Maho - The Famous 'Airport' Beach
Maho Beach has become one of the island's most famous attractions — this is where the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport almost meets the beach, separated only by a narrow road and a fence. Nowhere else in the world will you get this close to a landing jumbo jet. Lie on the beach, catch some rays, and photograph the underbelly of a 747 just yards above your head. What a rush.
The location is also a great place to watch the sunset, and home to St. Maarten's largest hotel complex, the Sonesta Maho Reef Resort and its neighbor The Royal Islander Hotel. The beach itself is framed by two iconic beach bars: Sunset Beach Bar & Grill on the airport end and Driftwood Boat Bar on the Royal Islander end.
Please find more detailed information about Maho Village here >>>
So, get out your camera! If you're not quite that daring, watch the planes take off and land from the comfort of Sunset Beach Bar — cold drink in hand, feet in the sand, jets screaming overhead. It doesn't get more St. Maarten than that.
Go to the Driftwood Boat Bar close to the Royal Islander Resort, where you can rent chairs, order delicious cocktails and enjoy lunch or an early dinner with great pizza and other snacks. The team producing this website considers it one of their favorite spots on the island.
Maho Village — Right at the Beach
What makes Maho Beach unique among St. Maarten's beaches is that it sits at the center of the island's most complete entertainment district. Maho Village is steps from the sand and offers an impressive concentration of restaurants, bars, day or even late-night shopping and the famous Casino Royale — one of the largest and most active casinos on the island.
Check out Radisson Jewels, only footsteps away from the beach.
Whether you're in the mood for a casual beach burger or a sophisticated dinner, Maho Village delivers. The variety of dining options means a beach day at Maho naturally extends into a full evening out without ever needing to get back in the car.
The Morgan Resort Cluster
On the eastern end of Maho Beach, The Morgan Resort anchors a cluster of businesses that give this stretch of coastline even more to offer. The Sand Bar at The Morgan is a popular spot for both hotel guests and beach visitors — relaxed atmosphere, great drinks, and a front-row seat to the Maho Beach experience.
The combination of the Sonesta Maho, Royal Islander and Morgan Resort means this is one of the most densely serviced beach locations on the island — parking, facilities, food, drinks and entertainment all within easy walking distance.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
The jet blast from departing aircraft is extremely powerful and genuinely dangerous. Several serious injuries have occurred at Maho Beach from tourists who underestimated the force. Never stand behind a departing aircraft. Stay behind the fence, watch from the designated areas, and follow the instructions of local staff.
The thrill of Maho Beach is real — just experience it safely.
Cruise Ship Visitors: Getting to the Airport Beach
Visit Sunset Beach Bar, The Sand Bar or Driftwood Boat Bar as part of a complete island tour. These tours are timed so you arrive when the big jets are landing and departing — the most spectacular time to be at Maho. Ask your taxi driver or tour operator about airport beach timing.
- 📍 Maho Bay, Dutch Sint Maarten
- 🚗 20 minutes from Philipsburg, 5 minutes from Simpson Bay (afternoon times are much longer, but your taxi- or tour driver knows how to handle traffic and will bring you back to your ship on time. Guaranteed!
- 🍺 Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, Driftwood Boat Bar, The Sand Bar at Morgan Resort
- 🎰 Casino Royale and Maho Village entertainment district steps away
- 🏨 Sonesta Maho Reef Resort, Royal Islander Hotel, Morgan Resort
- 🅿️ Parking available at Sonesta Maho complex
- ⚠️ Jet blast is dangerous — never stand behind departing aircraft
