Sint Eustatius
At just 31 sq km, St Eustatius is one of the smallest islands in
the Caribbean. However, what this island
lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the natural beauty found
both on land as well as under water. There are over 24 dive sites
around Saint Eustatius, making this tiny island a haven for divers
from all over the globe. Some of the underwater treasures found
here include, colonial shipwrecks, dazzling coral reefs and a stunningly
varied marine life with schools of tropical fish, barracudas and
nurse sharks.
Known as Statia by the locals, Sint Eustatius is not your idyllic
West Indian island. Rather it is a quiet and secluded vacation destination
for divers, hikers and historical enthusiasts looking for a peaceful
retreat. Accommodations, restaurants and nightlife here are slim,
with the only town on the island being the capital Oranjestad. A sleepy
small settlement, Oranjestad is one
of the last remaining strongholds of Statia’s turbulent past.
Often referred to as a ‘historic gem’, Sint Eustatius is part of the Netherlands Antilles, with a population of just 3000 people. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, St Eustatius was swamped 22 times between the French, English and the Dutch before it finally became a Dutch colony. However, perhaps the most infamous moment in this tiny island’s history came in November 1776 when Statia became the first foreign nation to recognize the newly created United States of America.
A great place to spend a week, the best time to come to Sint Eustatius
is between December and April when the weather is great and diving
conditions are ideal.
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