St. Maarten Plane Beach: Where to See Planes Land at Maho Beach

Quick Overview: Where to See Planes in St. Maarten

• Location: Maho Beach, directly next to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of St. Maarten
• Why It’s Famous: Known as the St. Maarten plane beach, it’s the world’s most famous spot to watch planes land just meters above the beach
• Best Spot for Plane Watching: Right in the center of Maho Beach, near the runway fence (beach bars like Sunset Bar & Grill have great views too)
• Best Time to See Planes in St. Maarten: Midday to early afternoon for larger jets; mornings and evenings have smaller regional flights
• Peak Season: Winter months (December–March), especially January, see the most plane-watching traffic
• Tip for Photos: Stand slightly off-center from the runway for a better angle and avoid being directly under jet wash
• Safety Note: Jet blasts during takeoff can be dangerous—obey all posted signs and stay alert
• How to Get There: About 25 minutes by taxi from Philipsburg cruise port, or take public minibus ($2) heading to Maho
• Food & Drinks Nearby: Sunset Bar & Grill, Driftwood Boat Bar, and Tortuga Maho all overlook the beach
• Where to Stay Near Maho Beach:
  • Royal Islander Club Resort La Plage: Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
  • Sonesta Ocean Point Resort: Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
  • The Morgan Resort & Spa: Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• Related Reads: Best Places to Stay in St. Martin, Pinel Island Travel Guide

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you.

There aren’t many beaches in the world where you can lay on the sand with a rum punch in hand and feel the rumble of a 747 passing just a few meters above your head. But that’s exactly what you’ll get at Maho Beach in St. Maarten—also known as the famous St. Maarten plane beach.

This tiny stretch of sand sits directly at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), where incoming aircraft come in ridiculously low right over beachgoers. It’s loud, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.

I’ll be honest—it’s touristy. But it’s also one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype. Whether you’re into aviation or just want to experience something truly unique on your trip to the Caribbean, watching planes land at Maho Beach is a must-do when visiting St. Maarten.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best times to visit, how to get there, where to watch safely, and even a few hotels near Maho Beach with prime runway views. Plus, a few tips you’ll want to know before standing behind a jet engine on takeoff (trust me—don’t).

Where to See Planes in St. Maarten (And Why Maho Beach Is So Famous)

If you’re wondering where to see planes in St. Maarten, the answer is simple: Maho Beach. It’s the most famous spot not just on the island, but arguably in the entire world, for getting up close to incoming planes. The beach is located directly under the flight path of Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), where planes descend just above beachgoers before touching down on the runway that begins just meters from the sand.

What makes it special isn’t just the view—it’s the feeling. The rush of wind, the roar of engines, and the moment when a wide-body jet passes so low you instinctively duck—it’s an adrenaline-filled experience, and it draws aviation geeks, photographers, and curious travelers from all over the world.

This unique setup came about because of the airport’s short runway and the island’s geography. With the sea on one side and hills on the other, planes have no choice but to make a low-altitude approach right over Maho Beach. Combine that with soft sand, warm water, and a couple of beach bars slinging cold drinks, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind place to hang out.

What About Other Spots for Plane Watching in St. Maarten?

Maho Beach is the main event, but if you’re looking for a more laid-back spot to watch landings—or even takeoffs—check out Simpson Bay Beach. It’s located on the opposite side of the runway and gives you a side-on view of the airport. You won’t get the same dramatic overhead shots, but it’s quieter, and still a great place to catch some aviation action without the crowds.

Best Time to See Planes at Maho Beach, St. Maarten

While planes land at Maho Beach throughout the day, not all flight times are created equal. If you want to catch the biggest, most impressive aircraft coming in low over the sand, timing your visit right makes all the difference.

When Do the Big Planes Land in St. Maarten?

The best time to see planes in St. Maarten—especially the large commercial jets—is typically midday to early afternoon. That’s when major international flights from Europe and North America tend to arrive, including wide-body aircraft like Airbus A330s or Boeing 777s.

Some of the most sought-after arrivals include:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (usually between 12–2 PM)
• Air France
• American Airlines and Delta flights from major U.S. hubs
• JetBlue and Spirit Airlines from East Coast cities

Flight schedules can shift seasonally, so it’s worth checking a Maho Beach flight schedule a day or two before you go.

Best Days to Visit Maho Beach for Plane Watching

Weekends usually have a bit more air traffic, but any weekday afternoon is a solid bet. If you’re on a cruise stop, try to align your beach visit with the heavier flight times (again, that midday window is gold).

When’s the Peak Season for Plane Spotting in St. Maarten?

If you’re planning your trip around aviation watching, January through March is the peak plane-spotting season in St. Maarten. These winter months line up with:

• High tourist season
• Increased flight frequency
• The best weather for beach time and photography

That said, Maho Beach is a year-round attraction—you’ll still see plenty of action in the off-season, just with a few fewer wide-body jets.

Can You See Planes Take Off from Maho Beach?

Yes—but landings are the main event.

Takeoffs happen in the opposite direction, with planes starting their roll near the beach and roaring off toward the hills. If you’re standing near the fence or even on the beach, you’ll feel the full force of jet blast, which can knock people down or send sand flying—fun to watch from a distance, but not something you want to stand behind.

Is Maho Beach Safe for Watching Planes? (And Where to Stand at the St. Maarten Plane Beach)

Maho Beach might be one of the most exciting spots in the Caribbean, but it also comes with a few safety quirks you won’t find on your typical beach day. After all, this isn’t just a place to sunbathe—it’s an active flight path, with jets flying frighteningly close overhead and others revving up for takeoff just meters away.

That’s what makes the St. Maarten plane beach so legendary—but it’s also why you’ll want to know where to stand (and where not to).

Is It Safe to Watch Planes at Maho Beach?

Yes—with some common-sense precautions.

Watching planes land is generally safe as long as you stay on the sand and don’t press up against the airport fence. Most visitors either watch from the middle of the beach, grab a drink at one of the beach bars, or stake out a spot near the rocks for a side view.

The real danger comes during takeoff. When aircraft rev their engines to depart, the jet blast can be intense. We’re talking powerful gusts of wind, flying sand, and even debris. You’ll see signs posted all along the fence warning of the risks—and they’re not exaggerating.

There have been injuries in the past from people hanging onto the fence during takeoffs. Don’t be that person. It’s not worth it.

Where to Stand at the St. Maarten Plane Beach

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best vantage points for different experiences:

• On the sand (center of the beach): Best for that classic overhead shot, especially with a camera or GoPro
• By the rocks (left side when facing the runway): Great for side angles and less jet blast
• Sunset Bar & Grill deck: A safer, more relaxed option with a cold drink in hand
• Driftwood Boat Bar: Another solid spot just off the sand with an open-air view of both landings and takeoffs

How to Get to Maho Beach from the St. Maarten Cruise Port or Airport

Whether you’re arriving in St. Maarten by cruise ship or flying in for a longer stay, getting to Maho Beach—aka the world-famous St. Maarten plane beach—is surprisingly easy.

Here’s what you need to know to get there without the hassle.

From the St. Maarten Cruise Port (Philipsburg)

If you’re visiting St. Maarten on a cruise, you’ll dock at the Port of Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island. Maho Beach is about 25–30 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.

By taxi:

• Taxis are available right outside the port area. Expect to pay $20–$30 one way per taxi (not per person), depending on how many are in your group. Always confirm the fare before you get in.
• Travel time: ~25 minutes

By minibus (budget option):

• Look for public minibuses heading toward Simpson Bay or Maho. These are shared vans used by locals and cost about $2 per person.
• You may need to change buses once depending on the route, and the trip can take a bit longer—but it’s by far the cheapest way to go.
• Ask the driver to drop you at Maho Beach—most are happy to do so.

From Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)

This is one of the easiest airport-to-beach transfers you’ll ever make. In fact, you can walk to Maho Beach in under 10 minutes.

• Walking: Exit the terminal, turn right, and follow the sidewalk around the airport fence. You’ll see the beach almost immediately.
• Taxi or hotel shuttle: If you’ve got luggage or want to go straight to your accommodation near Maho, taxis and hotel shuttles are available outside the arrivals area.

Where to Stay Near Maho Beach (Hotels with Runway Views)

If you want to take your Maho Beach plane-watching to the next level, staying overnight near the action is the way to go. Several resorts and hotels sit just steps from the sand—offering unbeatable views of planes coming in low over the beach and taking off from Princess Juliana International Airport.

Whether you’re here for a short aviation fix or a longer Caribbean escape, these are the top St. Maarten runway view hotels worth checking out.

Royal Islander Club Resort La Plage

• Located directly on Maho Beach
• Many rooms offer balconies with runway views
• Suites include kitchens — great for longer stays
• Family-friendly and super walkable to bars and restaurants

Ready to book? Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort (Adults Only)

• Luxury, all-inclusive, and 18+ only
• Rooms overlook both the beach and the airport
• Infinity pools, multiple bars, and upscale dining
• Perfect if you want comfort and close-up views of the action

Ready to book? Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com

The Morgan Resort & Spa

• A short walk from Maho Beach (not beachfront, but very close)
• Rooftop infinity pool has panoramic views of the runway
• Modern rooms, spa, and an on-site restaurant
• A quieter, more boutique vibe just outside the busy beach area

Ready to book? Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com

Conclusion: Why the St. Maarten Plane Beach Is Worth the Trip

Sure, it’s a bit of a tourist spectacle—but honestly, that’s part of the fun. Maho Beach, aka the St. Maarten plane beach, is one of those rare places that delivers exactly what it promises: a beach day with jets flying low enough to make your jaw drop.

It’s loud, chaotic, and occasionally sandy in all the wrong places—but it’s also unforgettable. Even if you’re not a plane nerd, there’s something incredibly cool about standing on the sand as a wide-body jet floats in just overhead. And when you’ve had your fill of landings, you’ve got warm Caribbean water and a cold drink within arm’s reach.

Whether you’re popping in for a few hours on a cruise stop or staying in one of the runway-view hotels nearby, it’s an experience that sticks with you. Just bring sunscreen… and maybe a pair of sunglasses to keep the sand out of your eyes.

If you’ve got more time on the island, don’t just hit Maho Beach and bounce—St. Maarten has a lot more to offer beyond the jet blast. Stick around to explore quieter spots like Mullet Bay Beach just down the road, or wander into Marigot on the French side for a totally different vibe.

That’s the beauty of slow travel here: you can soak up the thrill of the St. Maarten plane beach, then balance it out with local culture, food, and a bit of Caribbean calm. Stay curious, and you’ll find way more than just a wild landing strip.

FAQs About the St. Maarten Plane Beach