Introduction

Hidden away in the Eastern Caribbean, more precisely in the Leewards Islands with Saba and Sint Maarten, is small St Eustatius, a treasure island for the pirates who used to operate from it – and now for the visitors who want to explore its riches. Statia is mere 30 sq km (11.8 square miles) but its long and lively history has been one of most turbulent in the Caribbean – and much of that history can found at the bottom of its clear blue waters in the more than 200 wrecks that lie sunken offshore.

History

St Eustatius was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493, although not settled until the 17th century by the Dutch.  The island has changed hands 22 times since settlement, with the French, Spanish and British ever eager to wrest it from the Dutch. It was an important supply port for the American settlers during the American War of Independence; indeed, the Dutch administration of St Eustatius was the first state to recognise the United States of America, in 1776. The island was called the golden rock because of its wealth in the 18th century. As part of the Netherlands Antilles, St Eustatius (also known as Statia) gained partial independence from The Netherlands in 1954 and it is now a special municipality of the Netherlands.

Culture

With the Europeans arrivals, the native population of Statia (the Caribbean one) disappeared. Fortunately, in the 1960's and 70's, the people of Statia became increasingly aware of the cultural value of their unique heritage and initiatives were taken to preserve and maintain it. To promote the exploration and dissemination of the unique history and culture of this special island, the St Eustatius Historical Foundation was founded. Today, people of more than 20 nationalities live in harmony on this peaceful Dutch Caribbean Island.

Map

To See

Among the numerous tourist attractions, there are the Historical Foundation Museum, the 17th Century Fort Oranje, the site of the 1st salute to the U.S. Flag, the ruins of the Old Dutch Reform Church and the ruins of the Honen Dalim. Oranje Beach, Zeelandia Beach, and Lynch Beach are the beaches of the island. For natural attractions of the island, the Quill is one of the best hikes; St Eustatius Marine Park and the Botanical Gardens are others. Fort de Windt, The Government’s Guesthouse and Lynch Plantation Museum are also other interesting places to visit. Snorkelling, windsurfing and water-skiing are all available with facilities and tuition as necessary, but the island is perhaps becoming best-known as a centre for scuba-diving. Many wrecks lie on the black sand amid coral reefs and near the submerged old port just off Oranjestad, and more than 200 wrecks lie sunken offshore.

Usefull Information

Airports: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport.

Area: 30km2.

Business: Opening hours are from Monday to Friday 07h30am to noon and 1h30pm-4h30pm.

Capital: Oranjestad.

Climate: Hot, but tempered by cooling trade winds. The annual mean temperature is 27°C (80°F), varying by no more than two or three degrees throughout the year.

Clothing: Tropical lightweights and cottons are worn throughout the year.

Currency: Netherlands Antilles Florin, NAG.

Customs: The following may be imported into St Eustatius by tourists over 15 years of age only without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g tobacco; 2l of alcoholic beverages; gifts to a value of NAG100.

Economy: St Eustatius earns a modest income from agriculture and from a major petroleum trans-shipment programme, but it is tourism that dominates the economy.

Electricity: 110 Volts AC, 60 cycles.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official Sint Eustatius tourism websites (link below) or ask us.

Health: There is one hospital on St Eustatius. Health insurance is advised.

Holidays: New Year’s day (01 JAN), Good Friday & Easter Monday (MAR-APR), Queen’s Birthday (APR), Labour Day (01MAY),  Ascension (MAY-JUN),  Carnival (JUL), Antillean Day (OCT), Statia Day (16 NOV),  Christmas (25-26DEC).

Language: Dutch is the official language. Papiamento (a mixture of Portuguese, African, Spanish, Dutch and English) is the commonly used. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

Political status: Special municipality of the Netherlands (Dutch Caribbean).

Population: 3000.

Religion: Lots of diversity: Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Jehovah witnesses, Methodist, Adventist, etc.

Security: Nil, despite a turbulent past, the island is not a peaceful area.

Shopping: The reductions on duty free imports make the purchase of perfume, jewellery or alcohol worthwhile. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 8am to noon and 2pm to 6pm.

Taxes & Service charges: Service charge : 10%. Room tax : 7%.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code to call Statia is 599.

Time: Standard Time Zone: GMT – 4 hrs. Statia Island Time does not operate Daylight-Saving Time.

Transportation: St Eustatius is a very small island and consequently has very few roads; Driving is on the right hand side of the road.

MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.statiatourism.com/