Sint Eustatius, Caribbean island in Lesser Antilles, Caribbean Netherlands.
Sint Eustatius is a Caribbean island in the Netherlands Caribbean, part of the Windward Islands within the Lesser Antilles. The coastline alternates between rocky cliffs and black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity.
European powers changed control over this territory more than 20 times between the 17th and early 19th centuries. The Netherlands ultimately retained sovereignty after the final change of hands in 1816.
Local residents often call this territory Statia, a nickname derived from shortening its formal Dutch name. The compact size means most inhabitants know each other personally and maintain close ties across the handful of neighborhoods.
The main village of Oranjestad sits on the sheltered western coast and offers accommodations, dining, and essential services. Divers find numerous shipwrecks around the island dating from different historical periods.
A large portion of the island exists underwater as a protected marine park preserving the underwater environment from shoreline to a depth of 30 meters (98 feet). This protected area encircles the entire territory, creating a continuous ring of undisturbed coral reefs.
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