The Best of St. Eustatius – Lesser Antilles – St. Eustatius, often referred to as Statia, is a small, quiet island in the Dutch Caribbean known for its rich history, unique natural beauty, and a focus on sustainable tourism. Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, St. Eustatius prioritizes preserving its natural environment over mass tourism. The island has established national parks, including the Quill National Park and the Sint Eustatius National Marine Park, to protect its diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, rainforest, and endangered species like the Statia Morning Glory and Lesser Antillean Iguana.
St. Eustatius is a diver’s paradise, with a protected marine park offering diverse dive sites including vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and volcanic formations.
If you’re seeking a relaxed vacation away from crowds, St. Eustatius is an ideal choice. It offers a chance to experience the Caribbean as it was decades ago, with friendly locals, quiet streets, and a slower pace of life.
To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on the island of St Eustatius, visit here, or visit us on Pinterest.
Why Visit St. Eustatius?
St. Eustatius, affectionately known as Statia, is a captivating Caribbean island that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for various travelers. St. Eustatius is an ideal destination for divers, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful, less-crowded Caribbean experience with a focus on sustainability.
When is the Best Time to Visit St. Eustatius?
The best time to visit St. Eustatius largely depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and potential discounts. However, the most popular and generally recommended period is during the dry season.
- Dry Season (High Season): Mid-December to April: This is considered the peak tourist season in St. Eustatius, with ideal weather conditions characterized by warm, sunny days and comfortable temperatures averaging 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F).
- Wet Season (Low Season): June to November: This period brings warmer temperatures and increased humidity, with occasional afternoon showers. The wettest months are typically September through November. This is also when the island is susceptible to hurricanes, particularly between August and October. On the upside, fewer tourists are present, and accommodation prices may be lower.
- Shoulder Season (Transition): May and November: These months offer a transition between the dry and wet seasons. You can experience a mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices compared to the peak season.
Top Beaches in St. Eustatius
St. Eustatius has several beaches, each with its unique charm. Here are some of the popular options:
- Zeelandia Beach: Located on the Atlantic side of the island, this beach is known for its long stretch of sand, ideal for walks and picnics. However, it’s important to note that swimming is not recommended due to strong undercurrents.
- Cockleshell Bay Beach: Although located in St. Kitts & Nevis, this beach is often mentioned in discussions about nearby beautiful beaches. It features golden sand, clear, warm water, and stunning views of Nevis.
- Oranje Bay Beach: Situated on the Caribbean side, this beach is generally calmer than Zeelandia and is popular for swimming and snorkeling.
- Lynch Bay Beach: Found on the Atlantic coast, this beach is more suitable for intrepid naturalists than for a typical beach experience. It has a shallow rock reef that breaks the force of the waves, and the amount of sand varies depending on storms and currents. You can explore the live sea creatures and different tropical seaweeds thriving in the shallow waters, and on calm days, wading is possible.
- Fort de Windt: While not a beach, this location offers breathtaking views of St. Kitts and Nevis and is known for its pleasant breeze on hot days. It is not crowded with tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy the view peacefully.
- Cockleshell Bay Beach: Although not on St. Eustatius, this beach in St. Kitts & Nevis is praised for its golden sand, clear, warm water, and stunning views of Nevis.
Top St. Eustatius Restauants
- BarrelHouse St. Eustatius: Located in Lower Town, this restaurant offers delicious food, a good selection of wine, and a beautiful location with an ocean view. It’s known for its creative sushi and has a relaxing atmosphere.
- Ocean View Terrace: Situated on Fort Oranjestraat, this restaurant is known for its local and international cuisine with a good balance of quality and price. It’s described as a cozy, historical location with great harbor views and friendly service.
- NatsKitchen The Boardwalk Cafè: Located at the Statia Harbor, this cafe offers a casual dining experience with island-style food, pizza (served after 5 pm), nachos, and chicken fingers. It boasts a nice harbor view and is known for its friendly staff.
- The Old Gin House: Located on Oranjebaai, this establishment serves good food and is particularly recommended for its ribs, pumpkin soup, and cakes. It offers a wonderful view overlooking the water.
- Breeze: Situated behind the mountain, it provides a fine dining experience with magnificent views, amazing staff, and delicious food.
- TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN ST EUSTATIUS: Found on Mint Road, this restaurant specializes in Caribbean Dominican flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Whale Tails Club | Boutique Hotel | Villas | Resort | Restaurant | Bar: Located near Knippenga Estate, this establishment houses a restaurant and Cuban cafe away from the downtown noise.
- Quill Gardens Boutique Hotel
: This hotel offers an intimate setting with great hosts and incredible Indonesian food, alongside beautiful views and friendly service.
Top Bars in St. Eustatius
- Neptune Bar: Located on Fort Oranjestraat, it is known for its relaxed and fun atmosphere, delicious food, and reasonable beer prices. It’s primarily a sports bar with a pool table.
- Cool Corner: Situated in Oranjestad, it’s a popular spot for both locals and foreigners to meet. It offers a chill vibe with fresh food and a lovely atmosphere.
- Hill Top View Bar & Restaurant: Located on the Road to Zeelandia, this spot is ideal for weekend hangouts with live DJs and smooth vibes.
Popular Activities in St. Eustatius
- Visit the St. Eustatius Museum: Explore the island’s captivating history, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade and its colonial past, through a collection of historical artifacts and displays.
- Explore Fort Oranje: Discover this restored Dutch Colonial Fort overlooking the harbor, offering scenic views and a glimpse into Statia’s past.
- Hike The Quill National Park: Explore the island’s dormant volcano with trails winding through lush rainforests to the crater’s rim, offering stunning panoramic views. Descending into the crater reveals a hidden paradise of rare flora.
- Dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and volcanic formations. St. Eustatius is considered a top diving destination with healthy reefs and diverse marine life.
- Visit Zeelandia Beach: Enjoy long walks and picnics on this scenic beach located on the Atlantic side. Note that swimming is not recommended due to strong undercurrents.
- Relax on Oranje Bay Beach: This beach on the Caribbean side is ideal for swimming and snorkeling due to its calmer waters.
- Explore Miriam C. Schmidt Botanical Garden: While it might appear somewhat abandoned, it offers the chance to observe various plants and hummingbirds.
Travel Tips for St. Eustatius
- Taxis and Rental Cars: The best way to explore St. Eustatius is by taxi or rental car. It’s recommended to arrange these with your hotel for pickup from the airport or dock.
- Mosquitoes: Take precautions against mosquito bites due to the presence of Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue Fever. Use insect repellent and consider sleeping under mosquito nets.
- Personal Safety: St. Eustatius is generally a safe country, but it’s always wise to take precautions against petty crime like bag snatching. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables, and store them securely in your hotel’s safe.
- Passport: All visitors need a valid passport, with validity for at least six months beyond your departure date.
- Visa: U.S., Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, British, and other EU citizens do not need a visa for visits up to 180 days.
- Other requirements: You’ll need proof of an onward or return ticket, sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and proof of lodging accommodations.
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Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. St. Eustatius is definitely peaceful, but it’s also one of those places that grows on you the longer you stay. For a quick visit, you can easily explore the highlights — like hiking The Quill, diving the reefs, and walking around historic Oranjestad. But if you’re looking for total relaxation and a slower pace, a week is perfect. You’ll have time to enjoy the beaches, take in the local culture, and really unwind without rushing. It’s the kind of island where slowing down becomes part of the charm.
St. Eustatius sounds like such a hidden Caribbean treasure! I really like that it focuses on sustainability and protecting its natural beauty — that’s something so many islands are struggling to preserve. The Quill National Park hike and the diving opportunities both sound amazing, especially with the mix of rainforest trails and coral reefs. I also love that it’s quieter and less touristy than other Caribbean spots. For someone visiting for the first time, would you recommend staying near Oranje Bay for easy access to beaches and restaurants, or somewhere more secluded for a true “off-the-grid” escape?
That’s a great question! If it’s your first time on St. Eustatius, I’d recommend staying near Oranje Bay — it gives you the perfect balance of convenience and charm. You’ll be close to the main restaurants, dive centers, and historical sites like Fort Oranje, plus the calm waters there are great for swimming and snorkeling. Once you’ve had time to explore, you can easily take a day trip to quieter areas like Zeelandia Beach or the Quill National Park for that peaceful, “off-the-grid” feel. It’s the best way to experience both the relaxed island vibe and Statia’s incredible natural beauty!
Beautiful looking island! That said, I expect nothing less for islands in the Caribbean area. It’s also awesome that the islands don’t ever get too hot or too cold, so no matter when you visit, it’s excellent. (Well, if you can handle humidity, obviously). I’d be interested in scuba-diving along the Lower Town Beach and see the sunken houses! That would be amazing! Thanks for the article!
You are very welcome Jade. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Beach Travel Destinations.
Wow! So much amazing information about St Eustatius.. As someone looking to plan a honeymoon I found this info very helpful and SOOO informative. Thanks!
Great Olivia, I am glad it is going to help you with your honeymoon planning! Thanks for reading St Eustatius Travel!
St Eustatius looks like a beautiful place! I actually have a good friend who visited here. She had such a great time, she keeps telling me I need to go. Perfect timing to find this post on St Eustatius. Great information and I hope that I will be able to get there sometime in the new year. Thank you again!
Your friend is right Angie, it is definitely a great place to go in the Caribbean. Off the beaten path, less crowded, yet so amazing. I hope you can make it there as planned. Thank you for visit St Eustatius Travel.
This is why I love your site, I hear and see about places I never knew existed. This looks like the perfect place to go exploring and to get away from it all. We love to travel to the Caribbean too and I’m definitely going to explore this gem of an island more. Beaches are great and I absolutely love that, but exploring and nature is also my kind of thing.
You will definitely find it all on St Eustatius Linda. Thank you so much for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com and if you every have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
This place looks like paradise. What a beautiful Island St Eustatius is. I love how you are telling a story about island and all the fun things you can do once you get there
and I like the story of the blue beads and how they find you. When I am ready for the blue beads to come find me, I will be visiting here again, because you have all the information I need to take a beautiful vacation to St Eustatius in the Caribbean. You have saved me a lot of time! Thanks!
You are so welcome Alesia. I am glad you enjoyed reading about St Eustatius Travel. Yes, may the blue beads find you when you are there. It is a fascinating story, and it would be so cool to actually have some of those!
Finally I have found a website with all the information that I was looking for.
I was really desperate in finding an article about St Eustatius.
I found everything I needed to know about this subject.
Thanks for your valuable information!
You are very welcome Emanuel! Glad you found my site useful. St Eustatius is a great place for sure! Thanks for visiting!
Great article on St Eustatius, very informative and enticing! It certainly seems like a paradise for divers!
My question, you mention the “classically shaped volcano”, has this ever been an active volcano?What is the current status of this volcano?
Sometimes the way my luck goes it will probably erupt when I am there! LOL 🙂
I really don’t believe you have to worry about The Quill erupting 🙂 The Quill has been active since its birth; but the last known eruption, as determined by carbon dating, occurred between 1,755 and 1,635 years before present. That was a long, long time ago and it is not filled with a forest of trees. And yes, it is most definitely a paradise for divers! Thanks for reading St Eustatius Travel!
This place looks AMAZING!! I’ve never heard of it and now I want to book a trip. It’s always great to unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern world. Every since I vacationed in Kauai, Hawaii; I now appreciate the beauty of less commercialized vacation destinations. St Eustatius looks like the perfect destination to relax and recharge. I’m super interested in Lower Town Beach. I am glad I found this information as you have made my planning much easier! Thank you for sharing!
It is amazing! You will really enjoy, and be able to relax and unwind in St Eustatius. When you are ready to book, please let me know, as I know I can help you get the best deals! Thanks for visiting St Eustatius Travel.
I’ve visited your website a couple times now and am stunned each and every time. The detail is fantastic and the recommendations are top notch! St Eustatius is a place I have been looking at visiting, because a good friend of mine has been there and told me that I “have” to go.
The best part is you covered a lot of places, so there are many options to choose from.
I’ve already shared this with some of my friends who are looking to take a vacation soon. My friend who as been there says your recommendations are spot on!
Thank you again,
Eric
Great, I am glad you have enjoyed visiting my site, and you will be amazed by the beauty of St Eustatius. I am envious. Please let me know if I can help you with your travel plans in any way. Enjoy the St Eustatius beaches!
Great article! I’ve always had an interest in visiting the Caribbean, and you have made me want to go now! This sounds absolutely stunning. What really helped sway me was that you even went into detail regarding average temperatures. I don’t like hot weather (I know, crazy, right?). When I think of the Caribbean, I think “Tropics. Hot. No thanks!” But temps ranging from high 60’s to around 90? That’s more than tolerable, that’s amazing! I think I’ll bookmark this post for future reference. Thanks for such an in depth look.
You are so welcome, and yes, the weather is really tolerable and not super hot in most of the Caribbean Islands really. Yes, St Eustatius is stunning with a lot to offer besides just their beautiful beaches. I am glad you enjoyed reading! Thanks for visiting Nathan.
Its one of my dream holidays to go to the Caribbean but there are so many gorgeous places to visit, what makes St Eustatius stand out more than other places?
It is definitely going to be the marine life in the reef. The diving is world class here, and many go to St Eustatius just for diving and the reef. It’s a diver’s paradise for sure. Thanks for reading about St Eustatius Travel!
This is beautiful. I have been on your site before and you always take me away. I keep dreaming of which place I want to plan a vacation too, and you make that decision very tough! I will have to start saving and planning now for St Eustatius, it looks amazing! I always wanted to try scuba diving. This is definitely something and somewhere that I am going to make a reality for my next beach vacation. The videos and all the information, all paints a pictures and just calls my name to visit! I love it!
Yes, Ronnie that is my intention….to entice people to visit all of these wonderful places including St Eustatius! I want to share my passion for the beach, and the Caribbean with everyone looking for such a wonderful vacation destination. Thank you so much for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
Oh my word. This looks absolutely amazing. I have been considering a Caribbean vacation and this definitely has me excited thinking it may be a place to visit one day.
Great info and very informative also. Looking at the original pic I would never have guessed there could possibly be so much going on.
It has definitely made my bucket list. I am ready to pack my bags and head to St. Eustatius! Glad I ran across your site. Gonna be hard actually, to just decide on St Eustatius, or one of your many other great destinations you talk about!
I am glad I enticed you Jean with my St Eustatius Travel post 🙂 There really are so many great places in the Caribbean you can visit, and St Eustatius is probably one of those islands that belong at the top of anyone’s bucket list.