Beach· Sint Eustatius (Statia)· Leeward Islands
Oranje Beach (Lower Town)
17° 29.0′ N · 62° 59.3′ W · approximate
Statia's safest swimming beach - a small strip of dark, multi-coloured volcanic sand (locals call it Smoke Alley Beach) an easy stroll north of Lower Town, right off the anchorage.
Practical
Approximate: placed on the shore north of Lower Town below Fort Oranje, from guide descriptions ('easy stroll north from Lower Town', Wikivoyage 'north end of the bay'); no published coordinate. Rebuilt after Hurricane Hugo (1989). Waves are smaller on this Caribbean side and there are few strong currents, but no lifeguards and no facilities - bring water and towels. Tides shift much of the sand offshore, so snorkelling right off the beach can be poor (In Your Pocket). Quiet until late afternoon when locals come for a dip. Easy dinghy-free walk from the Lower Town dinghy dock.
Best for
A swim and sunset ashore from the Statia anchorage
Season
Year-round; avoid in northerly swell