St EUSTATIUS / STATIA
The unknown gem of the eastern Caribbean, Sit Eustatius, or Statia, aka The Golden Rock, is a surprisingly lively island of 2,500 people, with plenty of diverse diving and some good hikes.
As part of the Dutch Caribbean, safety and security are self-evident and, as in any small town, the locals are pleasantly friendly. On just 11 square miles you'll find 2 volcanoes, 21 forts and outposts, a botanical garden, over a dozen hiking trails in Quill and Boven National Parks, old cemeteries, a restored old town and a marine park containing some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. Here is an overview of our little paradise.
Population: 2,500
Currency: US dollars
Hospitalities:
Over 10 restaurants
4 hotels with less than 100 rooms
1 bank
Medical center & Hyperbaric chamber on island
Nice weather year-round
Population: 2,500
Currency: US dollars
Hospitalities:
Over 10 restaurants
4 hotels with less than 100 rooms
1 bank
Medical center & Hyperbaric chamber on island
Nice weather year-round
Diving Statia
We use the PADI 5-Star Dive Center on St. Eustatius providing world-class dive training.. The rental gear is primarily Scubapro, new, and well maintained, we visited the center last in June 2021.
St Eustatius Dive Sites
Charles L Brown
Premier Wreck Dive in the Caribbean
Depth: 30M/100ft
Boat Ride: 10-12 minutes
Experience Level: Advanced/Experienced
This is the "biggest" reason to come dive in Statia. The "Charlie Brown" is a decommissioned AT&T line boat that laid the first Trans Atlantic cable. She was purchased by Statia and sunk for a dive site.
She is 100M/300ft in length with a 30M/100ft swim through with sharks, cubera snapper and the resident barracuda "Charlie" as a common sightings.
Double Wreck
Archeological Site
Depth: 18M/60ft
Boat ride: 2 minutes
Experience Level: Beginner
Perfect for getting warmed up again in the water, but also for the macro lovers and photographers
With old anchors from merchant ships that sunk in the late 1700's, this site's reef developed on the ballast tones from these ships. Surrounded by sand dotted with massive sting rays and teaming with reef fish, macro life galore, and grazing sea turtles
Nursing Station and Barracuda Reef
Coral Encrusted Lava Flow
Depth: 19 M/63ft
Boat Ride: 10 minutes
Another gorgeous reef in the pristine Marine Reserve, this small wall reef is teaming with huge schools of reef fish, barracuda and nurse sharks from where the sites get their names. Hidden in the crevices of the wall are lobsters, drum fish and the occasional massive green moray eel!
Hangover
Coral Encrusted Lava Flow
Depth: 10-15M/ 30-45ft
Boat Ride 7-10 minutes
Experience Level: Beginner
Located in the pristine Marine Reserve, this is a magnificent site. Meander through the maze of lava flows with small and large over-hangs that give this site its name. This site is spectacular for all diver interests with sharks, turtles, rays, and queen conch as well as macro sightings galore
The Chien Tong Wreck
Max Depth: 27M/90ft, Top of Wreck 15M/30ft
Boat Ride: 5 minutes
Experienced Level: Beginner to Moderate
The Chien Tong was a Taiwanese fishing vessel that was decommissioned after damage to her bow. Statia purchased her and sunk her for a dive site in the protection of the bay. She is 30M/100ft in length. A wonderful wreck site for beginners but has penetration opportunities for Wreck Certified Divers! The night dive on this site is a must!
Night Dive on The Chien Tong
Turtle Hotel!
Whether you have never done a night dive or you are a seasoned night-diver, this experience leaves everyone in awe.
Each night, 5-10 turtles fly in around the divers to sleep tucked safely into the corners of this wreck, Chien Tong. The hull is completely covered in blooming orange cup coral with nocturnal critters in every nook and cranny
Blue Bead Hole
Muck Dive/ Drift Dive
Depth: 14-17M/ 42-56ft
Boat Ride: 2 minutes
Experience Level: Moderate to Advanced
This is a non-moored area in the bay where people can sometimes find a Statia Blue Bead, but the treasures divers find on this muck dive are spectacular... such as this flying gurnard!
This site does not have a mooring so requires negative entry, strict group adherence, and diving with a surface marker buoy.
where to stay...
The easiest place to stay, close to the dive centre, with a range of rooms, sunset views, a good restaurant and bar, and close to the centre of town is The Old Gin House. The newly-opened Golden Rock Resort is a good option for those with a slightly bigger budget, not looking to be close to the old town, and preferring an on-site dining experience. Papaya Inn, close to the centre is a good location for a couple (no twin bedded rooms). Statia Lodge to the south of the island has car rental included in our rates. There is also Knippenga Estate for self-catering villas with a slightly pricey on-site restaurant.
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THE OLD GIN HOUSE
The Old Gin House is beautifully located on Orange Bay in Lower Town, Oranjestad. It is just a hike away from The Quill volcano which boasts the highest point on the island. The Quill offers stunning panoramic views of Statia and neighboring islands as well as majestic views of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. This intimate hotel seduces visitors with its charming, elegant and cozy atmosphere. At the Old Gin House guests can relax in peace and tranquility. The restaurant offers a diversified gastronomic experience accompanied by stunning ocean views. The Old Gin House is conveniently located on Orange Bay close to The Golden Rock Dive Center in a quiet and historical area. The driving distance from the airport to the hotel (Oranjebaai 1, St. Eustatius) is approximately 15 minutes.
GOLDEN ROCK RESORT
Golden Rock Resort is independent from Golden Rock Dive Center, but are also focused on supporting nature and the local community through sustainable practices. They offer a luxury 4-Star resort experience. The resort offers a pool, conference room, and gym to meet all of your comfort and leisure desires. The resort offers luxury suites of 3 different sizes. The Family Suite is perfect for a family or more than 2 people who want to share. All suites have a kitchenette and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the looming Quill Volcano on the other. Golden Rock Resort has a bar, garden, a tennis court and terrace in Oranjestad. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Free private parking is available and the resort also offers car hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. A à la carte breakfast is available every morning at the resort. KNIPPENGA
Knippenga Estates provides luxury private villas with 2-5 bedrooms. Located on the opposite site of the island from the dive center, the private villas offer exclusive Atlantic Ocean views and pure privacy. Each villa has its own private pool, outdoor grill, full kitchen amenities, and private bath for each bedroom. Whale Tales restaurant is open 6 nights per week for exquisite cuisine and within the private Staying here requires a rental car that averages $65-$75USD per day. During the relaxing 20-minute drive to the dive center, you will pass through the lush historic areas of the island. Anything is possible here to cater to your luxury needs and this is the perfect location for groups or families that like to cook together and relax by their private pool. Apartments at Mare Vista do not have a private pool.
PaPAYA INN
Papaya Inn is located in town making it easy to walk to restaurants, shops and sites. It is a little far from the dive shop, so a rental car is recommended (available for $65/day for jeep and $45/day for car). Surrounded by a private secret garden, this is a perfect location for our eco-divers with local organic bush tea tastings and food from the garden going directly on your breakfast plate! Each room type has a private balcony tucked away in the secret garden. Some rooms have full kitchen facilities (Family Double Room, Executive Suite, and the Apartments). Some of the rooms can be connected for families or groups of 4 that want separate spaces. At Papaya Inn, you will be treated like family in a beautiful and laid back environment surrounded by nature.
STATIA LODGE
Statia Lodge is a peaceful countryside get-away located on the south end of the island overlooking the Caribbean Sea and St. Kitts. With a rustic feel, the ocean breeze keeps the open-air private bungalows and porch kitchenettes cool.
There is a communal pool and BBQ area with lounging couches and pool-side seating, both covered and uncovered. Continental breakfast is served daily except Sundays and public holidays. Statia Lodge is closed in September. Our package includes daily car rental. We add a special welcome package on your first night at Statia Lodge with a small selection of your preferred drinks and snacks since most people arrive late and prefer to relax with a drink and platter instead of driving back to town for a restaurant or store. |
STATIA DIVE PACKAGES
7 nights accommodation with breakfast and 10 dives from $1170 USD per person sharing. Contact us for more details.
A little history
St. Eustatius is located north west of Saint Kitts, south east of Saba and south of Saint Martin. She has a volcanic origin, with capital Oranjestad overlooking the protected bay where the remnants of the past are concentrated above and below water. Since October 10, 2010 Saint Eustatius is one of three municipalities of the Netherlands, along with Bonaire and Saba, forming the Caribbean Netherlands, BES islands.
The island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was colonized by the French then recovered by the Dutch then the English and changing hands 22 times. In the 18th century, the island had a significant development with the cultivation of sugar cane which brought many slaves from Africa. It was at this time that the Blue Beads first appeared. These served as currencies for trade for slaves. The story says that when the slaves were emancipated, they through these beads off the cliffs and into the ocean. Though no longer prolific, they can still be found occasionally. Maybe you will find one during one of your dives !!
St. Eustatius was a hub of trade between America and Europe during which time her harbor was one of the most active in the world with 150 to 200 ships anchored at a time. (some are now underwater!!). During this period her nicknamed was "The Golden Rock" thanks to this flourishing economy. At the peak of its power, St. Eustatius had 20,000 inhabitants but this population has reduced to count 3500 inhabitants today.
Statia also played a vital role in the independence of the United States by supplying weapons and ammunition during the American Revolution. St. Eustatius was the first international power to acknowledge the newly independent United States of America on November 16, 1776 with a cannon salute to the US Ship Andrew Doria. This date is still celebrated each year on November 16th as "Statia Day."
St. Eustatius is located north west of Saint Kitts, south east of Saba and south of Saint Martin. She has a volcanic origin, with capital Oranjestad overlooking the protected bay where the remnants of the past are concentrated above and below water. Since October 10, 2010 Saint Eustatius is one of three municipalities of the Netherlands, along with Bonaire and Saba, forming the Caribbean Netherlands, BES islands.
The island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was colonized by the French then recovered by the Dutch then the English and changing hands 22 times. In the 18th century, the island had a significant development with the cultivation of sugar cane which brought many slaves from Africa. It was at this time that the Blue Beads first appeared. These served as currencies for trade for slaves. The story says that when the slaves were emancipated, they through these beads off the cliffs and into the ocean. Though no longer prolific, they can still be found occasionally. Maybe you will find one during one of your dives !!
St. Eustatius was a hub of trade between America and Europe during which time her harbor was one of the most active in the world with 150 to 200 ships anchored at a time. (some are now underwater!!). During this period her nicknamed was "The Golden Rock" thanks to this flourishing economy. At the peak of its power, St. Eustatius had 20,000 inhabitants but this population has reduced to count 3500 inhabitants today.
Statia also played a vital role in the independence of the United States by supplying weapons and ammunition during the American Revolution. St. Eustatius was the first international power to acknowledge the newly independent United States of America on November 16, 1776 with a cannon salute to the US Ship Andrew Doria. This date is still celebrated each year on November 16th as "Statia Day."
