Maho Beach, on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, is one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling and unconventional beach experiences. Situated directly beside Princess Juliana International Airport, the beach is world-famous for its low-flying airplanes that descend just overhead before landing. Visitors gather on the soft sand and in the turquoise surf to watch incoming jets skim dramatically close, an adrenaline-filled spectacle unlike anywhere else in the world.
Despite its global fame for aviation watching, Maho Beach is more than just a novelty. Its clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling, while nearby beach bars and restaurants provide a lively, social atmosphere. The area is a hotspot for both casual beachgoers and aviation enthusiasts, with posted flight arrival times ensuring no one misses the highlight of the day: a plane roaring low across the horizon before touching down.
The atmosphere at Maho Beach is electric, a blend of laid-back Caribbean beach life and heart-pounding excitement. The juxtaposition of tranquil waves and the thunder of jet engines creates an unforgettable experience that has made Maho not just a beach, but a cultural landmark of Sint Maarten.