
Maho Beach
Witness massive jets land mere feet above your head at this iconic Caribbean beach, adjacent to an international airport runway.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Larger planes often land then

Maho Beach
Best Time
Larger planes often land then

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness massive jets land mere feet above your head at this iconic Caribbean beach, adjacent to an international airport runway.
"Watching planes fly just feet above your head as they land is absolutely wild — unlike anything else."

✈️ Check Flight Schedules
Plan your visit around arrival times for the biggest planes. Websites like FlightAware are your best friend!
⚠️ Brace for Jet Blast
Hold onto your hats and belongings! The jet blast can be intense, sending sand flying.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Low-Flying Jet Landings
Adjacent to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Witness massive aircraft descend mere feet above your head. An adrenaline rush like no other!

The Jet Blast Phenomenon
Directly in front of the runway threshold
Feel the raw power of jet engines as planes take off, sending sand and spray flying. Hold on tight!

Sunset Bar Views
Beachfront
Enjoy a drink and watch planes land against a stunning Caribbean sunset. A popular spot for plane enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Plane Spotting
Embrace the Jet Blast Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Check Flight Schedules
Plan your visit around arrival times for the biggest planes. Websites like FlightAware are your best friend!
⚠️ Brace for Jet Blast
Hold onto your hats and belongings! The jet blast can be intense, sending sand flying.
🪞 Protective Eyewear
Consider sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from flying sand and debris during takeoffs/landings.
📍 Proximity to Mullet Beach
Visit Mullet Beach for a more relaxed swim, then walk to Maho for the plane spectacle.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Check Flight Schedules
Plan your visit around arrival times for the biggest planes. Websites like FlightAware are your best friend!
⚠️ Brace for Jet Blast
Hold onto your hats and belongings! The jet blast can be intense, sending sand flying.
🪞 Protective Eyewear
Consider sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from flying sand and debris during takeoffs/landings.
📍 Proximity to Mullet Beach
Visit Mullet Beach for a more relaxed swim, then walk to Maho for the plane spectacle.
📸 Capture the Moment
Get your cameras ready! The low-flying planes offer incredible photo and video opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maho Beach offers an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience with planes landing incredibly close overhead. Visitors rave about the unique thrill and the surreal sight of massive aircraft descending just feet away. While the beach itself is beautiful, be prepared for the intense jet blast and potential crowds, especially during peak flight times.
"The jet blast was really cool and many people fell down from it! The vibe from the entire place was unique from other islands and that's why I liked it a lot. Just seeing the private jets, island hoppers, and commercial planes come in was an awesome experience and I would love to go back someday!"
Landon Morton
"Maho Beach is a must-see in St. Maarten. Watching planes fly just feet above your head as they land is absolutely wild — unlike anything else. Such an adrenaline rush! The beach was packed with people. Sunset Bar looked like it was the spot to be at, but we couldn't even walk in to the bar it was so packed. Ended up getting a bucket of local beers from Driftwood Boat Bar! Highly recommend!"
Adam Brumbaugh
"Small beach, but the planes above it are amazing!
In April 2025, we were at nearby Mullet Beach during our cruise stop and took a 15-minute walk to Maho Beach to watch the planes. What we saw was absolutely stunning - I’ve never seen a flying plane so close. I highly recommend stopping by Maho Beach, at least briefly, to watch a few takeoffs and landings. Check the arrival/departure schedule in advance and try to time your visit accordingly. The bigger the plane, the more spectacular the view.
Walking from Mullet Beach turned out to be a great idea - we got to enjoy beach time at the much nicer Mullet Beach, and still caught some incredible close-ups of planes at Maho."
beldim2010
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the cruise port, you can take a taxi directly to Maho Beach, which is about a 15-20 minute ride. Alternatively, some visitors opt to walk from nearby Mullet Beach if they've already visited there.
While taxis are the most common and convenient option, local buses (called 'jitneys') do run along the main road and can drop you off near Maho Beach. It's a more budget-friendly choice.
Taxis are readily available at the cruise port and hotels. Renting a car is also an option if you plan to explore more of the island, but parking near Maho Beach can be challenging.
Maho Beach is located directly adjacent to the airport's runway. You can practically walk from the airport terminal to the beach.
Some tour operators offer shuttle services or excursions that include Maho Beach, especially for cruise ship passengers. It's worth checking with your cruise line or local tour providers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Maho Beach is a public beach and there is no admission fee to enter. You can enjoy the spectacle of the planes for free.
Maho Beach is accessible at all hours as it's a public beach. However, for the best plane spotting experience, aim for times when flights are scheduled, typically from morning until late afternoon/early evening.
There is paid parking available near Maho Beach, but it can fill up quickly, especially when larger planes are expected. Street parking might also be an option, but be mindful of local regulations.
You cannot book specific times for plane landings, as flight schedules are subject to change. It's best to check the airport's arrival and departure boards or online flight trackers for real-time information.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks to Maho Beach. However, it's always good practice to be tidy and dispose of your trash properly.
🎫 ✈️ Plane Spotting & Experience
The best time to see larger commercial jets is typically from midday through the afternoon, as this is when many international flights arrive and depart. Always check the flight schedule for Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) for the most accurate information.
You can see a variety of aircraft, from small island hoppers and private jets to large commercial airliners like Boeing 747s and Airbus A330s. The bigger the plane, the more dramatic the experience!
Planes fly incredibly low, often less than 100 feet above the beach, as they approach the runway. This proximity is what makes Maho Beach so unique and thrilling.
The jet blast refers to the powerful force of air expelled from the engines of a plane during takeoff or landing. At Maho Beach, this blast can be strong enough to blow sand and debris, and even knock people over.
While thrilling, the jet blast can be intense. It's recommended to stand a safe distance back from the runway threshold, hold onto your belongings, and consider protective eyewear. The experience is generally safe if you are aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Amenities
Maho Beach is a relatively small beach with limited facilities. There are beach bars and restaurants like the Sunset Bar & Grill where you can grab drinks and food, but public restrooms might be scarce.
While you can swim at Maho Beach, the primary draw is plane spotting. The water is generally clear and warm, but be mindful of the activity from the planes and any potential debris.
Yes, the famous Sunset Bar & Grill is right on the beach and offers food and drinks with a prime view of the planes. Other smaller bars and vendors may also be present.
The sand at Maho Beach is typical of Caribbean beaches – fine and light in color. However, during jet blast events, it can become quite airborne!
Maho Beach can get very crowded, especially when larger planes are scheduled to land or take off. Arrive early if you want a good spot, or consider visiting during less busy times.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
Use a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the planes in detail. Experiment with different angles and try to get shots that include the beach and people for scale.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting for your photos, even with the planes. Midday offers bright, direct light.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the planes. Consider using continuous shooting mode to capture multiple frames. Aperture priority or manual mode can give you more control.
Absolutely! Maho Beach is a prime spot for videography. Capturing the sound and visual of a plane descending overhead is an unforgettable experience.
Use a waterproof camera bag or a rain cover for your camera. Be mindful of the spray from the ocean and the sand kicked up by the jet blast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more balanced family experience, consider visiting Maho Beach for a shorter period to witness a few key landings, and then spend the rest of your beach time at the calmer and more spacious Mullet Beach nearby. This way, everyone gets a taste of the excitement without being constantly exposed to the intense conditions.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Adrenaline Junkies
To make the most of your visit, study the flight schedules diligently. Aim to be there for the arrival of the largest aircraft, such as a KLM 747 or an American Airlines 777. Bring your best camera gear with a telephoto lens to capture stunning shots, and be prepared to feel the raw power of the jet engines.
📸 Photographers & Videographers
Be mindful of the challenging conditions: bright sun, sand, and the powerful jet blast. Protect your gear with waterproof bags and lens covers. Capturing the moment the plane's wheels touch down or the sheer force of the takeoff is what makes Maho Beach a unique photographic subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Landing: Maho Beach's Unique Appeal
Travelers describe the sensation as surreal and unforgettable. The roar of the engines, the sheer size of the planes overhead, and the feeling of the jet blast are unlike anything found at typical beach destinations. It's a place where the thrill of aviation meets the relaxation of a Caribbean beach.
While the main attraction is undoubtedly the planes, Maho Beach itself is a pleasant stretch of sand with clear, warm waters. However, it's important to be prepared for the intense jet blast, which can send sand and debris flying. Many visitors recommend holding onto their belongings and even wearing protective eyewear to fully enjoy the spectacle.
Navigating Maho Beach: Tips for a Smooth Visit
When you arrive, be aware of the beach's layout. The Sunset Bar & Grill is a popular spot, but it can get extremely crowded. For a slightly different perspective or a more relaxed experience, consider visiting nearby Mullet Beach and taking a short walk to Maho Beach. This allows you to enjoy a more pristine beach environment while still catching the plane action.
Remember that Maho Beach is a public space, and while there are amenities like bars, it's wise to be prepared. Bring sunscreen, water, and perhaps snacks. If you're sensitive to noise or sand, consider earplugs and sunglasses or goggles. The unique environment of Maho Beach offers an unforgettable adventure, but a little preparation goes a long way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit