Z.P. Car Rental
The Kapelweg key-drop that unlocks all of Statia
Why Go
Statia is barely eight square miles, but the good stuff — Quill trailheads, quiet dive shore-entries, and lookout ridges over the ruins of Lower Town — is scattered enough that walking eats your day. Z.P. Car Rental, tucked on Kapelweg a short roll from the harbor, is the low-key local outfit most repeat visitors quietly rebook with, mostly because the staff will meet you at the airstrip or the pier with the keys already in hand.
The Experience
Pulling up to Z.P. feels less like a rental counter and more like collecting a car from a neighbor. The lot behind 10 Kapelweg holds a mixed fleet — a couple of Suzuki Jimny 4x4s that look ready for the Boven trails, a Daihatsu Terios or two for people who just want cheap and cheerful, a Kia Forte for road-trippers who want A/C, plus the crown-jewel Jeep Wrangler that gets booked out weeks in advance during dive-club season. Paperwork is quick, the walk-around is honest (they'll point out every existing scuff so you're not arguing later), and by the time you've clipped in you've usually been handed a hand-drawn tip about which bar is doing wings that night. The same family runs a small apartment operation on-island, so if you're staying with them the rental gets a discount and the airport pickup is thrown in.
What to Try
Book the Suzuki Jimny 4x4 if you plan to tackle the rougher tracks up toward Venus Bay or the Boven National Park — it's the sweet spot of price, clearance, and easy parking on Oranjestad's narrow lanes. Divers and families who need real cargo room should splash on the Hyundai Tucson 4x4. The Wrangler is fun but overkill unless you're a group of four with gear. Ask about the multi-day rate: weekly pricing effectively gives you two days free, and anything past a month is openly negotiable.
Insider Tip
Call or WhatsApp ahead — the fleet is small (roughly a dozen vehicles) and cruise-adjacent weekends or dive-group arrivals can wipe it out. Confirm airport or Fort Bay Harbor delivery when you book; it's complimentary if you're also renting one of their apartments, and a modest add-on if not. And fill up at the single station in town before you return — Statia has exactly one pump and it keeps banker's hours.
The Practical Stuff
Location: 10 Kapelweg, Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius, a five-minute walk uphill from the historic Lower Town waterfront. Contact: +1 (721) 580-0604, or WhatsApp +31 6 19168798 / +31 6 19006841. Staffed roughly 07:00–22:00 daily, though key drop-offs outside those hours can be arranged. Rates start around $40/day for a compact and climb to $150/day for the Jeep Wrangler; weekly and monthly rates apply. You'll need a valid driver's license (a temporary Statia permit is issued on arrival at the police station for a small fee), a credit card for the deposit, and remember Statia drives on the right.
Pair It With
- Aquarium Dive Site — A shore-entry favorite on Statia's leeward coast — having a 4x4 to haul tanks down the access road turns a logistical headache into a five-minute drive.
- Baby Beach Guide — One of the island's quieter swim spots, easier to reach with your own wheels than waiting on a taxi callback.
- Alvin V. Courtar Park — A good first stop after picking up the car to stretch your legs and orient yourself in Oranjestad before heading out to the Quill.
- Bacchanalia Guide — Grab dinner in town after a day of exploring — parking is easy on Kapelweg, so you can leave the rental nearby and walk to the restaurant.
- A Quiet Getaway - One-Bedroom Apartment Guide — A neighboring stay just off Kapelweg — perfect if you want to keep your Statia base and your rental car within the same quiet corner of Oranjestad.
