Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in the Caribbean
Sights to see & things to do
St. Eustatius
Charming and serene, St. Eustatius (also known as Statia) is one of the most overlooked destinations in the Leeward Islands. Visiting Statia is a bit like stepping into an early Caribbean time warp where friendly islanders enjoy striking up a conversation, chickens and goats freely wander the streets, and life is delightfully slow paced. Only a few small cruise ships visit the island.
Diversions
Statia has no buses; so renting a car is the way to explore the island. If you simply want to wander around Oranjestad, you probably won't need transportation but the town is spread out so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. Statia’s award-winning St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum is housed in a dignified 18th century structure with elegantly furnished rooms and displays outlining the island’s colorful history.
Statia’s other attractions are low key and do-it-yourself, such as exploring the ramparts of Fort Oranje or descending to the rain forest in the crater of The Quill, the extinct volcano that dominates the island.
Shopping
Duty free shopping on Statia is fairly limited but cigarettes and liquor can be good buys. Local artists feature their original works, including ceramics and sculptures, for sale.
Beaches
While no one comes here for the small volcanic (meaning “gray”) beaches, the island's best swimming area is the Oranje Beach in Lower Town. Zeelandia Bay on the east coast has rough surf and undertows and is not recommended for swimming.
The majority of Statia’s dive sites are coral formations on old lava flows and a few wrecks of colonial trading ships. Divers are required to be accompanied by a local guide to protect the island's historical remains from souvenir collectors.
Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman
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