St Eustatius / Special Interests / Eco/Nature

By Nigel Tisdall

St Eustatius is an island where nature is often left to its own devices. Walk on the deserted sands of Zeelandia Bay, hike the northern Gilboa ridges, peer down into the forest-filled crater of the Quill, and the island feels quite unspoilt despite its rich historical associations. Look closer and mankind's intrusions become more apparent - in the rubble of plantation walls, the ruined waterfront warehouses of Oranje Bay, the oil storage tanks deftly hidden in the hills at Tumble Down Dick. For nature-lovers, there is plenty here to look out for, including the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana and the (non-poisonous) red-bellied racer snake. Between January and April dolphins and migrating whales can be seen in the waters separating St Eustatius and St Kitts, while leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles nest on its sandy beaches from April to October. Fortunately key parts of this natural heritage are protected by the parks on land and sea that are administered by the St Eustatius National Parks Foundation, and getting close to them is made easy thanks to several walking trails and a wealth of dive sites that can only be accessed by using licensed operators.

STENAPA

The office of St Eustatius National Parks Foundation has information on exploring the island and sells maps, guides and souvenirs. Closed weekends. STENAPA, Oranjestad Lower Town, t 318 2884.