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 While
the Caribbean is full of islands, few seem more islandlike than St. Eustatius (better known as "Statia").
Partly it's because of the size -- a tiny dot of land surrounded by immense ocean -- but it's also because it seems
so far removed from the wider world. A place where visitors are warmly welcomed.
Statia has limited options for entertainment and activities. But those looking to spend a few days scuba diving,
snorkeling and relaxing will be happy they sought out this quiet corner of the Caribbean.
 One of Statia's assets
is the variety of diving. There are deep sites and shallow areas. There are ancient unrecognizable wrecks, as well
as modern wrecks that have been down just a matter of months. Though Statia does not have a fringing reef system,
some of the coral that has grown on the rocks has now become coral reef.
Statia's waters unlock the treasures of intriguing marine life, ballast stones, anchors, canons, warehouses, pottery
shards, clay pipes, bottles and remains of old trading ships, natural and coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving Statia
will take you over the remains of 17th and 18th century life on Statia.
Few divers have discovered the wonders of Statia and the dive sites remain pristine and untouched.
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Dive Services
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No Current Listings
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Accommodations
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No Current Listings
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Getting There
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To get to Statia you first have to go to St. Maarten and take a small
inter-island flight by WinAir. There are also many connections to other islands in the Caribbean. Especially
Curacao and St. Maarten can serve you as a base for island hopping.
Airlines include: American
Airlines, Continental,
KLM
Royal Dutch Airlines, ALM Antillian Airlines, Air France, LIAT, Martinair, USAirways, Air Aruba,
Avianca, Surinam Airways (SLM), and many others.
Entry requirements
For U.S. and Canadian citizens either a passport, birth certificate or proof of citizenship with photo ID and a
return ticket are required. For all other nationalities a valid passport is required.
Departure Tax
When leaving the islands you will have to pay a departure tax. The amount depends on your destination. If you fly
between the islands of the Netherlands Antilles this tax is U.S.$ 6,=. For all international flights, including
flights from and to Aruba, the tax is U.S. $ 20,=.
Traveler Tips
Language
While Dutch is the official language of the islands, the people from the ABC-islands also have their own language:
Papiamentu. This is a creole language based upon Spanish and Portuguese, with Dutch, English, and African influences.
But everybody speeks English on these islands, as well as Spanish. Everybody is taught these languages in school
and Arubans and Antillians have a good sense for languages.
On the windward islands the local language spoken is English.
Driving
Any U.S. or international license is acceptable. Just like the U.S. and Europe, cars are driven on the right-hand
side of the road. The speed limit is 40 km per hour in build up areas and 60 in the country. On Saba these limits
are lower, but you cannot drive faster anyway.
Electricity
110-130 volts a.c. 50 cycles. Many U.S. appliances that operate on 60 cycles will work fine, except items like
hair dryers, irons and some battery charging equipment, which may overheat if used for an extended period of time.
European appliances that run on 220 volt cannot be used, unless you have adapters.
Time zone
The islands follow the Atlantic Standard Time, which is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and equals Eastern
Daylight Time. There is no daylight saving time on the islands. The difference with Central European Time is 5
hours during the winter and 6 when daylight saving time is in effect in the summer.
Shopping
Shopping is not the reason people visit Statia: The pickings are pretty slim. Nevertheless, you can find handcrafted
island souvenirs, postcards and tropical beachwear.
Dining
The local cuisine is delightfully spicy, making use of typical West Indian seasoning. Check your menu for barbecued
chicken or ribs, stuffed land crab and goat stew. Seafood is prevalent in the restaurants, including red snapper,
grouper, shrimp and Caribbean lobster. Tropical fruits and vegetables are also common: christophene, green banana,
breadfruit, papaya and mangoes. Expect comfortable, unpretentious restaurants where reservations aren't required. |
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