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 P13,358 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P13,358
P16,163 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! (2,493 reviews)
"Our stay at the Sonesta was very good. The property and the beach were nice. The staff were very friendly and were pleasant for the most part. There was plenty to eat and drink. I thought the food was tasty especially at the Italian restaurant. The one downfall (and it’s not really the hotel’s fault) ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P27,174 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P27,174
P32,881 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Loved the customer service. Food was good. Loved everything ."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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
The price is P10,108 per night from Sep 12 to Sep 13
P10,108
P12,232 total
Sep 12 - Sep 13
includes taxes & fees
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! (312 reviews)
"Stayed with the family(2 adults and 2 children) from the check in to the check out, everything was just perfect. Great staff, super comfortable beds, clean building, awesome ocean and airport landing views! Can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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.
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! (329 reviews)
Girls trip
"It’s was in great location Clean but could been cleaner Staff was nice but don’t book through hotels.com go on their site"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Fourteen at Mullet Bay
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! (1,078 reviews)
Good Choice
"Large spacious rooms with comfy beds. Perfect for two couples or a family."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St. Maarten
The Hills Residence

The Hills Residence

3 out of 5
69 Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Simpson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Orient Bay Beach and Maho Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"Love the view first of all. Property was in a great location."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

The Hills Residence
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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