8 Best Sights in St. Eustatius

Statia's only town sits on the western coast, facing the Caribbean. Both Upper Town—with cobblestone streets that designate its historic section—and Lower Town are easy to explore on foot.

Ft. Oranje has clung to these cliffs since 1636. In 1976, Statia participated in the U.S. bicentennial celebration by restoring the fort and now the black cannons extend beyond the ramparts. In the parade grounds, a plaque presented in 1939 by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, reads, \"Here the sovereignty of the United States of America was first formally acknowledged to a national vessel by a foreign official.\" Restorations to the site are ongoing.

Built in 1755, the partially restored Dutch Reformed Church, on Kerkweg (Church Way), has lovely stone arches that face the sea. Ancient tales can be read on the gravestones in the adjacent 18th-century cemetery, where people were often buried atop one another. For a spectacular view, climb the stairway to the top of the steeple.

On Synagogepad (Synagogue Path) off Kerkweg is Honen Dalim (\"She Who Is Charitable to the Poor\"), the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Dating from 1738, it has a partially restored exterior, an oven for baking Passover matzah, and a mikvah (Jewish ritual bath). A short walk away is the Jewish cemetery, with impressive marble stones from the same era.

Lower Town, which sits below the fort and some steep cliffs, is accessible from Upper Town on foot via the zigzagging, cobblestone Bay Path or by car via Van Tonningenweg. Some of the warehouses and shops that were piled high with European imports in the 18th century are now abandoned or are used to store local fishermen's equipment. Others have been restored and now house businesses.

Along the waterfront, a lovely park with palms, flowering shrubs, and benches is the work of the historical foundation. Peeking out from the shallow waters are the crumbling ruins of still more 18th-century buildings, additional reminders of Statia's days as the merchant hub of the Caribbean. Near the shore, a reef, once strengthened to form a seawall, is a convenient snorkeling spot. Note that although conch shells often wash onto Oranjestad's shores, it's forbidden to remove them from the Dutch Caribbean islands; if you try and are caught, they will be confiscated, and penalties will be applied, so let them be.

This extinct, perfectly formed, 1,972-foot volcano has a primeval rainforest in its crater. Hike any of eight trails through woodlands filled with giant elephant ears, ferns, flowers, wild orchids, and fruit trees. If you're lucky, you'll glimpse the elusive, endangered Iguana delicatissima (a large—sometimes several feet long—greenish-gray lizard with spikes down its back). The volcanic cone rises 3 miles (5 km) south of Oranjestad on the main road. The tourist board or St. Eustatius National Parks will supply trail maps and help you arrange a guided hike, but you must purchase a $10 permit before setting out. Figure on two to four hours to hike the volcano. Bring sufficient water and snacks with you.

The museum, in the center of Upper Town, is the former headquarters of Lord George Rodney, a British admiral during the American Revolution. While here, Rodney confiscated everything from gunpowder to wine in retaliation for Statia's support of the fledgling country. The completely restored house is Statia's most important, intact 18th-century dwelling. Comprehensive exhibits trace the island's fascinating history from the pre-Columbian 6th century to the present. You can also buy books on island history and a booklet with a self-guided walking tour, beginning in Lower Town at the marina and ending at this small, but fascinating museum.

The two one-room buildings at what is also known as the Lynch Plantation Museum are replicas of the Berkel family's homes. They were built in honor of the matriarch's 100th birthday and provide an interesting perspective of agrarian life on Statia a century ago. The remarkable collection includes family pictures, eyeglasses, original furnishings, and farming and fishing implements. Call Ishmael Berkel to arrange a private tour. Since it's on the island's northeast side, you'll need a taxi or car to get here.

Just two bends north of Corre Corre Bay on the island's Atlantic side, light-brown sand and rock cover this small beach—which is actually an extension of Zeelandia Beach. Opt for walking instead of swimming here. There are turbulent swells and a strong undertow. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

Relaxation and quiet abound on these 52 acres, with a greenhouse, a palm garden, a kitchen garden, and an observation bird and nature trail. Its location, on the Atlantic side of the Quill on an old plantation called Upper Company, reveals a superb view of St. Kitts. For a picnic, there's no better place; but the only way to get here is by car or taxi, and some parts of the road are not well-paved.

The sand on this Caribbean-side beach near Gallows Bay ranges in color from light beige to black. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming (especially in the late afternoon), and there's excellent snorkeling just offshore. Several of the island’s dive shops are here. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; snorkeling.

Walking, shelling, and sunbathing are popular pastimes on this remote, 2-mile (3-km), cliffside arc of black-and-tan sand. Zeelandia's rugged location on the Atlantic makes it dangerous for swimming due to the rough water and strong undertow. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.