfectly formed volcano. The Quill (600m) lies within a National Park and can be hiked in a day. The crater is surrounded by a semi-tropical rainforest, with enormous silk, cotton and fruit trees growing throughout it. It is also possible to avoid the ascent and rather walk along the Mazinga Trail, which carries hikers through giant ferns, begonias and wild balsam.
There is also a small botanical garden to the east of the Quill, which conserves the species native to the island. The garden opened in 2006 and is largely maintained by local and international volunteers.
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When booking to St. Maarten last minute deals are common, if planning for a peek holiday booking far in advance is a good idea.
If planning to hike the Quill, it is recommend that you make a reservation at the STENAPA office a few days prior. They will provide you with a guide.
Flamboyant Tree, Credit
There is a medical center on the island, which is equipped with a Hyperbaric chamber.
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