How to get to Maho Beach (the Airport Beach) from the Saint Maarten Cruise Port

Updated January 2026, How to get to Maho Beach (the Airport Beach) from the Saint Maarten Cruise Port was originally published in March 2023

The Airport Beach in Saint Maarten, also known as Maho Beach, is a popular destination for plane spotters and beach-goers visiting Saint Maarten on a cruise stop. What made Maho Beach so famous is that it’s located just off the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. While it’s not my typical destination, I will say watching the planes take off and land just barely above your head and the people watching did not disappoint.

So, if you’re headed to Saint Maarten, here is a quick little guide to help you find your way to the famed Airport Beach.

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How to get to Saint Maarten’s Airport Beach

Maho Beach is located on the Dutch side of Saint Maarten and the cruise ship port is located right in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Saint Maarten.

Options from the Cruise Port

Shared Shuttle Vans/Taxis (Most Convenient for Cruise Passengers)
Once off the ship and into the parking lot/taxi dispatch area, you’ll find vans and taxis loading passengers to various destinations, including Maho/Airport Beach. Ask for Maho or Airport Beach.

Cost: Approximately $15-25 USD per person round-trip (prices as of 2025-2026; shared vans often cheaper per person when full).
You’ll receive a wristband or ticket for the return trip.
Vans drop you near the beach (short walk) and depart regularly for returns from the same parking area.
Travel time: 20-40 minutes each way, depending on traffic (can be heavy in afternoons).

Public Minibus (Cheapest Option)
Walk ~5-10 minutes from the cruise port to Emmaplein bus station in Philipsburg. Look for minibuses marked “Maho” or “Cupecoy.”

Cost: $2-3 USD per person each way (total ~$5 round-trip).
More authentic local experience, but buses can be crowded and make multiple stops.
Return: Catch a bus marked “Philipsburg” from near Maho.

Private Taxi

Cost: $20-30 USD one way (for 1-2 people; cheaper per person in groups).
Faster and more direct; negotiate or confirm fixed rates at the taxi stand.

Expect the journey to take anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Traffic can build in the afternoon, so plan extra time for your return to the ship.

What to do at Maho Beach

The main thing you came for is to watch jets take off and land just meters overhead on the beach. The beach is lined with bars and restaurants (like the famous Sunset Bar & Grill), offering food, drinks, and plane arrival/departure boards.

Safety Tip: Avoid the marked jet blast zone during takeoffs—strong winds can knock people over (and into the water!).

Check flight schedules in advance (via SXM airport website) for bigger jets; most exciting arrivals are in the afternoon.

Had Enough People Watching at Maho Beach?

Maho is definitely worth a visit because it is pretty unique after all, but if you’re looking to get away from the wild crowd, make the short walk over to nearby Mullet Beach for a quieter, more relaxed vibe.

Have any questions about visiting Saint Maarten’s Airport Beach?

Ask in the comments section below.

How to get to Airport Beach, Saint Maarten