Winair (WM) is the main airline connecting Sint Eustatius to other islands. The most common and reliable route involves flying into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten. From SXM, you take a short, approximately 20-minute flight on Winair to EUX.
Major international airlines, like Caribbean Airlines, KLM, Air France, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and United, do not fly directly to EUX. All international travelers must first fly to a regional hub, with St. Maarten (SXM) being the most common. From SXM, you then connect to Sint Eustatius via Winair.
F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX) has basic facilities and services. You find a small arrival and departure area, immigration and customs desks, and a check-in counter. There is often a small snack bar or limited seating. Do not expect duty-free shops, extensive dining options, or airline lounges. Prepare for a relaxed and straightforward airport experience.
Transfer options from the airport to Oranjestad, the main town, are simple. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The drive to Oranjestad is short, typically taking only 5-10 minutes. Most accommodations can also arrange airport transfers upon request. It is a good idea to confirm transfer arrangements with your hotel before you arrive.
Book your Winair connection between St. Maarten (SXM) and Sint Eustatius (EUX) well in advance, especially during high season. These smaller planes fill up quickly. Flexibility with your travel dates can also lead to savings.
Outside the main town, some roads leading to viewpoints or historical sites may be unpaved, narrow, or winding. Potholes can occur.
Night driving presents challenges due to limited street lighting outside of the main town. You may also encounter animals, like goats and chickens, wandering onto roads, so drive cautiously.
Exercise awareness, especially on less traveled routes. Car rental is a popular choice for visitors who wish to have independent transport.
While air travel is the main means of reaching Sint Eustatius, sea arrivals also occur, mainly for private vessels. The island does not have extensive ferry services or a dedicated cruise port for large ships. Ferry services are not a regular option for passenger travel to Sint Eustatius from other major islands. You will not find scheduled public ferries.
Sint Eustatius does not have a dedicated cruise port that accommodates large cruise ships. Smaller expedition or yacht cruises may visit the island. These vessels typically anchor offshore and tender passengers to the shore. This allows passengers to disembark and explore for a day.
Captains must clear their vessel and all crew and passengers with local authorities upon arrival. This involves reporting to customs and immigration officials. Having all necessary documentation for individuals and the vessel ready expedites this process.
Connections to land transportation from the pier in Oranjestad are convenient. Taxis are usually available at the pier. Many parts of the town are within a short walking distance from the main waterfront area.
Airport facilities for departing travelers are very limited. You will find a small waiting area, a bathroom, and possibly a small snack or drink vending machine.
For detailed visa and entry requirements, check official sources. These platforms provide updated information for various nationalities, which is important for travel planning.
Ensure comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and baggage. Providers like World Nomads and SafetyWing cater to adventurous travelers and digital nomads.
For health and safety, consider items from LifeStraw for water filtration, and Adventure Medical Kits for first aid. Pacsafe for anti-theft bags.
Finding affordable flights can start with services like Dollar Flight Club for discounted fares and Skyscanner for broad comparison.
Renting a vehicle offers the most flexibility for exploring the island. Local agencies manage the fleet, so booking ahead is a good idea, especially in peak season.
For secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi, consider a VPN. NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer reliable services.
Airalo presents eSIM options for staying connected without physical SIM cards. This offers local rates and data plans.
Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps or Maps.me) to your device for navigation without internet access.
