Information
Landmark: Maho BeachCity: Moorea
Country: French Polynesia
Continent: Australia
Maho Beach, Moorea, French Polynesia, Australia
Overview
Maho Beach, on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, sits just a stone’s throw from Princess Juliana International Airport, where jet engines roar so close you can feel the warm rush of air on your skin, therefore this beach stands out because it sits just steps from the airport’s runway, where the roar of engines and the rush of wind turn every landing into a thrill.Maho Beach is famous for one aspect above all-planes roaring in just overhead as they land on Runway 10, at the same time massive jets skim so low you can almost read the letters on their fuselage, and the blast of their engines rattles your chest.The turquoise water and soft white sand make it a picture-perfect Caribbean escape, even if you’re not into aviation, and when you get hungry, spots like Sunset Bar & Grill or Driftwood Boat Bar serve cold drinks, good food, and front-row seats to the spectacle.At Sunset Bar, you can even check flight schedules so you’ll understand exactly when to grab your spot-perfect if you’re chasing that golden-hour shot, in turn maho Beach is a paradise for aviation photographers, where planes seem close enough to touch as they roar in over the turquoise water, roughly The short runway at Princess Juliana International means aircraft descend low, skimming just above sunbathers before touching down, while wide-body giants like the Airbus A330 draw the biggest crowds, though smaller planes buzz through all day.When they take off, the blast of hot wind can rip towels from the sand and send umbrellas tumbling-thrilling to feel, but not without risk, besides the atmosphere is electric: cheers rise with every landing, strangers swap stories, and the compact stretch of sand fills quickly, especially when the tide pushes in.If I’m being honest, Crowds pack the shore and nearby bars for the best views, drinks in hand as they scan the sky, alternatively swimming’s possible, but this beach is all about the roar of jet engines, not quiet sunbathing, and the waves can kick hard when the wind’s up.Bigger planes usually touch down in the early afternoon, so that’s prime time for spotting-check flight times for Air France, KLM, or American online or at the bar, also skip days when cruise ships are in port unless you like shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and never stand too close to the runway fence when a plane’s powering up.Watch for posted warning signs, and keep a grip on loose things-hats, towels, anything the jet blast could snatch away, in conjunction with the sun’s relentless here, so pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, or sunglasses.When you’ve had your fill of Maho Beach’s roar and rush, head to Mullet Bay just minutes away for calm water and soft sand, or explore Philipsburg, where duty-free shops, cafés, and a buzzing boardwalk line the shore, likewise maho isn’t just another stretch of sand; it’s where roaring engines meet turquoise waves.Whether you love planes or just want a one-of-a-kind Caribbean thrill, this Sint Maarten spot-where jets roar in low over the beach-is a must-observe.
