Luxury diving vacation at the Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort
Combine luxury, adventure, relaxation and fun with an authentic island experience.
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Diving at St. Eustatius
In this trip you will dive at St. Eustatius from the Golden Rock resort. If you’ve never heard of this small, undiscovered island in the Caribbean, it’s only because it’s a well-kept secret. St. Eustatius (Statia in local jargon), once the busiest port in the Caribbean in the eighteenth century is now a sleepy island where time seems to have stood still.
The reefs around St. Eustatius flourish in a protected marine park. Underwater, you experience what much of the Caribbean must have looked like years ago. There is little tourism here so the reefs are still untouched.
Most of the 36 official dive sites are in the two reserves that cover much of the northern and southwestern waters. The eye-catching volcano “the Quill” dominates the island with its impressive crater and is responsible for the huge amount of lava flows and blocks below the surface. These ancient lava beds are now completely overgrown with coral and sponges. Combine these reefs with a host of historic dive sites and more recent sunken wrecks and you have a diver’s paradise!
Best travel time:
You can dive here virtually year-round. The only month you can’t dive is September. Then it’s hurricane season.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for St. Eustatius
We recommend diving with a 3mm or 5mm here
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 - Departure to St. Maarten
You fly to St. Maarten. It is about a 9-hour flight. In St. Maarten, you will have to wait several hours for the short 20-minute flight on a small propeller plane to the F.D. Roosevelt Airport on St. Eustatius. The shortest flight in the world.
This airport is located in the middle of the valley and upon arrival it already gives you a magnificent view of the island. You will be picked up at the exit to take you to the Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort.
Day 2-8 - Diving with Scubaqua
The next morning you can go to the diving school to discuss diving and your individual needs. From the resort you go to the diving school in 10min by free shuttle.
You get your own bin where you can leave your diving equipment for your vacation. In the upcoming days you will make 2 dives by boat in the morning to different famous dive sites like ”Barracuda Reef”, ”The Cliffs’ ‘ and ”Hangover”. Furthermore, there are also some wrecks worth visiting such as the Charles Brown Wreck and the Chien Tong Wreck.
Most dives are between 16 and 22 meters deep. They are all done by boat and a professional guide. The variety of dive sites here is especially special. Wrecks, pinnacles, muck, night dives and coral gardens make it a wonderful dive site.
In addition, you can take a so-called Blue Bead Dive where, if you are lucky, you can find 400-year-old charms. For the mystery surrounding the charms, you will have to visit the island.
Day 9 - Hike to the Quill
The landscape of St. Eustatius is dominated by the 600-meter-high extinct volcano The Quill. According to volcanologists, The Quill is one of the most perfectly formed volcanoes in the world. The Quill along with Boven on the north side of the island were both designated as National Parks in 1998, managed by Stenapa. As you climb the Quill, you will encounter different vegetation zones, culminating in the dense forest in the crater.
St. Eustatius is home to some endangered species, such as the Lesser Antillean Iguana, native to only a few Caribbean islands. Look up into the trees to spot these magnificent reptiles. Closer to the ground, you have a good chance of seeing huge land crabs, hermit crabs and the Red Belly Racer Snake, a small non-poisonous snake found only on St. Eustatius and Saba occurs. Furthermore, in the crater you will also find the largest tree in the Netherlands.
Numerous tropical birds accompany you up and down the path, and you may even find Statia’s endemic plant, Morning Glory.
The hikes come in different levels of difficulty and can be done without or with a guide. You do need to have some stamina for this.
Rather not take a long walk? You can also visit a bee farm or museum, do historical tour of the island or enjoy yoga.
Day 10/11 - Return home
You fly back again. The resort will make sure you get back to the airport on time. Via Saint Martin, you fly back to Europe.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort
In enchanting Oranjestad lies the Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort, an oasis of tranquility and adventure. This 4-star resort welcomes guests with an abundance of facilities and amenities that ensure an unforgettable stay.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by the resort’s beautiful surroundings, surrounded by lush gardens and a refreshing outdoor pool. Free bikes are at your disposal so you can easily explore the area. There is also a common lounge where you can relax and enjoy company.
The resort offers a free shuttle service and room service to ensure that all your needs are met.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the resort. A diverse selection of à la carte, continental or American breakfasts are offered, giving you energy for the adventures ahead.
For ultimate relaxation, visit the resort’s spa center, where you can enjoy invigorating treatments and massages. While you pamper yourself, the kids can have fun in the children’s playground, making the resort also a perfect destination for a family diving vacation.
In addition to all the rest and relaxation, the resort also offers plenty of opportunities for recreational activities. From table tennis and mini golf to tennis, there is something for everyone. If you want to explore the surrounding area, you will find excellent hiking and snorkeling in the nearby areas. Thus, the resort offers a perfect combination of luxury and adventure.
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in nature or an active diving vacation full of fun and discovery, the Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort will meet all your expectations.
The stay
- 1 Bedroom Lodge (in this trip)
This 1 Bedroom Lodge has 43m2 of space and has a bedroom and a separate living room.
- Deluxe room
The hotel room is 40m2 in size, has a sitting area, air conditioning. Separate bathroom accessible from the hotel room through 2 sliding wooden panels. The bathroom has a bathtub, shower, sink with bathroom cabinet and various necessities such as a hairdryer and soap. Also, the bathroom has a separate toilet. Through a sliding door you enter the spacious balcony with sitting area and sun beds. Here you can fully enjoy the view of the beautifully landscaped garden, the pool and the Atlantic Ocean. - Golden Rock Suite
The hotel room is similar to the Deluxe Room, however it is 80m2 in size and has a bedroom and a separate living room with fully equipped kitchen. The balcony is also once larger with a more spacious seating arrangement. The view is equally soothing and impressive.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €1630 per person based on two people in one Deluxe room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €1630 p.p.
- 9 nights in a 1 bedroom lodge
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives
- Daily transfer to the diving school
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Outbound and return Flight to Malé
- Departure Tax (payable locally)
- Marine park fee
- from €1000,- p.p.
- $15.00 p.p.
- $.30- p.p.
Optional
- Night dive
- Diving equipment rental
- 79 USD p.p.
- 50 USD p.d.
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
You will make boat dives here with a professional guide.
All dive sites are between 3 and 15 minutes boat ride away.
You will make 2 dives here in the morning. If there is enough enthusiasm, a 3rd dive may be organized in the afternoon. At least 3 divers are then needed.
Yes. You can do night diving here. There is a guarantee of night dives at least 2x per week.
No, there is an old city wall underwater ( is an anchor and cannon) where we give resfresher dives and confined OWD. If possible, diving can be done here. However, this is not recommended. The best dives around the island are by boat.
Yes. It is a PADI 5* dive center.
The diving school is about 10 minutes from the resort. A free shuttle will take you to the diving school.
Diving equipment
Both DIN and INT are possible.
No. Only 12L tanks are available.
Yes. Nitrox is included in the price.
Yes. Per day, this costs 50 USD. For more than 7 days, it becomes cheaper.
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