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Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius - two islands that could hardly be more different
The Caribbean immediately awakens longings in many travellers: sun, fine beaches and turquoise seas. As a tour operator specialising in the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), Karibiksport knows just how fascinating this island kingdom can be.
Aruba inspires with its relaxed flair and hospitable people, Bonaire is known for its legendary shore diving, and Curaçao attracts visitors with its cultural diversity and breathtaking reefs. But the Dutch Caribbean has even more facets to offer. That's why the well-known tour operator for Caribbean destinations is now expanding its programme to include Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius - two islands that could hardly be more different.
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Sint Maarten is considered a vibrant hotspot where cruise ships dock and life pulsates around casinos, bars and duty-free shops. Sint Eustatius, on the other hand, affectionately known as ‘Statia’, has remained tranquil, scoring points with its original charm and protected marine areas. So if you want to experience the full spectrum of the Caribbean, you can now choose between a party stronghold and a quiet idyll - or combine the two.
Divers in particular will find a variety of spots here: man-made wrecks, intact coral reefs and a diversity of species that will make any underwater heart beat faster.Many people are unaware that the former constellation of the Netherlands Antilles also included Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten in addition to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. This political entity was dissolved in 2010, giving several islands their own forms of status. In practice, however, little has changed for travellers: You can still enjoy a solid infrastructure and benefit from the Dutch influence.
More and more holidaymakers want to get to know the entire ‘Dutch Caribbean’ - and so the idea was born to expand the portfolio to include Sint Maarten and Statia.
Sint Maarten: Between cultural mix, beach party and diving adventure
Sint Maarten is known worldwide as a cruise destination. Large ships dock every day and their passengers throw themselves into the hustle and bustle. Bars, restaurants, casinos and countless duty-free shops ensure that there is never a dull moment. The island is divided into a French part (Saint-Martin) and a Dutch part (Sint Maarten), whereby the border practically only exists on paper. Visitors thus enjoy a cultural diversity in which French bistros and Dutch hospitality form a successful symbiosis.
In addition to its party image, Sint Maarten also has excellent diving spots to offer: artificially created reefs, wrecks from different eras and coral projects that give the ocean a new basis for life. This side of the island is still unknown to many holidaymakers - one more reason to offer diving packages here. There is also a colourful underwater world along the coast, home to barracudas, angelfish and rays. With pleasant water temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius, diving is possible all year round. If you are looking for a combination of nightlife and reef exploration, Sint Maarten is the place for you.
Click here for Karibiksports Sint Maarten holiday offers
The dive sites of Sint Maarten: Wrecks, corals and currents
One of the most famous dive sites is the ‘Charles Brown’, a former freighter that rests at depths between 15 and 30 metres and is now completely overgrown with coral. Large schools of barracudas and groupers as well as the occasional turtle make every dive there an experience.
Statia is also home to historical archaeological sites with remains from the time when the island was an important trading centre. The legendary ‘Blue Beads’ - glass beads from the colonial era - can still be found in these waters today. Natural reefs and lava formations from long-extinct volcanic eruptions complete the underwater panorama. The rocky crevices and caves hide fascinating macro creatures such as tiny shrimps, nudibranchs or even the rare frogfish.
On days with little current, the visibility of over 30 metres makes every diver's heart beat faster and thanks to the small number of divers, who are spread over many spots at the same time, the reefs remain remarkably untouched. Both beginners and experienced divers appreciate the wide range of activities on offer, from simple dives in clear, shallow areas to more challenging wreck tours. This makes Statia a real underwater adventure - far away from crowded diving areas.
Here are the most famous diving spots on Sint Maarten
Sint Eustatius (Statia): The undiscovered gem
While Sint Maarten is bustling with cruise guests, Sint Eustatius enjoys the reputation of a hidden paradise. Most people call the island ‘Statia’ for short. Its tranquil atmosphere is the result of its seclusion and low visitor numbers. You will look in vain for large hotel chains here, instead you will find small guesthouses and family-run guesthouses. In Oranjestad, the main town, you will often meet locals who immediately welcome you with warm hospitality.
Statia has a lot to offer in terms of diving. Most of the coastal waters are protected, which contributes to the rich underwater fauna and flora. As there are only a few diving boats, the guests are spread out over large areas, so that you often have the feeling of being alone in a largely unspoilt reef. No crowds, no mass tourism - just clear visibility, moderate currents and a wide variety of dive sites. It is precisely this unspoilt nature that makes Statia so attractive.
Click here for Karibisports Sint Eustatius travel offers
Wrecks, corals and ancient treasures: Diving on Statia
There are various wrecks off Statia, including the ‘Charles Brown’, a former freighter that is now surrounded by dense coral growth and schools of fish. Divers can explore the wreck at depths of between 15 and 30 metres, take a look at the bridge and go on a photo hunt. Barracudas, groupers and the occasional turtle are regular visitors here.
Another highlight are the historical sites where you can still see relics of the former trading boom. The famous ‘blue beads’ - glass beads from the colonial era - can still be seen today. There are also natural reefs with lava formations from ancient volcanic eruptions. Hidden in these rock pores are macro creatures such as tiny shrimps, nudibranchs and the legendary frogfish. Visibility can be over 30 metres, especially in phases with little current. Overall, Statia offers a varied portfolio for both beginners and experienced divers, which remains particularly attractive due to the low number of visitors.
Here are the most popular diving spots on Sint Eustatius
Between land and water: Sint Maarten vs. Sint Eustatius
Although Karibisport as a diving tour operator primarily focuses on the underwater experience, one should not forget that there is also a great attraction on land. Life pulsates on Sint Maarten: Bars, clubs, festivals and a cosmopolitan flair in which English, French, Dutch and Spanish resound in equal measure. Maho Beach is particularly famous, where aeroplanes fly over the beach almost within touching distance. A stroll through Philipsburg or Marigot reveals a colourful mix of street food, shopping streets and Caribbean music.
Sint Eustatius, on the other hand, invites you to slow down. The extinct volcano ‘The Quill’ rises imposingly into the sky. A hike to the edge of the crater rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over the island and the expansive sea. Otherwise, you often spend the evening in small groups, getting to know the locals and chatting about diving or the history of the island. So if you like to experience contrasts, you can combine both destinations in one trip and look forward to two completely different atmospheres.
In principle, the Caribbean can be travelled to all year round. Temperatures are usually between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius and the water is around 24 to 29 degrees. From June to November, however, it is hurricane season, during which tropical storms can occur. Although this does not mean that a hurricane hits every year, the likelihood of changeable weather increases during this time. If you want to be on the safe side, plan your diving holiday between December and May. The conditions are more stable then, rainfall is less frequent and the humidity is somewhat lower.
Nevertheless, the low season also has its attractions: fewer tourists are travelling and prices for flights and accommodation can be cheaper. The reefs on Statia are never overcrowded anyway, but if you want to enjoy the full extent of the tranquillity, you can specifically choose off-peak times. Above all, it is important to be flexible in your planning, as short-term weather changes in the Caribbean can never be completely ruled out.
Technical tips for diving: What should I bear in mind?
The water temperatures allow diving with thin wetsuits (3 mm) almost all year round. However, if you get cold quickly, you can also use a 5 mm wetsuit in the cooler months (January to March). Diving insurance is highly recommended, as even the best safety standards do not completely rule out accidents. Sint Maarten has good medical facilities; you may have to be flown out from Statia in an emergency.
The dive centres provide rental equipment, which is usually well maintained. If you have your own equipment, please note the luggage limit, especially with the regional airlines. Short boat trips and manageable groups ensure relaxed dives on both islands. If you want to go deeper, you will find tech diving offers, especially around Statia, or you can explore wrecks at greater depths at more challenging spots.
Book now: Why the time is right
Hugo Kastner, responsible for the new destinations at Karibiksport, explains: ‘As specialists for the Dutch Caribbean, we not only know the ABC islands inside out, but now also have reliable contacts on Sint Maarten and Statia. We work with experienced dive centres that value safety and environmental protection, and our focus is on sustainable diving tourism that respects the underwater world. We can help you plan your trip, organise flights, transfers, accommodation and diving packages and, if you wish, we can also arrange combination trips so that you can get to know the country and its people while diving. With us, you benefit from comprehensive advice, customised offers and a genuine passion for the Caribbean. Whether it's tips on special wreck spots, night dives or macro photography - we know where you can discover the most beautiful aspects of this underwater world.’
Because tourism is constantly developing, Sint Maarten is already relatively well-known, but is still nowhere near as established as Bonaire or Curaçao in terms of diving. Statia, on the other hand, currently retains the status of an insider tip. Those who book now therefore have the best chance of experiencing unspoilt reefs and little public traffic, while flights and accommodation are still comparatively cheap. Divers in particular who have already been to the ABC islands are looking for new challenges and can broaden their horizons with Sint Maarten and Statia. This creates a well-rounded overall impression of the Dutch Caribbean: from wreck tours and drift dives to macro highlights, there is plenty to discover before the big rush begins.
Two islands, countless possibilities
Hugo Kastner further explains: ‘With the addition of Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius to our programme, we are opening a new chapter in the Dutch Caribbean. On the one hand, Sint Maarten attracts visitors with its lively beaches, bars and rich nightlife. On the other hand, Statia offers quiet volcanic trails, protected reefs and an almost family-like atmosphere. Divers can experience two completely different worlds, each with its own special highlights: from man-made reefs and wrecks that invite you to explore the underwater world to untouched coral gardens where turtles and rays glide majestically by.’
These contrasts are what make the Dutch Caribbean so exciting. Those who already know Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao will find new challenges in Sint Maarten and Statia. Those who are new to the region can arrange a complete island hopping tour and discover the diversity of these marine paradises for themselves. 'We are proud to accompany you on this adventure and look forward to helping you plan your trip – whether you choose one destination or combine both. Pack your camera, wetsuit and a dose of wanderlust: the Caribbean is calling, and with Sint Maarten and Statia, the range of breathtaking diving sites has grown even further.'
If you have any questions, such as about travel, the best diving level or specific wrecks, please contact the expert team at Karibiksport: ‘We will help you organise your trip and ensure that your stay is unforgettable – from the initial consultation to the last dive. Experience the Caribbean in all its glory, dive into crystal-clear waters and let yourself be carried away by the Caribbean way of life. Welcome to a world that effortlessly combines sun, reefs, culture and adventure. Welcome to Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius!’
More Informationen:
Karibiksport Homepage
Aruba: karibiksport.de/aruba - Infos on Taucher.Net
Bonaire: karibiksport.de/bonaire - Infos on Taucher.Net
Curaçao: karibiksport.de/curacao - Infos on Taucher.Net
St.Martin: karibiksport.de/sint-maarten - Infos on Taucher.Net
St.Eustatius: karibiksport.de/sint-eustatius-karibik - Infos on Taucher.Net