It’s the island’s most famous image: an airliner passing about twenty metres above your head before touching down. Maho Beach, on the Dutch side, sits right at the threshold of Princess Juliana Airport (SXM). Here’s how to enjoy it without any nasty surprises — and without putting yourself in danger.

Why it’s spectacular

The SXM runway ends just behind the beach, separated from it only by a road (Beacon Hill Road) and a fence. Because the runway is short for the island and points out to sea, aircraft come in on a very low final approach over Maho before touching down a few seconds later.

The effect is striking with the wide-body long-haul jets from Europe and North America (Boeing 777, Airbus A330 and A350): they seem to graze the beach. Small regional aircraft pass higher and impress less.

Getting there

Maho is in Simpson Bay, on the Dutch side:

  • about 10 minutes by car from the airport itself;
  • 15 minutes from Philipsburg;
  • 25 to 35 minutes from Marigot via the Cole Bay – Simpson Bay corridor, often busy at rush hour and subject to swing-bridge openings — see Driving in Saint-Martin.

Where to park

There is no large dedicated lot. In practice:

  • a few spaces along Beacon Hill Road, which runs beside the beach — they go early;
  • the bar and restaurant lots at Maho (Sunset Bar & Grill, Driftwood, etc.), often paid or with a minimum spend;
  • the Maho Plaza shopping-centre lot, a five-minute walk away, usually the simplest option.

Arrive outside the arrival peaks to find a space more easily, then wait it out on the beach.

When to come, and where to check the schedule

The show depends on the arrivals schedule, which varies by season and by day. Two ways to plan:

  • most beach bars post the day’s arrivals on a chalkboard — the most reliable source once you’re there;
  • the bulk of long-haul traffic often lands in the early afternoon (roughly 12–3pm), when the morning flights from Europe and the US arrive, but always check locally;
  • a Sint Maarten airport flight-tracking site or app can help you plan before you set off.

Stay at least a good hour to see several aircraft pass.

Safety: take it seriously

The attraction is real, and so is the danger. The jet blast on departure is violent and has already caused serious accidents, including a fatal one.

  • Never hold on to the fence during a departure: the blast can throw you to the ground, against a wall, or into the water.
  • At full throttle, turn your back, crouch, close your eyes: blown sand burns and blinds, flying grit can injure.
  • Hold on tight to hats, glasses, caps and phones.
  • Keep young children away from the fence when aircraft pass.
  • Don’t park your car right behind the fence, in line with the runway.
  • Respect the warning signs and the instructions of the bar staff.

Should you swim there?

Maho is more of a curiosity than a swimming beach: it’s short, very crowded, the sand disappears in places at high tide, and the shore break can be strong. To swim in peace, choose the nearby beaches:

  • Mullet Bay, five minutes away, the finest beach in the south;
  • Simpson Bay and Kim Sha, livelier but handy;
  • Cupecoy, further north, for sunsets.

Our full pick is in The Best Beaches in Saint-Martin.

Fitting Maho into your day

Maho fits naturally at the end of the day, on the way back, in our one-day island tour — the afternoon arrivals and a sunset behind the planes make a fine finale. Follow it with dinner in Simpson Bay or Grand Case.

To explore the island at your own pace, book your car and check the local island guide.

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