Places to see in Sint Eustatius

There are not too many places to see in Sint Eustatius, with most of the sights on the island are located in the capital Oranjestad. In the center of town you will find Fort Oranje, which still stands today as a tribute to the island’s turbulent past. This fort was first built in 1629 and is still intact with its cannons, towers and cobblestone courtyard. Here you will also find a plaque presented to the island by US President F D Roosevelt as a mark of respect for being the first country to recognize the United States in 1776.

The Sint Eustatius Museum is also worth a visit for its pre-Columbian artifacts and treasures. The museum also contains plenty of information on the island’s past, its slavery, nautical heritage and colonial relics. Also stop by the Government Guesthouse in town, which is a beautiful old stone and wood building from the 18th century. Once the quarters of the Dutch naval commander, the building was used as a guesthouse in the 1920’s.

The Dutch Reformed Church and the Sint Eustatius Historical Foundation are also a couple of interesting places to see. The church was built in 1755 and has no roof. The roofing collapsed in 1792 during a hurricane and has been left that way since.

Outside of Oranjestad visit the Fort de Windt, which offers some great views of Saint Kitts in the distance, or if you like, head to Zeelandia Bay, which has a lovely dark sand beach that is excellent for swimming. For some quiet solitude stopover at the Little Round Hill House, which offers some superb accommodations if you are looking for a secluded escape. The house has a full kitchen, heated showers and a bedroom that can sleep up to four people.