Maho Beach, Caribbean beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten
The narrow sandy beach stretches along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, directly beneath the flight path of landing commercial aircraft.
The beach gained international recognition in the 1960s when Princess Juliana International Airport expanded its runway, positioning aircraft just 30 meters above the sand.
The beach functions as a gathering spot for aviation enthusiasts who photograph and document various aircraft types landing at Princess Juliana International Airport.
Visitors reach the beach through Maho Village, which offers numerous restaurants, accommodations, and the Casino Royale entertainment complex within walking distance.
Large commercial aircraft pass so close to the beach during landing that their jet blast creates strong winds, pushing beachgoers and sand toward the water.
Location: Sint Maarten
Address: Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
GPS coordinates: 18.03917,-63.12028
Latest update: March 3, 2025 17:43
Saint-Martin is a Caribbean island divided between France and the Netherlands. The coastline features white sand beaches such as Orient Bay, Maho Beach, and Baie Rouge, while smaller islands like Pinel and Tintamarre sit just offshore. The interior rises to Pic Paradis, which stands 424 meters (1,391 feet) high, and is protected by land and marine nature reserves. Historic fortifications including Fort Louis and Fort Amsterdam date from the colonial period. The island shows traces of pre-Columbian settlement, including the Moho petroglyphs and the Hope Estate archaeological site. Museums in Marigot and Philipsburg document the island's history, while the Marigot Market offers local produce and crafts. Grand Case is known for its restaurants, and places like the Butterfly Farm and Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary provide encounters with wildlife.
Fort Amsterdam
7 km
Pic Paradis
8.6 km
Fort Louis
5.1 km
St. Martin of Tours' Church, Sint Maarten
7.9 km
La Loterie Farm
7.6 km
Marigot Market
4.8 km
Boundary marker St. Martin
8.6 km
St. Martin of Tours' Church, Marigot
5.1 km
Parotte Ville
8.7 km
Mullet Bay Beach
967 m
Sentry Hill
5.1 km
Kim Sha Beach
3 km
Methodist church, Philipsburg
7.9 km
Happy Bay Beach
8.4 km
Great Bay Beach
7.5 km
Guavaberry Emporium, Philipsburg
8.4 km
Marigot Lighthouse
5 km
Trou David
3.7 km
Estadio Jean Louis Vanterpool
5.3 km
Baie Rouge
3.5 km
Long Bay beach
3.3 km
Courthouse
8.1 km
Sint Maarten Heritage Museum
8.5 km
Église méthodiste de Marigot
4.8 km
Morne Valois
6.4 km
Marigot (ulohang dakbayan)
5 km
Statue of Claude Wathey
8.1 km
Simson Bay Lagoon
2.5 kmReviews
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