Maho Reef

Travel Guide

Maho Reef showing tropical scenes, a coastal town and a beach
Maho Reef
Maho Reef
Maho Reef which includes tropical scenes, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Maho Reef
One of the most popular beaches on St. Maarten is where jumbo jets fly low over revellers who come to see this plane-spotting spectacle as they soak up the sun.

Stand on Maho Beach and hear the roar of jumbo jets as they pass over your head. This popular beach is famous for its proximity to the airport. Planes pass less than 30 metres (100 feet) over the white sands and blue waters. Join the throng of tourists who come to enjoy the takeoffs and landings of jets and soak up the Caribbean sun. Eat and drink in bars and restaurants that line the sand.

Even if you couldn’t hear the roar of the engine, it would be impossible to miss a landing. Beach bars announce the occasion through loud speakers and screens tell you the airline and size of the plane. Watch the spectacle from a distance just above the sand for the best photographs. Join thrill seekers who stand beneath the flight path to feel the blast of the engines, but do so with caution. People have been blown over and seriously injured by getting too close to the planes.

Further along the beach you’ll find a lively atmosphere away from the roar of the jets. Revellers set up their barbecues on the sand alongside souvenir hawkers and food vendors. Hire a grill and cook your own lunch. Locals and tourists alike favour this beach for its party atmosphere and for its watersports. Hire equipment from vendors along the water and go windsurfing, paragliding or jet skiing. The relatively calm waters of Maho Beach are safe for swimmers of any skill level and are frequented by families with children.

Maho Beach sits just beside the Princess Juliana International Airport. It’s easily reached by airport taxi or car and there’s free parking. If you plan to leave your car in the parking lot make sure you take your valuables with you because there is no security guard.

Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa

Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa

4 out of 5
1 Rhine Road, Maho Bay, Lowlands
The price is P13,425 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P13,425
P16,245 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Lowlands. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,452 reviews)
"Just beautiful"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa
Sonesta Ocean Point All Inclusive, Adults Only Resort

Sonesta Ocean Point All Inclusive, Adults Only Resort

5 out of 5
1A Rhine Rd., Maho Bay, Lowlands
The price is P25,763 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P25,763
P31,173 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Lowlands. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Sonesta Ocean Point All Inclusive, Adults Only Resort
Royal Islander Resort La Plage

Royal Islander Resort La Plage

4 out of 5
1B Rhine Road, Lowlands
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Lowlands. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (302 reviews)
Decent Stay; Some Rude Staff
"Great location. Nice pool and nice to have a private section of beach. The rooms were outdated but very spacious and comfortable enough, and thankfully the AC worked great. Some of the staff wasn't friendly and they definitely weren't helpful... For one, my room wasn't ready at the already late check-in ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Royal Islander Resort La Plage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St. Maarten

Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St. Maarten

4 out of 5
115 Welfare Road, Simpson Bay
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Simpson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,068 reviews)
"We had such a great time during our stay! From the moment we arrived, the front desk staff made us feel so welcome—friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful. The food was absolutely amazing, with every meal exceeding our expectations. The location couldn’t have been more perfect—convenient, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St. Maarten
Fourteen at Mullet Bay

Fourteen at Mullet Bay

3.5 out of 5
2 University Drive, Cupecoy, Lowlands
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Lowlands. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)
"I loved the location of this place. The beach was 5 mins walking distance, the scenery was breathtaking taking and the ambiance was everything! I’d definitely recommend this air bnb. Not to mention the staff were very accommodating."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Fourteen at Mullet Bay
July Apartments

July Apartments

3 out of 5
A.T. Illidge Road 117, Philipsburg
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Philipsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (134 reviews)
"We enjoyed the friendliness of the staff and how extremely clean and cute the room was."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

July Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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