How to go plane spotting at Maho Beach, Sint Maarten

Last updated on June 29th, 2026 at 03:28 am

Few beaches in the world are as famous as Maho Beach for plane spotting!

Maho Beach is right at the end of Princess Juliana International Airport on the island of Sint Maarten, and is known for the incredibly low-flying planes that pass just metres above the sand before landing. It is the ultimate place for plane spotting in the world! Grand statement – but let the pictures speak for themselves.

Seriously, watching huge jets roar overhead while you’re relaxing on a beautiful tropical beach is an unforgettable experience – and it has to be one of the Caribbean’s most unique attractions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an aviation fan, photographer, or just want to see the action for yourself, plane spotting at Maho Beach is something every traveller should experience at least once!

So in this post I will tell you how to get to Maho Beach and what to do when you do get there. Honestly, it’s just soooooo much fun!!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. My top picks for Maho Beach are:

Maho Beach plane spotting
St Maarten Shore Excursion: Maho Beach Round-Trip Transfer (from the Philipsburg cruise ship terminal, or nearby, on the Dutch side of the island)
Half day tours that include Maho Beach – including this Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour
Top 10 Highlights tour of the island

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!

Maho Beach planes – what’s the big deal?

As I said, Maho Beach is literally at the end of the runway at the Princess Juliana International Airport in St Maarten – which is the Dutch side of the island. (Half the island is French and half is Dutch.)

The only thing between the beach and the runway is a road and a fence. Planes come in fast and furious to land here every few minutes at the peak traffic times of the day. And what that all means is that you can’t really get any closer than this for plane spotting! The planes literally come in, wheels down, in what seems like touching distance above your head, and then land right there behind you.

Then of course, there are the take-offs. Jets come to the Maho beach end of the runway and sit waiting for their turn to go. You are right behind them with just a fence between you. When their turn comes to take off, the jet blast is insane!

plane-spotting-on-maho-beach — Plane spotting on Maho Beach

How to get to Maho Beach in Sint Maarten

This amazing fun takes part on the Dutch side of the island – Sint Maarten – at Maho Beach.

To get to Maho Beach independently

Take a taxi or drive to Maho Beach. There is (paid) parking at the Morgan Resort Spa. (You can stay there if you are a real fan!)

From Philipsburg you can take a bus from Emmaplein bus station at the east end of Philipsburg (near the cruise terminal if you are coming on a cruise ship). Ask a local if you have trouble finding it. Take the buses for “Maho” or “Cupecoy.” Tell the driver you want to leave the bus at Maho Beach. It will take 20 – 35 minutes and is $2.50 at the time of writing.

To get to Maho Beach the easy way – take a fun tour

Or you can go the easy way and take a tour – no transport or parking drama!

This 5 hour plane spotting trip leaves from the cruise terminal and gives a scenic tour en-route to the beach.
And this 5-6 hour Fun Day St.Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour combines a visit to Maho Beach with other sights around both sides of the island.
A six hour Top 10 Highlights option also gives you a tour of the island with various stops – including Maho Beach. Pick up from the cruise terminal or hotels.
You can also check out these half day tours that include Maho Beach – and this Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour!

When to go to see the Maho Beach planes

Planes land every few minutes. But they are not all the big ones that you most likely want to see – the Boeings and Airbuses etc. These flights to Europe arrive in the afternoons (between 12.30 and 5.30pm at the time of writing – but do check).

There is a board at the Sunset Beach Bar with a schedule of what planes are arriving and departing. You can also check in advance what (type of) airplanes are due to arrive at the arrivals schedule for Princess Juliana Airport (SXM).

My advice if you are a beach lounger type, is to spend the day or the afternoon there. Arrive about 11.30 and you will get the hang of what happens and know where you want to sit and stand when the big flights start coming in.

What exactly happens?

Planes land and planes take off. Ok it sounds simple.

Landing planes are fun. You can move to the part of the beach right underneath their flight path and it feels like you can reach up and touch their wheels. (See the pictures below.) You get some wind blast from the landing planes but nothing dangerous.

Jets taking off from this end of the runway are another matter. They taxi down to the fence at the end of the runway, turn, rev the engines, as such, and then take off. The noise is deafening. The jet blast is downright insane. ITs incredible to be so close to the plane!

But please note the warnings below!

Warning – about Maho Beach planes taking off

The jet blast when the planes take off is crazy intense and people have died here, so be very aware of this before you try standing against the fence. You really should not do that!

If you do do it, remove your hat and any loose items, and hold on to the fence one heck of a tight. Its going to blast you big-time! Watch out for your eyes too – although you will probably be forced to close them

Under no circumstances have a child or friend that thinks you will hold them in place with you – no way. You need to be on your own with only you to worry about!

You can stand on the beach side of the road and still get the blast but without the same amount of danger. The same applies – no hats or loose items – they will likely end up in the water!

What to do at Maho Beach apart from plane spotting

Beach bars and food options abound at one end of the beach so there’s plenty to do while you’re waiting for the next flight. Many people just like to watch the planes from the beach bars and enjoy a cold drink and meal while they are doing it.

Of course, lying on a beautiful beach, getting a massage on your sun lounger, or swimming in the gorgeous clear blue water make good options too!

If you don’t want to be disturbed (lose your hat or book etc) by the jet blast of the planes – stick to either end of the beach away from the central force of the plane.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maho Beach and Sint Marteen

Q: What is the best time to visit Maho Beach?
A: Between midday and late afternoon when larger planes arrive and depart. KLM and Air France flights are especially good for plane spotting. Check the live schedules in the morning!

Q: Is Maho Beach worth visiting if you are not an aviation fan?
A: Yes -even if you are not into planes, its a crazy and unique experience.

Q: Can you swim at Maho Beach?
A: Yes. Its generally a safe beach although waves can develop.

Q: What currency is used in Sint Maarten?
A: In French Saint Martin (North) the official currency is the Euro (EUR). In Dutch Sint Maarten (South) the official currency is the Caribbean Guilder (XCG). But you can easily use US Dollars almost anywhere on the island. You may be given change int he local currency though.

Q: Do you need a passport to cross between the Dutch and French sides of Sint Marteen?
A: No – once you are there you can move freely from one side to the other.

Travel Tips for Maho Beach and Sint Marteen

Visit Mullet Bay after Maho Beach – do Maho for the planes, then Mullet Bay for the beach!
Maho Beach can get crowded when large international planes arrive, especially in the afternoon and especially if a cruise ship is in port. It can be good to arrive early to find space on the sand, or get better photo spots, and to avoid heavy traffic around the airport area.
Carry some cash because smaller beach bars, taxis, and local shops often prefer it. Sometimes card machines stop working during busy periods or storms!
Bring reef-safe sunscreen – do your bit for the environment and keep safe in the sun – its stronger than you think.

Things to pack for your holiday in Sint Marteen and Maho Beach

These are the most useful things I find I need on these island holidays – apart from your clothes!

A sand-free quick drying towel.
Your own snorkel and mask if you have them
A UV protecting rash suit and swimsuit.
Good and comfortable walking / hiking shoes
Sun hat
Sunscreen (reef safe) – I use SPF 50 Project Reef
Mosquito repellent (deet free) Also lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection.
A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
Your camera/phone and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone.
A drybag to protect your gear
I always take a very lightweight day pack as well – this one to be exact!