On Sint Eustatius, dive sites, diverse vegetation zones, and traces of the past come together as different facets of the island. You can plan your trip around what interests you most: diving, nature in forest and grassland landscapes, or places connected to the island’s history. This lets you discover the island from different perspectives, rather than limiting your trip to just one kind of experience.
Diving and Marine Conservation
The dive sites of Sint Eustatius extend for 27 kilometers along the coast. The St. Eustatius National Marine Park was established in 1996. The park contains two reserves, one in the north and one in the south. Fishing and anchoring are prohibited in both. If you plan activities in the park, check the local rules beforehand. The location of the two reserves helps you take their geographic differences into account.
Forest, Crater, and Open Grasslands
In Quill National Park, hiking trails pass through dry semi-deciduous woodland, along the elfin forest at the crater rim, and down into tropical rainforest. This sequence of different forest types gives hiking a distinct landscape focus: the trails pass through more than one vegetation zone. The term “semi-deciduous” describes a type of forest in which some of the trees shed their leaves; this makes the difference from tropical rainforest easier to understand. Mazinga Peak is the highest point on Sint Eustatius and offers panoramic views of the island. If you compare the landscapes, you can contrast the changes along the trails with the view from the highest point.
In Boven National Park, cacti and acacias cover the open grasslands. Venus Bay is also located in this park. The open landscape contrasts with the forest zones of Quill National Park. Wildlife on Sint Eustatius includes nesting seabirds and native forest species. These different groups of animals add to the picture of the island’s nature.
Historical Traces on Trails and in Oranjestad
Several hiking trails on Sint Eustatius pass old stone walls and historic military batteries. Hiking on the island therefore has both a landscape and a historical focus. Trail conditions can vary; if you are planning a particular hike, check the route’s condition beforehand.
Those especially interested in built heritage can stroll among historic ruins in Lower Town Oranjestad. These include old warehouses, stone ovens, and brick buildings. Unlike the stone walls and military batteries along several hiking trails, the focus here is on different types of buildings. Erosion and hurricanes have affected the ruins, and conditions on site can change. Check the condition of the sites before visiting. Another connection to the island’s history is the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation, founded in 1974.
Discover more destinations: Oranjestad, Saba, Bonaire.
Return to the main travel overview: Netherlands Antilles.
