NATURE ON ST. EUSTATIUS

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There are three primary beaches on the island, each with a different character, none with a lifeguard on duty. Zeelandia Beach is a two mile stretch of deserted black and tan sand with a dangerous undertow. Swimming's not recommended, but it's great for sunbathing and long walks. Lynch Beach is small with light brown sand on the island's Atlantic side. Swimmers should stay near shore and be careful of the undertow. The beach at Oranje Bay doesn't have much sand, but also doesn't have a strong current or undertow.

The most spectacular thing to do in Statia's water is scuba. The island's National Parks Foundation established the St. Eustatius Marine Park in 1998. The park covers the sea floor and the waters from the high water mark down to a depth of 100 ft. To protect the coral reefs, anchoring isn't allowed in the park, but more than 30 buoyed dive sites have been established.

The abundance of fish, coral and color makes this a diver's dreams come true. Statia offers pinnacles, walls, volcanic fissures, reefs and archaeological shipwrecks. Hundreds of critters, many of them rare, make their home in numerous cracks and ledges. Don't forget your underwater camera.

One of the many dive sites in Statia consists of tangled shipwrecks, surrounded by schools of snappers and goat fish. For those interested in archaeological dives, Statia has plenty. You can find glass shards from old plates, wine bottles and old Dutch clay pipes, turning dives into treasure hunts.

Statia's waters are also home to the rare flying gurnard fish, and diving with them is a true delight. There are several areas where divers can see up to a dozen of these spectacular creatures, considered uncommon throughout the rest of the Caribbean.

Topside, Statia is a paradise for nature lovers. There are at least 17 different kinds of orchids on the island, some quite rare. You'll also see iguanas, land crabs, butterflies and rare tree frogs. Bird life on Statia is rich, with 25 resident species, 21 that migrate from North American and 12 species of seabirds. The national bird is the humming bird, so keep your eyes peeled for these tiny creatures. Start your hike at first light if possible: many more birds are visible early in the morning.

At the island's southern end is a perfectly-formed volcano called The Quill. Designated as a national park, it soars dramatically to a height of 2000 feet, with a lush tropical rainforest in its crater. The park's interior teems with giant elephant ears, magnificent tree ferns, bromeliads, begonias, ginger, raspberries, figs, plantains and bananas.

There are over 12 major trails maintained on the island, many with spectacular beach, bay and island views. Close to the Quill, Panorama Track has breathtaking views of the nearby islands of St. Barts, St. Martin and Saba, while Mazinga Track has great views of St. Kitts and Nevis.

On the northern side of the island are the Venus, Gilboa and Boven trails, where you'll find orchids, large iguanas, beautiful rock formations and superb views of Statia, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. The hilly area also contains the scenic remnants of an old volcano called the Boven Subsector.