Statia

If you are a hiker, then you will love Statia (more formally known as Saint Eustatius.) Hiking is heaven in Statia as the paths are quite adventurous with a wide range of lush vegetation. You can see cacti and shrubs in the lower areas of Statia. As you hike upwards, the gorgeous greenery greets you and is adorned with colorful flowers.

On your Statia bucket list – Climbing The Quill is an absolute “must”. At the highest point the view of the neighboring islands is phenomenal. Then comes the descent into the crater. Here, giant trees and lovely flowers grow in a world all their own. If you look closely, you can see little critters scurry over the forest floor, push a Colocasia leaf (elephant ear) aside and new discoveries reveal themselves.

Statia

Diving is one of the coolest activities to do in Statia due to the amazing warm waters, abundant and healthy reefs, intricate shipwrecks, and underwater volcanic landscape.

The Natural Glowing Splendor of St Eustatius National Marine Park

The St Eustatius National Marine Park was created in 1996 and extends around the entire island from the high water line to 30m depth contour. The park covers an area of 27.5km2 and protects a variety of habitats, including pristine coral reefs (drop off walls, volcanic ‘fingers’ and ‘bombs’, spur and groove systems), 18th century shipwrecks and modern-day artificial reefs to promote fishing and dive tourism (including a 100m cable-laying ship).

Within the Park are two actively- managed Reserves in which no fishing or anchoring is permitted to conserve marine biodiversity, protect fish stocks and promote sustainable tourism. In addition to regular mooring maintenance, patrols and research, the National Marine Park works closely with local dive centres to ensure that diving practices minimise impact on the reef.