Visitor Information
On the island, the Tourist Bureau is located at Fort Oranje (tel. 599/318-2433), open Monday to Friday 8am to noon and 1 to 5pm (Fri till 4:30pm). Statia's official website is www.statiatourism.com.
Getting There
St. Eustatius can be reached from Dutch St. Maarten's Queen Juliana Airport via the 20-seat planes of Windward Islands Airways International (Winair; tel. 888/975-7888 in the U.S. and Canada, or 599/318-2333). The little airline, launched in 1961, has an excellent safety record. Always reconfirm your return passage once you're on Statia. The seven flights a day take only 16 minutes to hop the waters to Statia's Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport (tel. 599/318-2887). There are usually three flights a day between Statia and Saba, and two per week between Statia and St. Kitts, but schedules are irregular. To be sure of getting to another island from Statia, you'll want to go to St. Maarten first.
Getting Around
By Taxi -- Taxis meet all incoming flights. Taxi rates are low, probably no more than $10 (£5.20) from the airport to your hotel. On the way to the hotel your driver may offer himself as a guide. If you book a 2- to 3-hour tour (long enough to cover all the sights on Statia), the cost is about $80 (£42) per vehicle. To summon a taxi, call Rainbow Taxis (tel. 599/318-2811) or Josser Daniel (tel. 599/318-2358).
By Rental Car -- Rainbow Car Rental (tel. 599/318-2811) or Walter's (tel. 599/318-2719) are your best bets if you want to reserve a car in advance. Drivers must be 21 years old and present a valid license and credit or charge card. Walter's rents only cars.
