"An Undiscovered Gem" a Sint Eustatius Travel Page by Lenox

Sint Eustatius is an island filled with history and the bounty of nature, both in its' rainforest and the ocean around it. My girlfriend and I took a trip there as a birthday present for her. We definitely got more than we bargained for and are already planning our next trip in a couple of months.

The Island is a mere 12 square miles with roughly around 3 thousand persons, however it makes up for what it lacks in size in its sights.

The island has hills on either end and flat land in the middle where the airstrip is located. The Island is obviously volcanic and the evidence stares you right in the face. The most impressive piece of evidence is the Quill, a perfectly formed volcano with crater that rises about 2000 feet above sea level. Inside the crater is a lush tropical forest where you can find Iguanas, racer snakes, a wide variety of birds and plant species.

Even though we did not do any diving we snorkled a bit in Oranje Bay, a spectacular sight that is a must for any visitor. The bay is apparently a breeding area for fish especially along the old sea wall. The beach is rimmed by ruins of warehouses and other buildings projecting into the water, remnants of Statias glorious past as one of the busiest perts in the Caribbean.

Guarding the bay is Fort Orange, a small but significant outpost, made famous as being the first to recognise an American Ship of the continental Navy flying the new colours of the American Republic. An action ehich brought on the wrath of the British who soon invaded.