Sint Maarten: Plane Spotting & Beach Day at Maho Beach in St Martin

Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of extreme airplane spotting? Experiencing the roar of an airplane engine up close and personal while standing on a beach and watching planes take off and land right in front of you? If so, then be sure to head to St. Martin for a unique experience at Maho Beach!Maho Beach is a public beach bordered by the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and is one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean destination. Every day, hundreds of people gather on the beach to watch as incoming and outgoing traffic passes right over their heads. It has become an iconic attraction in the Caribbean area, and it’s easy to see why – even if you’ve never seen a plane up close before, the experience of standing on the beach and watching jets take off and land right over you is nothing short of breathtaking! If you’re looking to explore Sint Maarten and want to make your vacation even more memorable with this unique experience, here’s our guide to plane spotting and spending a beach day at Maho Beach in St Martin.

Getting to Maho Beach

Maho Beach is located on the Dutch side of St. Martin and is easily accessible from both the French side as well as from the Dutch side. It’s about a 15 minute ride from the popular tourist locations in Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side. The beach is located just minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport, so it’s easy to get there from any of the nearby resorts. Visitors can either rent a car (or scooter) to get there or take a taxi for a nominal fee. There are public buses that run from the major tourist locations on both sides of the island to Maho Beach. It’s usually recommended to take a taxi as it will be faster and more convenient, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. It’s also a good idea to arrive at the beach as early as possible as it gets very crowded later in the day.

What to See at Maho Beach

When you arrive at Maho Beach, there are several great things to experience. The most popular activity is plane spotting; visitors can witness airplanes taking off and landing right over their heads. It’s a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else! The beach also has several restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy traditional Caribbean cuisine. It’s important to note that in recent years, the beach has been closed due to safety reasons; however, it has been reopened with limits on numbers of people that can be at the beach at any time. Visitors should be aware that there are still safety measures in place and they should follow any instructions they are given by airport staff.

When to Visit Maho Beach

The best time to visit Maho Beach is in the late afternoon and early evening, as this is when most planes will be landing or taking off from Princess Juliana International Airport. It’s also recommended to visit during weekdays as weekends tend to be much more crowded. Even then, visitors should still follow all the safety instructions given by airport staff and be respectful of the neighboring airports.

Tips for Visiting Maho Beach

Maho Beach is one of the most unique attractions on St. Martin, and when done properly, it can be an amazing experience for all involved! Here are some essential tips for making your visit to Maho Beach as safe and enjoyable as possible:

• Wear comfortable shoes: Because you’ll be standing for long periods of time, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that won’t slip off your feet. Flip-flops or other open-toed shoes are not recommended.
• Wear protective clothing: As planes take off and land right over your head, it’s important to wear protective clothing such as sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. This will help protect you from the exhaust fumes and flying debris.
• Stay away from fences: The beach is bordered by an airport fence that should be respected at all times. Visitors should not attempt to cross or climb the fence under any circumstances.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: Although most people come to Maho Beach for the unique plane spotting experience, visitors also need to be aware of their surroundings. If there are signs telling visitors to move away from an area, pay attention and move away from it.
• Bring plenty of water: Standing in the sun for hours can be exhausting and visitors should bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Book your thrilling Plane Spotting Experiences with GetYourGuide

For an unforgettable experience in St Martin, why not book a Plane Spotting Experience with GetYourGuide? Fees range from €6 -10, depending on the package you choose, and activities can be tailored to suit your individual needs; from a half-hour session of plane spotting to a four-hour thrill-filled adventure that includes snacks, drinks and even VIP transportation! In addition, GetYourGuide allows you to skip queues or even see planes up close in their private observation areas – a truly unique experience for plane spotting enthusiasts! So what are you waiting for? Book your Plane Spotting Experience with GetYourGuide today and experience the thrill of watching planes take off and land just metres above your head – a truly unforgettable experience!