Oranjestad (Sint Eustatius)

Introduction

Oranjestad is the capital of Sint Eustatius.

Sights and Activities

The St. Eustatius Historical Foundation published a very nice little book, available almost everywhere, that outlines a 1-mile walking tour of the capital, Oranjestad. The tour route starts at the port and winds through all the key historical sites. The central district of the capital has a number of very attractive restored buildings of historical interest, including a museum run by the St Eustatius Historical Foundation. You could pick the book up at the headquarters of STENAPA, which is only a few yards from the port in Lower Town.

Events and Festivals

• Carnival is the main event of the year and takes place for ten days usually starting in July until early August. It is very similar to other Caribbean carnivals with a Pyjama Jump-up in the early morning and Carnival Queen and Calypso Competition culminating in the burning of King Momo, the spirit of the carnival.
• April 27th King's Day - Cultural events, sports activities, picnics and music. Don't forget to wear something Orange to blend in.
• July 1st Emancipation Day - Ceremonies and celebrations of the abolition of slavery. Emancipation Day is generally celebrated on the first of July. During this day, the inhabitants of St. Eustatius, as well as tourists, commemorate the abolition of slavery, with ceremonies and celebrations.
• November 16th Statia Day (National Holiday) - Statia Day is a national holiday which takes place annually on November 16th. It is known as a day of pump and frill. A day to reflect on Statia's role in America's history. But for most it is a day to celebrate the culture and heritage of Statia.

Weather

Oranjestad has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 °C and 30º C and average nights around 23 °C. Most rain falls between June and October with a chance of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

Getting There

By Plane

Winair (Windward Islands Airways), based in Sint Maarten has 5 daily flights between the two islands, taking about 20 minutes one way. There are also 1 or 2 daily flights between Sint Eustatius and Saba, taking about 15 minutes.

Getting Around

By Car

With a valid foreign, or international driving licence, you are allowed to drive a car on Statia. You can choose from at least thirteen rental companies. For information inquire at your hotel or the Tourist Information Stand at the Airport.

By Taxi

Taxi information is available at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport. Taxis do not have meters. Rates are fixed and should be checked before ride.

By Foot

Oranjestad is small and everything can easily be reached on foot.

Drink

The longest running, owner-operated bar is "Chuckie's". The expatriate community typically restricts itself to this bar as the owner will frequently drink with patrons and keep the bar open until the last customer leaves.

Sleep

Kings Well Resort - Oranjestad, Oranje Bay
The Old Gin House - Oranjestad
Statia Lodge

Keep Connected

Internet

Public access to the internet is available from the Public Library in Oranjestad and at Computers & More (Telephone: 599-318-2596; e-mail: [email protected]).

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The local telephone company is the St. Eustatius Telephone Company N.V.
Colourful CaribTel calling cards are for sale starting at NAF 18 or $US10. Cards can be bought at the Post Office at Fiscal Road and can be used in most public telephones on the island.

To call Statia, dial 011 (the international access code), then 599 (the country code for the Netherlands Antilles), and finally 318 (the area code for Statia) and the 4-digit local number.

Post

The Post Office Bank, Post Spaarbank opens Mondays to Fridays from 07:30am to 4:00pm. Airmail to Europe takes four to six days, surface mail four to six weeks.

External Links