Guided Tours

It is really worthwhile to spend a couple of hours touring Statia with one of the island's local historians. A two-hour outing costs about $20 per person, usually including airport transfer. (If you'd rather head out on your own, there's a self-guided walking tour booklet available from the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum.)

Walter Hellebrand. A historian and director of the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation, Hellebrand is an expert on the forts and batteries on the island as well as the Jewish history of Statia. He offers a 90-minute walking tour for $20 per person or a voluntary donation to the foundation. 721/587–3136. $20.

Roland Lopes. Amiable Roland Lopes knows absolutely everything about Statia, as well as every resident, and a tour with him will help you fall in love with the island. Island tours are done in his personal van. You can contact him directly or through the tourist board. Upper Town, Oranjestad, n/a St. Eustatius. 599/318–1968.

St. Eustatius Unique Tours. This company offers a variety of tours and arranges every kind of sightseeing or activity from ATV exploring to kayaking according to the client's specifications. They coordinate cruise shore excursions and offer historical tours and natural history activities all over the island. They can even help you plan a Statia wedding. 599/318–1089.