St Eustatius, popularly known as ‘Statia’, was a thriving transshipment port during the 17th and 18th centuries, becoming known throughout the Caribbean as ‘The Golden Rock’. The subsequent decline of the island has only recently been halted by an influx of tourists. The foundations of the Dutch sea walls are now sunk beneath the clear waters of the bay. Scuba divers and snorkellers can see many of the submerged ruins.

Other attractions on the island include walking up The Quill; surfing off the northeast coast; and fishing trips. The nightlife is centred on the main hotels and restaurants, including dancing and local live bands, which may play one of the two different indigenous blends of reggae and calypso – ‘Pim Pim’ and ‘Hippy’.