Page 553 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

Statia’s Diving: Travel Tips

G ETTING THERE: To get to Statia you first from the ABC-islands also have their own
have to go to St. Maarten and take a language: Papiamentu. This is a creole

small inter-island flight by WinAir. There are language based upon Spanish and Por-

also many connections to other islands in tuguese, with Dutch, English, and African

the Caribbean. Especially Curacao and St. influences. But everybody speeks English on

Maarten can serve you as a base for island these islands, as well as Spanish. Everybody

hopping. Airlines include: American Airlines, is taught these languages in school and

Continental, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, ALM Arubans and Antillians have a good sense

Antillian Airlines, Air France, LIAT, Martinair, for languages. On the windward islands the

USAirways, Air Aruba, Avianca, Surinam local language spoken is English.

Airways (SLM), and many others.
E DNTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is
the entry requirement for visitors to St. RIVING: Any U.S. or international
license is acceptable. Just like the U.S.
and Europe, cars are driven on the right-

Eustatius including USA and Canadian citi- hand side of the road. The speed limit is 40

zens. Birth Certificates and drivers licenses km per hour in built up areas and 60 in the

are no longer accepted. Citizens of most country. On Saba these limits are lower, but

countries in the world do not need a visa for you cannot drive faster anyway.

their entry to St. Eustatius.

L ANGUAGE: While Dutch is the official
language of the islands, the people