Statia Island Hopping Day from St. Maarten | One-Day History Nature Trip
Statia Island Hopping Day – A One-Day Journey Beyond St. Maarten
Length: 1 Day
Best For: Adventurous travelers, history lovers, island hoppers, stayover guests
Recommended Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
The Statia Island Hopping Day is a full, immersive one-day experience designed for travelers who want to look beyond St. Maarten and explore the wider northeastern Caribbean. This itinerary takes you to St. Eustatius—locally known as Statia—part of the European Kingdom of the Netherlands and one of the region’s most historically significant islands.
This day trip is especially well suited for resort, villa, and hotel guests. While it is technically possible for cruise visitors via a short flight, the overall length of the experience makes it impractical for most cruise schedules. Visitors are strongly advised to review the cruise ship schedule in advance, as downtown Philipsburg and St. Maarten airport transfers can become busy. Booking flights and taxis ahead of time is always recommended, especially during the winter season.
A valid passport is required, as this itinerary includes travel by air between countries within the Kingdom
of the Netherlands.
Why Visit Statia
St. Eustatius is often referred to as the “Historical Gem” of the Caribbean. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the most important Dutch trading stronghold in the northeastern Caribbean, earning the nickname “The Golden Rock.” Today, Statia is a quiet, compact island known for its preserved colonial architecture, walkable capital, and dramatic natural landscapes, including the dormant volcano The Quill.
Morning Departure from St. Maarten
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Transfer to Princess Juliana International Airport
Begin the day early with a transfer to Princess Juliana International Airport. Taxis are readily available from major resorts, villas, and hotels, as well as from the Philipsburg Emmaplein and Courthouse areas. Public-private buses on the Philipsburg–Maho route run frequently in the morning, making them a viable option for early departures, though service is less frequent in the evening. Arriving at the airport by approximately 8:00 AM allows sufficient time for check-in and security procedures for your inter-island flight.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Flight to St. Eustatius with a Winair Day Pass
Fly from St. Maarten to St. Eustatius using a Winair Day . When traveling round-trip in one day, this pass is more cost-effective than standard fares and is specifically designed for island hopping. The short flight offers scenic aerial views of the Lesser Antilles and provides a smooth, efficient connection to Statia.
Exploring Statia – History and Island Life
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Arrival and Transfer to Oranjestad
Upon arrival at F.D. Roosevelt Airport on St. Eustatius, take a short taxi ride to Oranjestad, the island’s capital. Oranjestad is compact and easy to explore on foot, allowing visitors to experience its historical sites at a relaxed and unhurried pace.
10:15 AM – 1:00 PM | Walking Exploration of Oranjestad’s Historic Core
Spend the late morning exploring Oranjestad, where many of Statia’s most important historical landmarks are located within walking distance of one another. As you walk through town, you’ll encounter well-preserved 17th-century Dutch buildings that reflect the island’s former importance in Caribbean and Atlantic trade.
Highlights include the historic fort overlooking the coastline, which offers insight into the island’s strategic military past, as well as expansive ocean views. The local museum provides valuable context on Statia’s role in colonial, regional and global history, while the remains of the island’s synagogue stand as a reminder of the diverse communities that once lived and traded here.
Take time to pause for photographs and enjoy the quiet atmosphere that sets Statia apart from more developed Caribbean destinations.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch and Time at Leisure
Enjoy lunch in Oranjestad at a local restaurant, where the pace is slow and the setting reflects everyday island life. This is an ideal time to relax, rehydrate, and reflect on the historical depth of the morning. If you wish to swim, do so in or near Oranjestad, where conditions are generally calmer. Atlantic-facing beaches on Statia are known for strong currents and are not recommended for casual swimming.
Nature and Landscape of Statia
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Views of The Quill and Surrounding Nature
In the early afternoon, shift focus from history to nature. The Quill, a large dormant volcano, dominates Statia’s landscape and is surrounded by lush vegetation and rich biodiversity. While a full hike is beyond the scope of this one-day itinerary, viewing The Quill and its surroundings provides a strong sense of the island’s natural character.
This portion of the day is ideal for light exploration, photography, and appreciating how nature and history coexist on this small island.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Return to the Airport
Transfer back to the airport by taxi in preparation for the return flight. Although distances on Statia are short, timely transfers are important due to limited daily flight schedules.
Return to St. Maarten and Evening Dining
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Flight Back to St. Maarten
Depart St. Eustatius in the late afternoon and arrive back on St. Maarten around 5:00 PM, depending on the day’s flight schedule.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner at Emilio’s – Dine With History
End the day with dinner at Emilio’s , located at Rainforest Adventures Park on St. Maarten. Known for its motto “Dine With History,” Emilio’s is set on a former plantation and offers an atmospheric dining experience rooted in island heritage.
The restaurant is named in honor of Emilio Wilson, a St. Maarten benefactor who donated the surrounding plantation lands for the benefit of the island. Dining here provides a meaningful conclusion to a day centered on Caribbean history and cultural exploration.
Practical Planning Tips
This itinerary requires a full day and is best suited for stayover visitors. Travelers must carry a valid passport, book flights and ground transportation in advance, and plan for an early start and early evening return. Cruise passengers should carefully review ship arrival and departure times, as this experience exceeds the length of most standard port calls.
The best days to undertake this itinerary are Tuesday through Friday, when flights, local services, and
dining options align most reliably.
Continue Exploring with Visit St. Maarten Itineraries
If this island-hopping experience inspires you to explore further, Visit St. Maarten’s itinerary blog features curated one-day highlights, five-day island immersion itineraries, and seven-day in-depth experiences that combine culture, cuisine, nature, and cross-border exploration across Dutch and French St. Martin. These itineraries pair well with the Statia Island Hopping Day to create a richer and more varied Caribbean journey.
