St Eustatius / Getting There

St Eustatius lies in the midst of the Leeward Islands – its nearest neighbour is St Kitts, seven miles (11.2km) to the south-east. Another forgotten Dutch island, Saba, is set 16 miles (26km) to the north-west. Modern transport connections are such that the only way in and out of St Eustatius is currently flying via the French-Dutch island of St Martin/St Maarten, 37 miles (60km) north, which is well served by international flights.

The island’s F D Roosevelt Airport is a small and relaxed operation in the heart of St Eustatius. The wooden terminal buildings are painted in cheerful blue and yellow and the cows and donkeys wandering around outside are a charming touch. There is an ATM, a small café and bar, and the departure lounge includes an informative exhibition on the early days of Caribbean aviation. The airport is so-named in honour of a visit to the island made in 1939 by the 32nd President of the United States, who had Dutch roots.