A Deep Dive in Nature: The Best Dive Resort in the Caribbean | Statia

A Truly Hidden Gem

Just a short 20-minute flight from glitzy Saint Maarten, and tucked away on the tiny volcanic island of St. Eustatius (affectionately known as "Statia"), the Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort represents something rare in today's world: a luxury destination that doesn't just use sustainability as a buzzword—it's the foundation that everything the resort has to offer is built on. And on this picturesque island of just 3,000 inhabitants, there is untouched natural beauty everywhere–from the top of the volcano to the vibrant reefs dotting the bottom of the sea.

World-Class Diving with a Conservation Focus

Whether you’re a life-long diver or a nervous newbie keen to learn (like we were!), the diving around Statia is exceptional! Golden Rock partners with Statia Divers to provide access to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Caribbean, led by expert instructors and guides using top-of-the-line equipment. What we appreciated most was their emphasis on both safety and conservation—teaching divers to merely observe the underwater world from above, and appreciate marine life without disturbing it.

Within three days, we completed our PADI Open Water Diver Course led by our instructor and diver of over 20 years, Bruno, and it completely transformed our relationship with the ocean. 

We’ll be honest—despite both of us growing up not far from the sea, we’d always been afraid of going deep underwater. The vastness of the ocean, the unfamiliarity of breathing beneath the surface, the unknown creatures lurking below—it all felt intimidating. In a short amount of time, however, this trip completely transformed our perspective. 

As we heard from another pair of divers on our way to the hotel, “Getting to experience the underwater worlds of different places you visit will make you want to visit every location twice–once to view it from land, and once to view it from the sea.” And boy, they were right!

The First Dive (from a Newbie’s Perspective)

After spending our first day of training in Golden Rock’s incredible dive pool (aka The Lagoon) learning the ins and outs of our equipment, breathing techniques, practicing emergency drills, and testing various skills, I was equally anxious and excited to get out into the ocean and try “the real thing”.

I had always imagined descending to the ocean floor to feel like I was being pushed down by the mere weight of the water pressure above me. From the moment the surface engulfed me, however, I found a strange calm wash over me as my body understood that I could in fact breathe underwater and that I wasn’t sinking, but merely gliding. 

As I released the air from my BCD and began my descent along the boat’s mooring line, the underwater world we entered felt miles away from the choppy seas we had left behind at the surface. As my partner briefly ascended to better equalise his ears, my instructor signalled to me to hold onto the rope while he went up to help. From those few solitary moments of holding onto that rope about 5m/15ft down and looking around me, I felt, strangely, completely at peace. To my left, I noticed a metre-long barracuda swimming just below the surface above. Behind me, a school of fish swam playfully, dodging each other’s tricks and twirls. Below, I could roughly make out the shape of the reef, where colourful corals and sea fans swayed as if being beckoned by a gentle breeze. 

In the silence of the ocean, you hear just how loud you are as a diver. Upon my partner and instructor rejoining me on the mooring line, we slowly began to descend deeper, and the seemingly murky reef I saw from above became crystal clear! Bright red, purple, and yellow corals danced below me, while fish, lobster, shrimp, and sea turtles went about their day all around. We approached a group of at least 20 barracuda, and despite my fears (thanks Finding Nemo!) my instructor led us slowly right through them. These creatures that I had been taught to fear merely observed me as I passed, as did all the other sea life we saw in those thirty minutes at 18m/60ft below the surface. 

We’re not as important as we think we are is what I learned at least. By being a conscious observer, respecting marine life, and allowing creatures to carry on about their day undisturbed, every dive has the opportunity to be a beautiful, eye-opening adventure. You just have to keep breathing! 

Beyond the Underwater World

Not a diver? No worries! Prior to starting our dive training, we took a day above sea level to explore all that the Golden Rock Resort has to offer. Whether you’re interested in floating in one of the pools, laying in the sun, playing tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, padel, mini golf, or hiking along one of the connected nature trails, there is plenty to do for all ages. 

If you want to leave the resort, Statia is noted to be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, where locals proudly brag about leaving their doors unlocked. You can hike up Mount Mazinga (aka The Quill–the island’s dormant volcano) to spot wildlife, including over 75 bird species; explore the smallest capital city in the world (and Statia’s only official town) in Oranjestad; or visit the historic enslaved peoples burial grounds, the islands only UNESCO-recognised site.

Despite being just 21km², Statia’s rich heritage, 360° views of the Caribbean Sea, and the unparalleled kindness of the locals will keep you coming back, so don’t feel like you have to do it all in one visit!

Sustainability on the Golden Rock

Sustainability at luxury resorts often only extends to small things like eliminating plastic bottles from rooms or replacing towels less often for guests. These actions are good starts, but Golden Rock proved to us throughout our stay that engaging guests in the resort’s sustainability goals and actions was the way to make real, lasting change for both guests and the island.

Farm-To-Table Fresh

One underrated activity that Golden Rock offers to all its guests is a guided tour of the resort’s enormous 20,000 ft² greenhouse! Whether you’re a true green thumb or simply marvel at those who are, the greenhouse grows everything from lettuce varieties to papayas, courgettes to tomatoes, bananas, and every herb you can think of. Not to mention all of the tropical plants you see dotted around the grounds! The kitchens at Golden Rock’s restaurants use as much as they can from the greenhouse, including fresh eggs from the neighbouring chicken coop.

For full transparency: vegan options weren't abundant on the menu, which was difficult for us as combined-19-year-vegans. When we mentioned our plant-based preferences to the team, however, the kitchen team didn't just accommodate us—they got creative. We were treated to dishes like a black bean plantain burger and watermelon steak that we're still dreaming about and that were completely off-menu. While we'd love to see more vegan options added to the standard menu, the willingness of the staff to create custom plant-based meals using their incredibly fresh, farm-grown ingredients made all the difference. The cottage we stayed in also had a kitchen, so we came prepared with our tofu, oat milk, and dry goods to cook breakfasts and lunches throughout our stay.

The Power of the Sun

Beyond the lush green of the resort’s landscaping, Golden Rock Resort runs on almost 100% solar power, generated on-site by over 2,240 solar panels and stored on-site in a battery for cloudier days. Every light, air conditioning unit, and kitchen appliance are powered by the same Caribbean sun that warms your skin by the pool.

Nature-Based Water Management

Here's something we found really cool: the resort desalinates, filters, and manages all of its own water using nature-based processes for both irrigation and guest use. Their helophyte filter system, popularised in wetland ecosystems across the Netherlands and Belgium, uses wetland plants to naturally purify water, working with the island's ecosystems rather than against them. It's a closed-loop system that mirrors natural processes, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Desalination is often criticised due to the energy required to power the desalination, but the best part here is that this desalination system too is powered by the solar energy generated on-site!

Why It Works

What stands out about Golden Rock isn't any single feature—it's that they've thought about everything. Energy, water, food, conservation education—it's all considered. Not to mention the work the Golden Rock team is trying to work with the Statia government to bring some of the resort’s sustainability features to the rest of the island. And it doesn't feel forced or preachy. It just feels well-done.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a Caribbean escape that doesn’t compromise on comfort while also providing guests with unique experiences, excellent diving, and proof that it is working to do better, Golden Rock is worth considering and a place we can’t wait to return to one day.

A huge thank you to the entire Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort team for being so accommodating and for creating a space where sustainability, adventure, and hospitality come together so beautifully. This birthday celebration turned into a life-changing experience we’ll cherish forever.

Learn more about Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort at goldenrockresort.com and be sure to follow along with us @goinggreenmedia for more content like this!