Statia
St Eustatius is a delightful step back into the rich and colourful history of the Caribbean, and a peek into the future of ecotourism.

Taking the Historical Walking Tour of Oranjestad, offered by the Historical Society, will plunge you into the amazing history of this tiny island. Discover the ruins of the old warehouses in Gallows Bay, the “Old Gin House” a former warehouse and now Statia’s foremost Guesthouse. The walk will take you up the slave path to the Roman Catholic Church, beautiful views from Fort Oranje’s battlements and on to Honen Dalim, the remains of the old Jewish Synagogue.

The roads are beautifully paved in brick and shady trees surround the Governors Guest House and museum. While at Fort Oranje, take note of the plaque on the wall as you enter, telling of St Eustatius being the first country to recognize the newly formed United States of America. A customary gun salute by arriving vessels, and the return acknowledgement by the Fort, resulted in Commander de Graaf saluting an American brigantine,“The Andrew Doria” and her new, but unfamiliar flag.

Don’t leave without the “Walking Tour Guide Booklet” sold at the museum. Although it is a great souvenir of information and photographs, it clearly outlines the small island’s captivating story.

After exploring Oranjestad on foot, take a scenic island tour to some of the many military sites, cemeteries and old plantation ruins. The tour would not be complete without a visit to the Miriam C. Schmidt Botanical Gardens operated by STENAPA – the official national parks board of St Eustatius. The Garden protects endangered plants and is a delight to stroll through. Enjoy the Sensory Garden or admire views of St Kitts from a shady bench. For the more active visitor, guided hikes are available with STENAPA rangers along the many trails that Statia has to offer.

The Quill is the dominant but dormant volcano that rises majestically to 2000 feet, as the island’s main land mass.  Originally known as “Kuil” by the Dutch settlers, meaning pit, it was renamed “The Quill” by the English settlers. The “pit” refers to the enormous crater that supports a lush tropical rainforest. Hikes along the rim reveal rare orchids, giant cotton silk trees and a variety of bird life and reptiles. Look for large tree fens, begonias and elephant ears,

If the warm and clear waters surrounding St Eustatius beckon, then you will delighted to know that the Marine Park has been hailed as “the best kept secret of the Caribbean”. As a result of Marine Park protection, Statia is one of the top five, best dive destinations in the Caribbean, for healthy fish populations and corals.

The sinking of “The Charlie Brown” in 2003 – a 327foot cable laying vessel – has added to the great wreck diving available. Golden Rock Dive Shop, Dive Statia and Scubaqua, will take you to “mushroom gardens”, pristine reefs and wreck sites daily. Statia is famous for common sightings of flying gurnards only now beginning to be discovered by man. Several dive areas reveal one or up to a dozen of these unusual and spectacular fishes. They are considered to be fairly uncommon throughout the Caribbean.

Golden Rock Dive team, Michelle and Glenn, also offer afternoon snorkel trips, an excellent idea after walking the town and touring the island. Divers are welcome to join in on a shallow dive. With any luck, and especially after storms or groundswells, some of Statia’s illustrious blue beads may be revealed. Used extensively during the 1600’s and 1700’s  by the Dutch East India Trading Company, blue beads were to be found throughout the world as trade items, and payment for slaves. Unbelievably Manhattan, NY, was purchased by the Dutch, from the Indians, for just 30 blue beads.
Folkore tells that after emancipation, slaves went to the cliffs above Lower Town and threw their beads off, which is why perhaps they can sometimes still be found by snorkelers and divers.

Statia has three beaches, and not the typical vision of white sand and palm trees. Indeed the volcanic sand is black and brown.
Oranje Bay: has little sand now, but there is enough to stretch out between dives or to launch for snorkeling.
Zeelandia Beach is about  two mile long and deserted. There is an undertow and although not recommended for swimming, it is ideal for sunbathing and beach hiking, and a chance to spot turtles nesting.
Lynch Beach: On the Atlantic side is small with light brown sand. There is a small undertow but the water remains quite shallow and is great for kids.

Statia’s quiet and beauty is accessible with Winair daily flights  - and now with High Speed ferry Edge , departing from Pelican Marina on St Maarten. Great accommodations can be found at the beautifully restored “Old Gin House”.

Complete with ocean views, a relaxing splash pool and close proximity to the dive shops. Kingswell Hotel has spectacular views and unforgettable sunsets, along with an honor bar and the pleasant company of owners Win and Laura.

Blue Bead Restaurant, Smoke Alley and The Old Gin House in Lower Town serve up delicious meals to hungry hikers and divers. In town,try Ocean Terrace with views over Fort Oranje for an unbeatable local plate.
Spend a day or spend a while – either way you will be touched by the tranquility of nature and history in St Eustatius.

EXPLORING STATIA
The historical walking tour includes the following historical sites and places:

• Gallows Bay Warehouse Ruins
• The Old Gin House – Warehouse turned Guesthouse
• Roman Catholic Church 1910
• The Rum Shop
• Tour of Historical Foundation Museum built 1750
• Jewish Synagogue built 1739
  
• Government’s Guesthouse Building built 1840
• Museum
• Fort Oranje built 1629
• Dutch Reformed Church built 1755
  

Followed by an Island Bus tour and lunch at The Old Gin House.
Includes Walking Tour Book Souvenir (each single or one per couple)
Cost: $45 p.p. / $80 per couple.

COMBO PACKAGE
Historical walking tour
Lunch at The Old Gin House
Snorkel trip with Golden Rock Dive Shop
Cost: $105

HIKE STATIA
Guided hikes by STENAPAS experienced and friendly guides. The Quill is
a tropical paradise and the hike down into the crater is spectacular.
$15pp

SCUBA STATIA
Morning single dive     $55
Two Dives         $105
Shallow afternoon dive with snorkelers $55
Snorkel Trips     $55
Lunch available at The Blue Bead, The Old Gin House or Smoke Alley