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BOS → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the best opportunities to view the iconic New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket shortly after takeoff, followed by a spectacular perspective of the Caribbean volcanic arc and the world-famous low-altitude approach over Maho Beach upon arrival.
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Martha's Vineyard
Detailed views of the coastal estates, Edgartown, and the colorful clay cliffs of Gay Head.
Atlantic Horizon
Expansive views of the open ocean, often seeing distant shipping lanes and turquoise swirls of the Gulf Stream.
Caribbean Archipelago
On clear days, the volcanic silhouettes of Saba and St. Eustatius are visible on the horizon during the descent.
Maho Beach
The iconic view looking down at the beach crowds and the fence line as the aircraft clears the perimeter for landing.
The right side is the 'photographer's side' for the landing into SXM. To capture the best colors of the Caribbean water, a flight arriving between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM is ideal when the sun is directly overhead. Keep your camera ready as soon as the landing gear drops, as the transition from ocean to runway happens in seconds.
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Boston Harbor
Aerial views of the historic harbor islands and the Boston skyline immediately after takeoff from Logan Airport.
Cape Cod
A clear view of the distinct 'hook' of the Massachusetts coastline and the Atlantic coastline of the Outer Cape.
Anguilla
Upon approach, the low-lying island of Anguilla appears with its brilliant white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Simpson Bay Lagoon
Final descent views of the large inland lagoon and the marina filled with luxury yachts on the Dutch side.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight during the majority of the southbound journey. This side is excellent for seeing the Boston skyline if departing from Runway 9 or 4. During the final approach, look for the contrast between the deep Atlantic blue and the shallow turquoise reef waters.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for Netherlands AntillesDistance: 2,806 km (1,744 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min
Departure: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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