Short answer beach at St Maarten Airport:
The Maho Beach located adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten is famous for its close proximity to the airport’s runway, allowing planes to fly just overhead before landing. The beach has become a popular tourist spot attracting aviation enthusiasts and beachgoers alike, but caution must be exercised as jet blasts from departing planes can be dangerous.
How to Enjoy the Beach at St Maarten Airport: Tips and Tricks
There are few places in the world that offer a beach experience quite like St. Maarten airport. Nestled on the Dutch side of the island, Princess Juliana International Airport features one of the most unique and thrilling experiences for visitors – an opportunity to enjoy a sun-soaked beach and watch towering planes land just feet above your head.
Whether you’re visiting St. Maarten during a long layover or planning to spend a day at this iconic beach, there are plenty of tips and tricks to ensure that you make the most out of your visit.
1. Plan ahead
Before heading to Maho Beach, it’s important to check flight schedules so that you can time your arrival for maximum plane-watching potential. Additionally, since the beach is quite popular among tourists, it’s important to arrive early enough to stake out a prime spot before it becomes too crowded.
2. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water
As with any beach outing, it’s important to stay hydrated and protected from harmful UV rays. Pack lots of sunscreen (reapply frequently!) and bring plenty of water along with snacks or lunch if necessary.
3. Keep an eye on incoming planes
It may go without saying but we’ll say it anyway – make sure you keep an eye on any incoming planes! Although there are no safety railings separating spectators from landing flights, accidents have been rare at Maho Beach thanks in large part to individuals who are vigilant about their surroundings.
4. Take advantage of nearby amenities
Maho Beach isn’t just about watching planes land – visitors can also take advantage of local bars and restaurants which line the beachfront providing delicious food and refreshing drinks.
5. Stay overnight if possible
For those looking for an extended visit but not necessarily needling all-inclusive resort amenities – staying nearby may be perfect solution offering a more relaxed vibe than larger hotels such as Sonesta Maho or Simpson Bay Resort & Marina.
In closing, a visit to St. Maarten airport’s Maho Beach is an experience you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply someone who loves soaking up the sun and relaxing with a drink in hand, this unique beach destination is sure to offer the vacation of a lifetime with memories that will last forever.
Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting the Beach at St Maarten Airport
When it comes to unique and exhilarating experiences, visiting the beach at St Maarten airport is definitely one that tops the list. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, this airport has earned its reputation as one of the most remarkable airports in the world due to its close proximity to Maho Beach. Every day, travelers can witness incoming planes passing just feet above their heads before landing on the runway that sits right beside the beach.
If you’re planning a trip to St Maarten and want to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible:
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before heading out to Maho Beach, do some research about when incoming flights are scheduled. This will help you avoid disappointment or danger if there happens to be a lull in air traffic. You can also check with local authorities or tour operators for up-to-date information on flight schedules.
Step 2: Arrive Early
Maho Beach tends to attract quite a crowd of visitors who want to witness planes soaring overhead while enjoying beautiful sandy shores. To secure your spot early, arrive at least two hours before scheduled flight times.
Step 3: Choose a Safe Spot
While it might be tempting to get as close as possible to aircrafts passing overhead, safety should always come first. Choose a spot along Maho Beach that’s far from both takeoff and landing zones.
Step 4: Keep an Eye on Children
If you have children with you, be especially careful by ensuring they remain within your sight at all times and don’t run too close towards potential danger zones where aircrafts take off or land.
Step 5: Protect Yourself From Jet Blast
Blasted by thrusting engines can lead dramatic acts seen on YouTube videos from those standing too closer than advisable boundary lines. While we recommend not standing too close anyway (at least one fence-length or farther), you can protect yourself from jet blast winds by wearing proper beach attire and avoiding any loose clothing.
Step 6: Bring Your Camera
Do not forget your camera! This is an incredible experience that you’ll want to capture on film. You don’t need fancy equipment – a smartphone will do the trick- but, if you’re looking for professional images, make sure to invest in a quality camera with multiple zooming capacities.
In Summary
Visiting Maho Beach at St Maarten airport is an adventure unlike any other. With these simple steps, you can enjoy this awe-inspiring encounter safely while also capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Just remember – it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to airplane safety and adhere closely to recommended zones advised by local authorities. So, happy landings and keep safe always!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Beach at St Maarten Airport
As one of the most unique airport experiences in the world, St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is famous for its close proximity to Maho Beach. This often leads to a lot of confusion and questions from both tourists and locals alike. In this blog post, we’ll be tackling some of the frequently asked questions about this iconic beach and the airport.
1. Is it safe to stand near the fence at SXM?
The short answer is no, standing near the fence at SXM is not safe. The jet blast from aircraft taking off can cause serious injury or even death if you’re standing too close. Over the years, there have been several accidents and incidents where people have been blown away or injured by the powerful engines of planes taking off. It’s important to adhere to warning signs and keep a safe distance from the fence at all times.
2. Can you swim in Maho Beach?
While it may look tempting to jump into the turquoise waters right next to the runway, swimming in Maho Beach is strongly discouraged due to strong currents and dangerous waves particularly on windy days.
3. What should I do if an airplane approaches while I’m on Maho Beach?
Firstly, stay calm! While seeing a 747 fly just over your head may seem overwhelming at first, it’s not something that hasn’t happened before thousands of times already.Most importantly though,you must NOT run towards either end of the beach as this will only leave you trapped between concrete walls.
You should immediately evacuate water.Actually there are clear evacuation alarms along with audio warnings that go off every time an airplane taxies onto either runway so listen out for them .Once heard proceed quickly but safely behind fencing in case any Jet blasts occur .
4. How close do airplanes get to Maho Beach?
Aircraft landing on runway 10 come as low as 100 feet above ground level whilst aircraft departing from Runway 26 can produce jet blast that throws sand and other debris at spectators,tresspassers or beach goers which serves to illustrate the impressive proximity of aircrafts to Maho Beach.
5. Is there anything else to do near SXM?
Yes, in addition to watching airplanes take off and land, there are a plethora of attractions to be explored on the island. Indulge yourself in some watersports or snorkeling, Enjoy the natural beauty with hikes through scenic landscapes. Visitors can also discover rich cultural heritage by visiting museums offering insights into St Maarten’s history.
In conclusion, a visit to Maho Beach is an experience unlike any other however caution should always be exercised.Nothing comes above one’s safety so it is imperative for visitors to follow safety guidelines and keep up with notifications provided by authorities.Always keep your eyes open as you enjoy every moment of your visit filled with unique amazing experiences!
