The miniature island of Sint Eustatius is unlikely to suit lovers of social gatherings and noisy, enchanting resort delights. But those seeking peace, keen on ecotourism and eager to soak up the fantastic energy for which the Caribbean is famous will not be disappointed: indescribably beautiful seascapes, the friendliness of the local population and very decent conditions for a luscious holiday are guaranteed.
Sint-Estatius on the map
Sint Eustatius island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean on the map
Blessed land washed by the Caribbean Sea, along with By yourself and Bonaire belongs to the Netherlands. Miniature Holland is located in the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. It is about 60 km from the island of St. Martin, and 27 km to the southeast from Saba. The territory borders Nevis and Saint Kitts.
The area of Sint Eustatius is small, the size of the crumbs is only 21 km²: about 3 km wide, length does not exceed 8 km. Almost the entire coast is bordered by cliffs, the highest point - 600 meters - is Mount Masinga, visible far from the sea. From above, the outline of the island resembles an oval of almost ideal shape. The only settlement in which all resort areas are located is the town of Oranjestad.
Holidays on Sint Eustatius
If you want to say goodbye to depression, then you should head to St. Eustatius. The few recreation areas, to be fair, cannot compare with the glamorous and respectable famous resorts, but the level of service and living conditions here are excellent. The lack of pomp in hotels is more than compensated by the hospitality of the staff, original comfort and relatively low rates. Plus delightful silence, proximity to beaches, exotic cuisine, creative leisure: sea fishing, walks on rented jet skis and yachts, promenades through fragrant forests, beach bliss, sports entertainment, night shows, diving.
Most often, St. Eustatius is chosen by those in love with ecotourism. Indeed, the delightful air, virgin nature and exciting excursions through the tropical bushes cannot but be liked. In general, a voyage to the island will please single travelers, families with children, mature tourists, and newlyweds.
Nature of Sint Eustatius
People who have visited here are surprised to read about the paucity of the local fauna. However, the nature of Sint Eustatius is actually not as rich as it seems: most of the territory is arid, barren plains dotted with cacti and thorny, tough-leaved shrubs. But the bright vegetation on the slopes of the Mount Masinga crater is impressive; it is not for nothing that the national park of the same name founded here is the most frequently visited area by tourists. About two hundred species of plants: magnificent orchids, twisted vines, carved palm trees, more than twenty species of birds, lizards, wild livestock once brought by Europeans, frogs - all this is a real natural heritage of Sint Eustatius.
We can talk endlessly about the deep magnificence of the coast of mini-Holland, but it’s better to admire the coral-sea kingdom in real life once than to be content with watching TV shows about travel or admiring other people’s photos taken on St. Eustatius.
Attractions Sint Eustatius
The guide will not tell you about rare monuments and collections, but the place is unique even without that. A rare Caribbean island can boast of many names: in tourist brochures - the Caribbean Netherlands or little Holland, before the advent of Europeans - Alo, which means Cashew Tree, the official name is given in honor of the Great Martyr St. Eustace. In the 17th-18th centuries, the port of Golden Rock became famous, and today the locals proudly proclaim: “Statia!”
The island is a paradise for photo tourists; such unique features cannot be found anywhere else. For example, road signs are hand-drawn on plywood blanks. The license plates of the local cars are no less colorful: they are full of bright mosaics of stickers with the dates of inspection. By the way, there are only five taxis on the island, and there are no long-distance routes. The unprofessional paintings on slab fences are literally picturesque: diving, simple everyday scenes, beach sketches.
There are few beaches, but the ones available - Oranjestad, Back Off Bay, Jenix Bay, Company Bay, Key Bay, Zealand Bay and Venus Bay - are simply excellent: shaded by the greenery of palm trees, with the finest sand and gorgeous views of the Caribbean sea. Each one has plenty of restaurants and cafes where vacationers taste exotic delicacies and cocktails while enjoying the sea views from the terraces.
When is the best time to go to Sint Eustatius
The best period to travel to Sint Eustatius is November-May. At this time, the heat is not so debilitating thanks to the fresh breeze, there is practically no rain. The mercury column does not drop below 20˚ even in the winter months, but on average the temperature is about 27˚.
Sint Eustatius is a true natural antidepressant, and a short stay on it gives a global surge of strength. Aesthetic nirvana from contemplating masterpiece beauties, excellent service, powerful energy of the hospitable Caribbean and clear sea - this is the secret of the magnetism of the compact miracle island.
