This is REEF's first trip to the little-known paradise of St. Eustatius, or Statia. Diving in St. Eustatius consists of a variety of diverse habitats including walls, wrecks, patch reefs and rocky outcroppings. Because large-scale tourism has not yet arrived in Statia, it's rare to encounter other divers on the same site and the reefs tend to be in great condition. Healthy reefs and abundant fish life await surveyors, who will love Scubaqua's safety-oriented approach to diving. Free nitrox is included in this package for those who are certified.
**COVID considerations - While Statia currently has quarantine on arrival requirements, the government is allowing resorts to serve as quarantine pods and restrictions ease if all in the group are fully vaccinated. This trip is proceeding as planned and we anticipate little impact on our schedule. Please inquire if you have questions.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: $1,129 per diver based on double occupancy in a garden view room. $1,662 per diver for single occupancy in a garden view room.
$649 for a non-diver based on double occupancy in a garden view room.
Accommodations: Participants will stay at The Old Gin House, a hotel located within a few steps of the dive shop. The package accommodation is a garden view room, with either 1 king or 2 double beds, which are able to be combined into 1 bed by request. All garden view rooms include mahogany beds, colonial-style furniture, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. The hotel also has several ocean front rooms and suites. Room upgrades are subject to an additional fee and are dependent on availability. For more information about rooms, please visit the Old Gin House hotel's webpage. Please inquire with REEF Trips if you wish to upgrade to a different room type.
Diving: Our dive partner for this trip is Scubaqua. The trip package includes 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, beginning on Sunday, July 4 and ending on Thursday, July 8. One afternoon dive is also included and will be scheduled during the week. Nitrox is included for certified divers - please be prepared to present your Nitrox certification card. The average water temperature in St. Eustatius during the time of the trip is approximately 80 degrees F. Most dive sites are within a 5-20 minute boat ride from the dock.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of accommodation, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, 1 afternoon dive, Nitrox, daily breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, welcome cocktail, and use of kayaks.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials. REEF Fee applies to all divers and/or attendees age 18 and up.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights and associated travel to and from St. Eustatius, meals other than breakfast, additional dives outside of the package inclusions, optional rental gear. $30 per person marine park fee paid in cash upon arrival. $15 per person departure tax paid in cash at the airport. Gratuities are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: There are currently no direct flights from the US to St. Eustatius. It is suggested to fly into St. Maarten (SXM) and from there, take a short flight to St. Eustatius' F.D. Roosevelt airport (EUX) via Winair. Participants should make arrangements to arrive on Saturday, July 3, and depart the following Saturday, July 10. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants. After booking travel, you will be asked to provide your flight details so that ground transfers can be arranged.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: U.S. citizens need a current passport that has at least 1 blank page and is valid for the duration of your stay. Citizens of most countries will not require a visa for stays less than 180 days. Please consult the appropriate embassy for further information.
Transfers: Transfers are included in the trip package. Guests will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the Old Gin House.