There is no set plane schedule at Maho Beach: flights land all day. Where to check today's arrivals, and how to watch the planes land from a jet ski.
What time do planes land at Maho Beach?
There is no set schedule for the beach itself: planes arrive all day long, following the flights into Princess Juliana International Airport. To know which ones are due on the day of your visit, your best bet is the airport's official arrivals board, updated in real time.
For each flight, it lists the airline, the city it is coming from, the scheduled time, the estimated or actual time, and the status: on time, delayed, landed. The city is the clue to watch. On the beach, the Saint-Martin tourist office notes, people mostly wait for the long-haul flights, the ones coming from far away.
Where can you watch the planes land?
At Maho Beach, on the Dutch side, at the end of the Princess Juliana runway. On final approach, planes fly over the beach at less than 100 feet, according to the airport itself. Also known as Airport Beach, it sits in a lively area with restaurants and beach bars.
The Saint-Martin tourist office warns that a passing plane sometimes kicks up a blast of sand, and asks visitors to strictly follow the safety instructions on site.
Can you watch the planes from the water?
Yes. Two of our jet ski tours, leaving from Marina Royale in Marigot on the French side, take you to watch the planes land at Princess Juliana airport.
- The 747 Tour is made for it. In one hour, you ride along the coast to Maho beach, at the end of the runway, where the biggest airliners come in to land right above you.
- The Big Tour takes the whole day, 10 am to 4 pm: Grand Case and wild Froussards beach, lunch at a restaurant (included in the tour), then Terres Basses. To finish, a pass by Juliana airport to watch the biggest airliners land.
No licence needed: you can drive from age 16, and a qualified guide rides with you from start to finish. Each jet ski carries one or two riders for the same price. First time on a jet ski? Our guide to riding a jet ski without a licence in St Martin answers the usual questions.
Good to know before you book
- Check the arrivals board on the day: the city of origin tells you whether a long-haul flight is due, and when.
- When you book, you pick the day, then morning or afternoon. We call you back by phone or on WhatsApp to set the exact departure time.
- Staying on the Dutch side? The border between the two sides of the island is open, with no checks.
- On a cruise stop? Message us on WhatsApp before booking, so we can fit the ride into your time ashore.
- Staying far from Marigot? Tick the return taxi option when you book: we arrange your ride between your hotel or villa and the marina, before and after the tour.
- We are open every day, 9 am to 6 pm.
The Maho planes keep no fixed timetable, but the airport's board tells you each day which ones are coming. To watch them from your own jet ski, book your ride.
