Statia is a well-known island hopping day trip option from St. Maarten / St. Martin, and professional hotels also allow for a multi-day stay on the “historic gem.” St. Eustatius — or Statia, as islanders call it — is another special municipality of The Netherlands with appeal for both nature lovers and history buffs. It’s a quick plane ride from St. Maarten / St. Martin and makes for a perfect day-trip destination.
The island boasts several prime dive sites, unique hiking trails, and a rich history that once placed it at the very center of world trade. Today, Statia is a destination for travelers who want to experience the Caribbean in a different way — through heritage, culture, and untouched natural beauty.
St. Eustatius, affectionately known as Statia, is a small island in the northern Caribbean, measuring just 11 square miles. Despite its size, it has an outsized reputation for history and nature. Unlike its better-known neighbors, Statia remains quiet and uncrowded — a true hidden gem.
With a population of just over 3,000, the island has retained its authenticity. Life here is unhurried, with a close-knit community proud of its heritage. The capital, Oranjestad, sits on the western side of the island and is a charming blend of colonial-era ruins, restored Dutch architecture, and laid-back Caribbean life.
If there is one reason Statia stands apart, it’s history. Three hundred years ago, this small island was one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a hub for global trade, serving merchants, buccaneers, and naval fleets alike.
Statia’s nickname, “The Golden Rock,” comes from this prosperous era when its strategic harbor was a lifeline for ships crossing the Atlantic. Everything from sugar and tobacco to weapons and textiles passed through the island’s bustling port.
Statia also played a critical role in the American Revolutionary War. On November 16, 1776, the American merchant brig-turned-warship Andrew Doria sailed into Oranjestad’s harbor and fired off a 13-gun salute to mark the United States’ Declaration of Independence. The governor of Statia, Johannes de Graaff, ordered a return salute — making Statia the first foreign power to recognize the sovereignty of the new United States.
This event, known as the “First Salute,” is still celebrated today and cements the island’s importance in world history. Even Benjamin Franklin routed his mail through Statia to ensure safe delivery during turbulent times.
As the 18th century ended, Statia’s importance as a trading post declined. Larger ports took over, and the island’s economy shifted. Yet this decline preserved something unique: a treasure trove of history, from colonial forts to archaeological sites.
As a special municipality of The Netherlands, Statia has a unique political status. Dutch influences are visible in its governance, architecture, and even in cultural traditions. Yet at the same time, the island embodies Caribbean vibrancy — from its food and music to its festivals and colorful street life.
Today, Statia welcomes a new kind of explorer — visitors eager to uncover its past, walk its cobblestone streets, and discover history woven into every corner of the island.
Despite its small size, Statia offers an impressive variety of activities for travelers. Whether you’re a diver, hiker, or history enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to fill your days.
The waters around Statia are part of the St. Eustatius National Marine Park, offering spectacular dive sites. Among the most famous is the wreck of the 328-foot-long Charles Brown, now an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Wreck dives here feel like underwater museums. On archaeological dives, you might come across pottery shards, glass bottles, Dutch clay pipes, or anchors — remnants of the island’s trading heyday. Schools of tropical fish and vibrant coral gardens make the experience just as rich for nature lovers as it is for history buffs.
If you appreciate nature, Statia’s hiking trails are a must. The island is defined by its volcanic landscape: at the north end lie hills formed from five extinct volcanoes, while at the south end rises the island’s most iconic landmark — The Quill.
The Quill is a dormant volcano with a lush rainforest growing inside its crater. Hiking to the rim rewards you with breathtaking views, while descending into the crater feels like stepping into another world — a micro-jungle filled with towering trees, orchids, and birdsong.
The capital, Oranjestad, is like a living museum. Here, history is everywhere: in the ruins of Fort Oranje, in the restored Dutch Reformed Church, and along streets lined with centuries-old stone buildings.
Walking through Oranjestad, you can imagine merchants and sailors bustling through the same roads centuries ago. Today, the town remains quiet, with friendly locals, boutique hotels, and cozy cafés waiting to be discovered.
The Statia Historical Foundation Museum and the Simon Doncker House provide deeper insight into the island’s past, with collections of artifacts, documents, and exhibits about the “Golden Rock” era.
Statia’s culture shines through its music, dance, and annual festivals. Events such as Statia Carnival and Statia Day (November 16) — commemorating the First Salute — are celebrated with parades, concerts, and community gatherings.
Getting to Statia is easy. Winair, based in St. Maarten, operates several 20-minute daily flights from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX) in Statia. These short hops offer stunning aerial views of the Caribbean and make Statia an accessible destination for day trips or longer stays.
For those who prefer traveling by water, the Great Bay Express high-speed ferry connects Philipsburg, St. Maarten to Statia. Located at Bobby’s Marina, the service runs regular routes and also connects to other nearby islands such as St. Kitts and Saba.
Once on the island, getting around is simple. Taxis are available for short distances, while rental cars provide the freedom to explore at your own pace. Given the island’s size, many visitors also enjoy walking or hiking between sights, especially in and around Oranjestad.
For adventurers, hiking trails crisscross the island, allowing you to discover hidden viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and coastal paths on foot.
St. Eustatius is an island located south of St Maarten. Find St. Eustatius on the map below!
For other day trip options to explore the Caribbean , see Saba and Anguilla.
