Beautiful turquoise water!
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Maho Beach

4.6
·3k reviews·, Sint Maarten

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Midday to Afternoon

Larger planes often land then

CrowdHigh
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Beautiful turquoise water!

Maho Beach

Best Time

Midday to Afternoon

Larger planes often land then

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(3k reviews)

"Watching planes fly just feet above your head as they land is absolutely wild — unlike anything else."

Vertical photo
TIP

✈️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Low-Flying Jet Landings

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

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

Sunset Bar Views

Beachfront

Enjoy a drink and watch planes land against a stunning Caribbean sunset. A popular spot for plane enthusiasts.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Plane Spotting

Maho Beach is all about the planes! To catch the biggest jets, check the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) arrival schedule online beforehand. Midday to afternoon often brings larger aircraft, but always verify.

Embrace the Jet Blast Experience

The thrill of Maho Beach is the low-flying planes and their powerful jet blast. While exciting, be prepared for sand and debris to be blown around. Hold onto your belongings and consider protective eyewear!

Best Times

When
Midday to Afternoon
Why
Larger planes often land then
Crowd
High
When
Check Flight Schedules
Why
Maximize your plane spotting
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did I get THE SHOT?✈️👀 #mahobeach #travel #stmartens #caribbean
@geolewis
4M likes • 24.7M views

✈️ Check Flight Schedules

Plan your visit around arrival times for the biggest planes. Websites like FlightAware are your best friend! Reddit

⚠️ Brace for Jet Blast

Hold onto your hats and belongings! The jet blast can be intense, sending sand flying. TikTok

EEEEKKKK the BTS I never knew I needed🥹 Thank you to a fellow cruiserrrrr for accidentally capturing this🙌🏽👏🏽😬 #mahobeach #travel #stmartens
@geolewis
3.6M likes • 44.5M views
✨@ssparks✨ captured this iconic view of an airplane landing at Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten that sits next to Maho Beach. Tag your friends 🙌🏼🙌🏼😱😱 . 🎥 ✨@ssparks✨ 📍St. Maarten - The Caribbean #wonderful_places for a feature ❤️
wonderful_places
164.5K likes • 4.7M views

🪞 Protective Eyewear

Consider sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from flying sand and debris during takeoffs/landings. TikTok

📍 Proximity to Mullet Beach

Visit Mullet Beach for a more relaxed swim, then walk to Maho for the plane spectacle. Reddit

@mattevolved Bucket list moment! ✈️☀️ Watching planes land just a few feet above the beach at Maho Beach, St. Maarten—such an unreal experience! 🌊✨ Follow: @mattevolved @mattevolved @mattevolved #MahoBeach StMaarten #AviationLovers #BeachVibes”
mattevolved
3.2M likes • 44.2M views

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! Reddit

⚠️ Brace for Jet Blast

Hold onto your hats and belongings! The jet blast can be intense, sending sand flying. TikTok

🪞 Protective Eyewear

Consider sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from flying sand and debris during takeoffs/landings. TikTok

📍 Proximity to Mullet Beach

Visit Mullet Beach for a more relaxed swim, then walk to Maho for the plane spectacle. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Get your cameras ready! The low-flying planes offer incredible photo and video opportunities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

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

Incredible plane landings
Unique adrenaline rush
Surreal atmosphere

What People Dislike

Intense jet blast
Crowded conditions
Limited beach amenities

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Maho Beach is located directly adjacent to the airport's runway. You can practically walk from the airport terminal to the beach. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 ✈️ 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. InstagramReddit

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! TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🏖️ 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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! TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting for your photos, even with the planes. Midday offers bright, direct light. TikTok

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. TikTok

Absolutely! Maho Beach is a prime spot for videography. Capturing the sound and visual of a plane descending overhead is an unforgettable experience. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Maho Beach offers a unique thrill for families, but it's important to manage expectations. While kids will be mesmerized by the giant planes flying overhead, the intense jet blast can be overwhelming for very young children. Consider bringing ear protection for them and keeping a close eye on them during takeoffs and landings. TikTok

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. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Adrenaline Junkies

For avgeeks and thrill-seekers, Maho Beach is a pilgrimage site. The unparalleled proximity to landing and departing aircraft provides an adrenaline rush like no other. You'll witness everything from small propeller planes to massive wide-body jets, all at an incredibly low altitude. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Videographers

Maho Beach is a photographer's and videographer's dream. The dramatic low-flying planes against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea offer iconic shots. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the planes and the beach, or use telephoto lenses for close-ups of the aircraft. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Landing: Maho Beach's Unique Appeal

Maho Beach is world-renowned for its extraordinary proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The runway is situated just beyond the beach, meaning aircraft descend at incredibly low altitudes, often less than 100 feet, directly over sunbathers. This creates a truly unique and exhilarating experience for visitors, making it a bucket-list destination for many.

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Maho Beach: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Planning your visit to Maho Beach is key to maximizing the experience. The most crucial tip is to check the flight schedule for Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in advance. Websites like FlightAware or airport information boards can provide real-time arrival and departure times. Midday to afternoon often sees the largest aircraft, offering the most dramatic views. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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