Maho Beach plane spotting, the local's guide
Jets roar in just over the sand on their final approach to Princess Juliana Airport. Here is when to go, where to stand, how to stay safe and how to fit Maho into a cruise day without watching the clock.
Maho Beach at a glance
The beach at the end of the runway
Maho Beach sits on Maho Bay on the Dutch side, right where Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) begins. Only a fence and a two-lane road separate the sand from the runway, so landing jets pass low enough to feel.
- Where
- Maho Bay, Dutch side, next to SXM airport
- Entry
- Free: every beach on the island is public
- Big-jet arrivals
- Mostly late morning to mid-afternoon
- Busiest days
- Weekends in high season, December to April
- From the cruise port
- Allow 25–40 minutes by road, depending on traffic
- Nearby
- Maho Village bars and restaurants, calm Mullet Bay
- On a Sunita tour
- Maho Beach is one of the eight stops on Two Islands Twice the Fun, and you can stay as long as you like on the Best of St. Martin private tour.
Timing
When do the big planes land at Maho?
Small island-hopper planes come and go all day, but the jets people travel to see, from North America and Europe, cluster between late morning and mid-afternoon. Weekends in the winter season usually bring the most flights.
Schedules change with the season, so check on the day rather than trusting an old list online:
- The board at Sunset Bar & Grill. The beach bar posts the day's big-jet arrival times. It lists the major airlines only, so expect smaller planes in between.
- The airport's arrivals page. Princess Juliana International Airport lists the day's arrivals on sxmairport.com.
- Arrive early. The best spots on the sand fill up by late morning, and the beach bars are busiest at lunchtime.
- Ask your driver. Our guides know which days are busy and plan your stop around the arrivals and your ship's all-aboard time.
Safety first
Watch the landings, respect the jet blast
Watching planes land from the sand is the fun part. Departing jets are the danger: as they power up for take-off, their engines blast the fence, the road and the beach behind them.
Stay off the airport fence. Jet blast can throw people, bags and phones across the road and into the water. Visitors have been injured holding on to the fence, and a woman died after being thrown by jet blast in 2017. The warning signs along the fence are there for a reason.
- Stand backWatch from the beach, well away from the fence and the road behind it.
- Hold on to thingsHats, sunglasses, towels and phones blow away fast when a big jet turns for take-off.
- Mind the waterThe beach is narrow and the sand drops off quickly; on rough days the waves break hard, so keep children close.
- Protect your eyesBlast whips up sand. Turn away and cover your face and camera when a jet starts its run.
Getting there
Three easy ways to get to Maho
Maho is on the west side of the Dutch half of the island, a few minutes from the airport terminal and Simpson Bay. From the Philipsburg cruise port you cross the island, so pick the option that fits your hours ashore.
Shared island tour
Two Islands Twice the Fun circles the whole island and stops at Maho Beach for plane spotting, plus Orient Bay, Marigot and the Border Monument. Cruise guests meet the bus at the EDC parking lot by 9:20 AM.
See the shared tourPrivate tour
Your own vehicle and driver-guide for 5–6 hours. Stay at Maho for the afternoon arrivals, add a swim at Mullet Bay, then see the French side at your own pace.
See the private tourTaxi there and back
Just want a beach afternoon? We quote the fare before we drive, drop you at Maho and come back for you at the time you choose, from the port, your hotel or your villa.
Book a taxiMake a day of it
Near Maho: swims, sunsets and snacks
Mullet Bay is the next beach along, with calm turquoise water that locals love. It is the easy fix if Maho's waves or crowds are too much.
Maho Village, steps from the sand, has bars, restaurants, shops and a casino. Sunset Bar & Grill is the classic spot to watch the last arrivals with a drink.
Simpson Bay, a few minutes east, is the island's busiest nightlife strip. If you are staying late, our 24/7 taxi gets you home.
Compare all the island's sand in our guide to the best beaches in St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Photo tips
Get the shot
- Use burst mode. Jets cross the beach in seconds; continuous shooting catches the moment the wheels are overhead.
- Line up with the runway. Standing near the runway's centerline gives the classic belly-overhead shot.
- Watch for landing lights. They show up over the sea well before you hear the engines.
- Pack a zip bag. Fine sand gets everywhere when the wind picks up.
Guest reviews · 4.9 / 5 from nearly 1,800 reviews
Maho was their favorite stop
Great island tour with RAJ
“Saw essentially everything from the planes landing at Maho beach to great views of the island and some shopping. … there were 2 cruise ships in port on the day of our tour with almost 10k passengers and Raj got us around the island to see all the sights effortlessly.”
Amazing Tour
“My family went on this tour as it was the first time to St Maarten. It was a wonderful experience. Our guide was informative and super personable. … Maho Beach watching the planes come into the runway was our favorite experience.”
Maho Beach questions
Quick answers before you go
What time do the big planes land at Maho Beach?
Most of the big jets from North America and Europe land between late morning and mid-afternoon, and weekends in the December to April season are busiest. Check the arrivals board at Sunset Bar & Grill or the arrivals page on sxmairport.com on the day, because schedules change by season.
Is Maho Beach safe?
Watching planes land from the sand is safe. The danger is jet blast from departing aircraft, which is strong enough to throw people near the airport fence; a visitor died after being thrown by jet blast in 2017. Stay away from the fence and the road, hold on to your belongings and follow the warning signs.
How do I get from the cruise port to Maho Beach?
Allow 25 to 40 minutes by road from the Philipsburg cruise port, depending on traffic. Sunita Tours' shared island tour stops at Maho Beach for $50 per person, the private tour lets you stay as long as you like, and the 24/7 taxi can drop you off and pick you up at an agreed time.
Can you swim at Maho Beach?
Yes, but the beach is narrow and the sand drops off quickly, and on rough days the waves break hard. For calmer water, nearby Mullet Bay is a local favorite.
Is Maho Beach free?
Yes. Every beach on St. Maarten and St. Martin is public. You only pay if you rent a chair or umbrella or buy food and drinks at the beach bars.
Does the Sunita shared tour stop at Maho Beach?
Yes. Maho Beach plane spotting is one of the eight stops on Two Islands Twice the Fun, the $50 per person shared tour that circles the whole island in 5 to 6 hours.
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