Frequently Asked Questions

St. Eustatius is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, in the Leeward Islands chain. It sits about 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Saba and roughly 35 miles (56 km) south of Sint Maarten. St. Kitts is located just about 13 to 23 miles (21 to 37 kilometers), depending on your specific point of departure. The island is compact, measuring just about 5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. 

Statia is a special municipality (officially a "public body") within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, it became directly part of the Netherlands, alongside Saba and Bonaire (collectively known as the BES islands or the Caribbean Netherlands). 

Travelers have excellent air and sea options connecting Statia to neighboring islands:

• By Air: The most common route is flying through Sint Maarten (SXM). Winair operates short, 20-minute commercial flights daily into Statia's F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX). Additionally, Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper (DCI) has established an operational and maintenance base directly in Statia, providing affordable regional passenger and cargo connectivity to St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla. 
• By Sea: The Makana Ferry Service offers a convenient marine alternative. Operating a 72-foot fast catamaran, it provides regular, scheduled inter-island passenger service connecting Statia with Sint Maarten, Saba, and St. Kitts. 
• Private vessels and yachts also clear customs at the main port of entry in Gallows Bay, Oranjestad. They also pay the port fees at the harbor.

Despite its direct political ties to the Netherlands, the official currency of St. Eustatius is the United States Dollar (USD). Major credit cards are widely accepted at larger hotels and dive centers, but carrying some cash is highly recommended for smaller local shops, taxis, and restaurants. 

Dutch is the official administrative language, but English is the language of everyday life. It is the primary language spoken across the island, used in schools, and spoken fluently by virtually everyone you will interact with. A local English-based Creole is also spoken informally. Other languages commonly spoken as well are: Spanish and Papiamento.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all international visitors. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, and EU countries do not need a visa for tourist stays (typically up to 90 days, though US citizens can stay up to 180 days per year without a permit).

Statia enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 27°C (80°F) cooled by pleasant northeast trade winds. December to April offers the driest and most comfortable weather. Hurricane Season: Runs from June 1 to November 30, with historical peaks in August and September.

Statia is a haven for ecotourism, history buffs, and travelers who value uncrowded, pristine environments:

• Diving & Snorkeling: The St. Eustatius National Marine Park features 36 protected dive sites, including spectacular volcanic lava flows, historical 18th-century shipwrecks, and artificial reefs like the Charles Brown wreck.
• Hiking: The dominant natural feature is The Quill, a perfectly formed dormant volcano. Hikers can trek up to the crater rim and even climb down into the lush, tropical rainforest growing inside it. 
• History: Oranjestad is rich with colonial history, including Fort Oranje and the ruins of 18th-century warehouses from when Statia was one of the busiest trading hubs in the Caribbean.

Yes. To protect the island's delicate ecosystems, the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) manages the marine and terrestrial parks. Visitors must pay a nature fee for Hiking and Diving. The proceeds directly fund trail maintenance, marine moorings, and local conservation programs. 

Follow these steps to pay:

Option 1: Online (Recommended)

Go to the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation Payment Portal.

Enter your personal information and select your intended activity (e.g., hiking, diving).

Pay securely using a credit or debit card. 

Option 2: In Person

Visit the main STENAPA office at Oranjebaaiweg 59.

It is located roughly a 3-minute walk from the harbour, making it highly convenient if you are arriving by sea.The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Fridays until 3:00 PM. 

During the 18th century, Statia was a duty-free international trade powerhouse known as the "Golden Rock." Most famously, on November 16, 1776, Fort Oranje fired a formal cannon salute to the American brig Andrew Doria. This event—known as the "First Salute"—marked the very first time a foreign power officially recognized the independence of the United States. 

The slogan is "Small Island, Big Thrills". This slogan perfectly captures the unique duality of St. Eustatius. It highlights the fact that while the island is geographically tiny, it packs an unexpectedly massive punch when it comes to adventure, history, and natural wonders.

For a small island, St. Eustatius offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape. The food scene reflects its vibrant history and multicultural community, blending authentic Caribbean flavors, fresh-caught seafood, international fine dining, and casual local hangouts. 

Dining on Statia is generally divided between Upper Town (perched on the cliffs) and Lower Town (along the waterfront in Oranjebaai/Gallows Bay), alongside some stunning resort destinations.