Boven National Park

Boven covers the northern hills of Sint Eustatius, a group of five old volcanic cones lower and much drier than the Quill, covered in thorn scrub and cactus and cut by a network of trails that run over Boven itself, Venus Bay, Gilboa Hill and Signal Hill. The coast below is cliff and stony bay. Statia's iguanas and the island's seabird colonies are found in this section. The park is managed by the same foundation that looks after the Quill.

What you actually see

• The five cones - old volcanic hills making up the park.
• The dry scrub - thorn and cactus rather than the Quill's rainforest.
• The trail network - routes over Boven, Venus Bay, Gilboa and Signal Hill.
• The iguanas and seabirds - the island's populations concentrated here.

When to go

December to April is the drier and cooler season for walking. Summer heat on the exposed hills is severe. Trails are slippery after rain.

Honest expectations

There is no shade anywhere on the trails and water must be carried. Paths are rough and marking is inconsistent. The scrub is thorny and long trousers help.

Nearby

Oranjestad is south, and Zeelandia Beach is southeast.