The Quill

The Quill Review

This extinct, perfectly formed, 1,968-foot volcano has a primeval rain forest in its crater. Hike and be surrounded with giant elephant ears, ferns, flowers, wild orchids, and fruit trees, and maybe if you're lucky, glimpse the elusive and endangered iguana delicatissima (a large—sometimes several feet long—greenish-gray lizard with spines down its back). The volcanic cone rises 3 mi (5 km) south of Oranjestad on the main road. Local boys go up to the Quill by torchlight to catch delectable land crabs. The tourist board or Statia Marine Park will help you make hiking arrangements, and you must purchase a $6 permit before beginning the hike. Figure on two to four hours to hike the volcano.

St. Eustatius National Parks. There are three national parks in Statia: National Marine Park, Quill/Boven National Park, and Miriam C. Schmidt Botanical Garden. To hike the Quill or Boven or dive in the marine park you must purchase a $6 permit at the St. Eustatius National Parks, the information booth at the airport, or at your hotel. Gallows Bay, Lower Town. 599/318-2884. www.statiapark.org.