Raincoat Ice Service
Statia's go-to spot for bagged and block ice when the sun turns everything into soup
Why Go
Sint Eustatius is small, hot, and volcanic — a place where a cooler full of cold drinks after a dive or a hike up the Quill isn't a luxury, it's survival gear. Raincoat Ice Service is the unglamorous local operation that keeps that cooler cold. Tucked into Oranjestad, it's the kind of practical stop that most guidebooks skip and every long-stay visitor eventually asks about at their guesthouse.
The Experience
Don't come expecting a cafe with a counter and stools — this is a working ice supplier, part of the invisible logistics network that keeps Statia's dive shops, guesthouses, and beach afternoons functional. You pull up, you grab bags of ice (or arrange a bulk drop if you're catering a party or provisioning a boat), and you're back on your way in minutes. It's a slice of real island life: quick, transactional, friendly in the low-key Statian way, and genuinely useful when you realize your apartment's mini-freezer isn't going to cut it for a full day of snorkeling.
What to Try
Bagged party ice for coolers if you're headed to Zeelandia Beach or Oranje Bay for the day. Larger quantities if you're hosting at your rental or provisioning a dive boat. Locals also lean on services like this to keep fish and lobster fresh after a good catch — worth knowing if you're staying somewhere with a kitchen.
Insider Tip
On an island this small, it pays to call ahead or ask your guesthouse host to check hours before you make the trip — small local suppliers on Statia often keep informal schedules and may close early on Sundays or holidays. If you're planning a big beach cookout or a boat day, arrange your ice pickup the afternoon before rather than scrambling in the morning.
The Practical Stuff
Located in Oranjestad (plus code F2JC+W6M), walkable from the town center and a short drive from most guesthouses on the island. Bring cash — small Statia businesses don't always take cards, and USD is standard currency in the Caribbean Netherlands. No seating, no menu, no frills; this is a supply stop, not a hangout. Best combined with other errands in Oranjestad.
Pair It With
- Aquarium Dive Site — Grab ice on the way to fill your cooler for a post-dive beer at one of Statia's most beloved underwater sites.
- A Quiet Getaway - One-Bedroom Apartment Guide — Nearby self-catering stay where a bag or two of ice makes a real difference for drinks, meal prep, and keeping catch-of-the-day fresh.
- Alvin V. Courtar Park — Load a cooler for a shaded picnic at this local green space just around the corner.
