Maho Beach St. Maarten: Where Planes Land Over Your Head

Maho Beach in St. Maarten is famous for its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport. The beach is a popular spot for tourists to watch planes land and take off, as they fly incredibly low overhead. The experience is thrilling and unique, offering a close-up view of the aircraft.

The beach is located on the Dutch side of the island, just a short distance from the airport's runway. The runway is so close to the beach that planes often fly over the heads of sunbathers, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It's not uncommon to see planes just feet above the beach, with their wheels almost touching the sand.

The History of Maho Beach

Maho Beach was originally a quiet fishing village. However, in the 1940s, the Dutch government decided to build an airport on the island. The airport was built on a piece of land that was very close to the beach, and the runway was designed to be as short as possible. This was because the island was small and there wasn't much space to build a longer runway.

The airport was completed in 1942, and it quickly became a popular destination for tourists. However, the proximity of the beach to the runway also made it a dangerous place to be. Over the years, there have been several accidents involving planes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport. In 1970, a Boeing 727 crashed into the beach, killing three people. In 1991, a DC-9 crashed into a nearby hill, killing 21 people. And in 2010, a Boeing 737 skidded off the runway and into the beach, injuring several passengers.

Despite the risks, Maho Beach has remained a popular tourist destination. The thrill of watching planes land and take off so close to the beach is simply too much for many people to resist. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers and to take precautions when visiting the beach.

Tips for Visiting Maho Beach

If you are planning to visit Maho Beach, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from the runway.
• Do not run out into the runway when a plane is landing or taking off.
• Keep your children close to you at all times.
• Do not try to take pictures or videos of planes while they are landing or taking off.

Maho Beach is a unique and exciting place to visit. But it is important to be safe and to follow the rules. If you do, you will have a memorable experience that you will never forget.

Things to Do at Maho Beach

Besides watching planes land and take off, there are many other things to do at Maho Beach. The beach is a great place to relax and sunbathe. There are also several restaurants and bars on the beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink. You can also go swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can try parasailing or jet skiing.

Conclusion

Maho Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to St. Maarten. The beach is a unique and exciting place to watch planes land and take off. But it is important to be safe and to follow the rules. If you do, you will have a memorable experience that you will never forget.