Sint Eustatius is het op een na kleinste eiland van de Nederlandse Antillen. Het behoort met Saba en Sint-Maarten tot de Bovenwindse Eilanden. De hoofdplaats is Oranjestad overigens ook de enige stad...euh..stadje. Het eiland wordt door de plaatselijke bevolking Statia genoemd. Het is 21 km² groot en er wonen ongeveer 2600 mensen. Nog een paar weken en het zijn er 2602, ongeveer! Volgens de Lonely Planet behalve vanwege het duiken famous for not being famous.
Top 10 reasons to visit St. Eustatius (Statia Tourist Office)
Rich history - St. Eustatius affectionately called "The Golden Rock", was an important trading centre in the 17th and 18th century. One can still experience the rich history on the island.
Safe place to be - Statia is known as one of the Caribbean Islands with a very low crime rate.
Statians' friendliness & warmth - When walking through Oranjestad you can immediately experience the friendliness and warmth of the Statians. So do not be surprised when Statians will start a conversation or greet you during your walk.
Unmatched peace, tranquillity - Statia is a very peaceful and relaxing island; the way of life on the island is relaxed and laid back.
Not overdeveloped; time stand still - St. Eustatius is not an island with mass tourism and through this you can experience the real Caribbean life style. If you visit the island you will get the feeling like time has stood still.
Beautiful nature - The Island has an amazing nature in all aspects. All nature lovers will enjoy the versatility of St. Eustatius.
The Quill - a perfect formed 2000 foot / 600 meters extinct volcano. Hiking into its tropical rainforest is a must when visiting the island!
Botanical Garden - On the boundary of the Quill lies the Miriam C. Smith Botanical Garden. The garden provides St. Eustatius with its natural flora and fauna and is worth a visit.
Snorkel & Scuba dive - Statia is an amazing location for snorkelling and diving. You will have the possibility to see the 17th and 18th century city ruins (walls of warehouses among other things) and the beautiful underwater flora and fauna.
The beaches - St. Eustatius has three beaches; all are very different in character. Oranje Beach lies on the Caribbean Sea and has small beige and black sand beaches. There is no strong current or undertow and therefore it is safe to swim. By the Atlantic Ocean there are two beaches: Zeelandia Beach and Lynch Beach. Zeelandia beach has a two miles / 3,2 km long deserted black and tan sand. At this beach, swimming is not recommended because of the rough water and dangerous undertow. Lynch Beach is a small beach with light brown sand. The water is shallow in spots and has an undertow and therefore it is recommended to stay near the shore. All three beaches are special and beautiful. Certainly a reason to visit during your stay on St. Eustatius.
We zijn er nog nooit geweest maar als we deze 10 redenen lezen dan geloof ik dat we het hier wel een jaartje vol gaan houden. We hebben er zin in...paradijs!
