About the country
Statia, or Sint Eustatius in the Dutch Antilles, a short flight from St Martin, is a tiny, peaceful Caribbean island where everyone says hello to everyone .
It’s a paradise for wrecks, old ones and recently sunk ones alike, and for the spiny lobsters you run into on every dive. Statia is full of dive sites, each as beautiful as the last, but our favorite by far : the Chien Tong at night, a real Turtle paradise !
The best of : Chien Tong, Stenapa.
Our opinion
Difficulty
Visibility
Diversity
Atmosphere
Practical
In February 2016 and December 2023.
Scubaqua : We first discovered this small dive club, run by Ingrid and Meno, in 2016. A great, always-smiling and funny team, a pleasure to dive with all of them, not forgetting the singing dog.
In 2023, a new team with their partners Marika and Mike. Still warm and professional, we head out for two dives in the morning, with a stop back at base in between. The clubhouse is really pleasant, locals even come by for a drink. The adjoining beach is popular with snorkelers.
Two very comfortable boats, Nitrox dives available, and a night dive scheduled during the week.
In December 2023.
The old Gin House right on the waterfront, a stone’s throw from the dive club and the bars and restaurants. It just changed owners, the rooms are spacious, with a small terrace by the pool (which could use a renovation) or a sea view. Being right on the road, the hotel stays noisy from 6:30am to 10pm. The restaurant, with a nice view, is passable and fairly pricey.
In February 2016.
Statia Lodge up in the hills, a 10-minute scooter ride from the harbor, simple and clean bungalows. A nice pool with a view over St Kitts. By 2023, the lodges could really use a serious renovation.
In December 2023 and February 2016.
You come here to dive, but the town, with its pretty houses, the tiny museum and the fort are worth a look. You can hike the Quill volcano, with panoramic views and lush vegetation (allow at least half a day).
The most improbable side trip, over in St Martin : the Driftwood Boat Bar on the beach behind the airport to watch planes land ! A 5-minute walk from the airport.