Statia is a paradise for nature lovers. Wonderful hiking is plentiful.
Explore our island!
At the North end area a series of hills, remnants of an old volcano. At the center of the island is a plain where the airport is located and at the south end a much younger, perfectly formed volcano - The Quill.
The Dutch settlers first called it "Kuil" meaning pit or hole but the English settlers renamed it - "Quill."
It is a lush rainforest, an intriguing hiking expedition that has attracted hundreds of visitors. After you have made the ascent to the crater, catch your breath and relax, then make your descent into the floor of the crater to a depth of 273 meters above sea level. Explore the verdant lush tropical rainforest, nestled within its enormous crater.
You will find the interior teems with giant elephant ears growing along the trail on the ground. Also look oput for magnificent tree ferns, begonias, figs, plantains and bananas.
In the Quill you will also find bromliads (related to the pineapple), trumpet wood, mahogany, seedless breadfruit (first brought to the New World by Captain Bligh in 1793), Suriname cherry, ginger bush and edible raspberries.
There are at least 17 different kinds of orchids, some quite rare on the island. You may also come across iguanas, land crabs, butterflies and exotic birds.
Walking the Quill with or without a tour guide is something which has to be experienced. Hiking the Quill is possible every day of the week and the best time to hike is in the early morning. It is possible to hike the Quill with an experienced guide.
However before you are planning to hike with a tour guide you should make a reservation 3 days in advance with the office of STENAPA (www.statiapark.org / email: info@statiapark.org) and then you will hear if the tour guide is available. Young and old all are allowed to climb the Quill. It is in the parent discretion whether the children can participate in the hike. There are six interesting trails which range from easy to moderate or difficult.
Prices
Maximum group size is 10 persons.
$40 for 2 people to Quill crater or Round the Mountain to Botanical Garden (one way) ($15 for each additional person) (up to 3 hours)
$40 for 2 people to Gilboa Hill (Butterfly trail, 1st and 3rd ridge trails) ($15 for each additional person) (up to 3 hours)
$60 for 2 people for return Round the Mountain trail tour to Botanical Garden, Gilboa Hill 2nd ridge, Mazinga Peak or Panorama Point ($15 for each additional person) (up to 5 hours)
Special school (off island) group rate: $10 per person for shorter hikes and $15 per person for longer hikes.
These rates include the National Park entrance fee which is $6 per person for a 12 month tag.
To make an appointment with a guide you can contact STENAPA (St. Eustatius National Parks), from Monday to Thursday 07:00 - 17:00 and on Friday 07:00 - 16:00.
From lower town to the main entrance trail of the Quill will approximately take 45 minutes by foot. When you are walking in lower town and upper town you will find direction signs which guide you to the beginning of the tracks of the Quill (Rosemary Lane/ Rosemarylaan).
Bird life on Statia is rich. The number of species recorded is 54 - 25 resident and breeding species, 21 migrants form North America and 12 species of seabirds.
There's plenty more hiking and exploring close to the Quill.
Panaroma Track has breathtaking views of St. Barts, St. Maarten and Saba. Don't miss the Mazinga Track with great views of St. Kitts and Nevis.
During your hike you might encounter the harmless, unusual Racer snake. Along the trail will hear the "coquee" sound of the tree frog - again very rare.
On the northern side of the island there are Venus,Gilboa and Boven trails. On these trails you will find many orchids, large iguanas, beautiful rock formations and superb views of the island, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean.
We recommend you start out at first light. It's still cool and many more birds are visible early in the morning.
Serous hikers are advised to wear long pants and sturdy walking shoes. Take water if you going to be hiking for more than an hour.
You won't find picnic tables, water fountains or toilets. What you will find are new discoveries everyday on these exciting and unspoiled trails. This is exploring at its best.
We say to our visitors, take only pictures, leave only footprints and do have a wonderful time...
The Quill
We recommend you start out at first light. It's still cool and many more birds are visible early in the morning.
