Introducing Sint Eustatius
Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Sint Eustatius. You haven’t? Don’t feel bad, intrepid traveler – how about Statia? (That’s what the locals endearingly call this scrubby little island.) No? OK. How about this: which Caribbean island was once the busiest seaport in the world, but whose name most people don’t even recognize today? Now we’re on the right track…
Advertisement
Yes, it’s true, this quiet speck on the map was the It spot during the 18th century, when valuable goods bounced between Europe, Africa and the New World. In fact, the naturally deep harbor was so sought after that the island changed hands 22 times before the Dutch permanently secured their claim.
Today, the island has shed all evidence of its former political importance and has garnered an avid cult following among scuba divers (Statia boasts some of the top sites in the Caribbean) and those who enjoy sun-kissed days full of blissful nothingness.
If Statia were to sign up for a Caribbean beauty pageant, it wouldn’t take the crown, although it might have a running shot at being named Miss Congeniality. Unlike the other contestants, this honest island hasn’t had any plastic surgery whatsoever – no grandiose landscaping, no condo development, and barely a hint of any urban planning. Oranjestad, the island’s only town, is a charming collection of ramshackle structures, each one a quiet homage to a different era. Statia lets it all hang out.
Last updated: Oct 20, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Top 8 Caribbean towns
24 January 2012
Life’s not always a beach. The Caribbean may win hearts for its white-sand beaches on perfect turquoise coves and high-end...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
St. Eustatius Conservation project opportunity
by woodsong 14 September 2011
This is a great conservation opportunity on the island of St. Eustatius, next to St. Maarten (and St. Kitts) - they are looking for voluntee…
-
RE: Travel with 70 year old and 2 yound kids (9 & 10 years old)
by mgtraveler 22 August 2011
You really don't give us much to go off of for giving you a recommendation. Just about anywhere in the Caribbean will satisfy your criteria…
-
Caribbean preparing for tsunami threat
by cubaselect 21 March 2011
FOLLOWING the devastating tsunami that struck Japan, 33 countries are preparing to participate in the first full-scale simulated tsunami…
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement







