The island of St. Eustatius, or Statia as the locals call it, is located in northeastern Caribbean, about 170 miles east of Puerto Rico. Less than 10 square miles in size, tiny Statia is one of three islands that make up the Windward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The other two are Saba 16 miles away and St. Maarten, 38 miles to the north.

Attractions on the island include the second oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere; 18th century homes; historical museums; two protecting forts; ruins dating to the mid-17th hundreds; beautiful uncrowded black sand beaches; and fascinating coral reefs and ship wrecks beneath a clear blue sea.

To be sure, Statians take diving and their underwater treasures seriously. They installed two decompression chambers to aid divers and in 1998, they officially opened Statia Marine Park where divers might sight sting rays, turtles, lobsters and other sea life.

Just over 2,000 people live on Statia. Official language is Dutch, however, most Statians speak English.

Statians enjoy a quiet lifestyle, except at the end of July through early August, when the island bustles with parades, music, dancing and other festive Carnival celebrations.

Weather in Statia is dry and sunny, with light trade winds. Sudden short showers can be expected in the months of April, June and September.

A small seaport at Gallows Bay can accommodate smaller cruise ships and private yachts, however, there are no commercial passenger ferries.

The main airport, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Airport is located in Concordia. WINAIR (Windward Island Airways 203.261.8603 or 800.634.4907) is the main airline with connections to the international airport at St. Maarten and the rest of the world.

Car rentals are available and fare for taxis should be established before departing.