If you've never heard of this small, undiscovered island in the Caribbean, it's only because it's a closely guarded secret. Once the busiest port in the Caribbean in the 18th century, St. Eustatius (Statia in local slang) is now a sleepy island where time has stood still. Untouched by mass tourism, St. Eustatius is not your average Caribbean island. Picture the Caribbean some 25 or 30 years ago and you're getting close.

Above and below water

The reefs around St. Eustatius flourish in a protected marine park. Under water you experience what a large part of the Caribbean must have looked like years ago. Most of the 36 official dive sites are located in the two reserves that cover much of the northern and southwestern waters. The eye-catching volcano “the Quill” dominates the island with its impressive crater. This volcano is responsible for the huge amount of lava flows and blocks below the surface. The old lava labyrinths are now completely covered with coral and sponges. Combine these reefs with a large number of historic dive sites and more recent sunken wrecks and you have a diver's paradise!

Scubaqua Dive Center

Located on the ocean in a beautifully restored historic warehouse, Scubaqua offers a two-tank dive in the morning, as well as a third dive in the afternoon. They dive in small groups (max. 6:1) and before each dive they give you a detailed briefing about the dive site and the plan. All the dives they do are guided dives but they are experts in not limiting your sense of freedom. Custom-diving Scubaqua style means they give the experienced diver the dives they want, but also the inexperienced divers get the extra attention they need. Dives are 'limited' by the no-decompression limits, often exceeding 70 minutes. For those who are nitrox certified, they offer nitrox for free. After the dives, there's no better place to have a cocktail and watch the sunset on their porch.

Visit Duikvaker: The Dutch Dive Show to find out more about Sint Eustatius and Subaqua. Or take a look at their website.