Capital-	Oranjested
Language Spoken-	Dutch, Papiamentu, English
Best Time to Visit-	Nice all year, but visit July or August for Summerfest!
Currency-	Netherlands Antillean guilder (U.S. dollar widely accepted)
Must Eat-	Visit a local bakery for Johnny cakes and tasty coconut drops
Must Drink-	Any Caribbean rum!
Learn to Say-	" Hi! " (The proper greeting for all occasions in St. Eustatius!)
Life in St. Eustatius-	This island has a very low crime rate. While the island is quiet and not full of tourists and nightlife, the small local population is extremely friendly even by Caribbean standards!

St. Eustatius, better known as "Statia," is cozy and charming little island with about 2,500 inhabitants and a land area of eight square miles. Though small, St. Eustatius is filled with history. It has changed hands numerous times between the Dutch, French, and British, and is currently a part of the Netherlands Antilles. During the 18th century, it was one of the busiest, wealthiest and most crowded ports in the Caribbean, nicknamed "The Golden Rock." The island ignored all trade restrictions of the major powers, and anyone was free to buy and sell here. As a result, it was the primary source of arms and other critical supplies during the American Revolution.
 
The history is reflected in the architecture of St. Eustatius. Historical sites like the Honem Dalim, a synagogue originally built in the 1730s and now an impressive ruin, have been preserved and are being carefully restored by the island’s historical society. You can learn more at St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum in Oranjested.
 
The island has a treasure trove of natural beauty. One place you won’t want to miss is The Quill, an inactive volcano on the south end of the island. After hiking up, you can then hike down into the volcano crater--which holds a rich and vibrant rainforest! This miniature "Land of the Lost" is home to rare orchid species, giant elephant ears, a variety of wild fruit trees and berry bushes, and wildlife that includes lots of butterflies, iguanas and tropical birds.
 
St. Eustatius is also a fantastic diving destination, with lots of reefs brimming with colorful fish life and an amazing underwater geography of canyons and cliff walls formed by ancient volcanic activity. Since the island was such a busy port, the waters are full of shipwrecks and other treasures waiting to be discovered!
 
The island offers a variety of restaurants, from the delicious Caribbean cuisine to European, American, and Asian food. Visit during late July/early August for the Summerfest, where you can take in local music, dancing and parades!
 
For a charming island vacation rental on a scenic and little-known island, visit St. Eustatius!