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MIA → CUN
Which side of the plane to sit from Miami International Airport (Miami) to Cancún International Airport (Cancun)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior perspective of the iconic Florida Keys during departure and the world-famous turquoise waters of the Cancun Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres during the arrival sequence.
Biscayne Bay & Miami Skyline
Aerial views of the Port of Miami, the high-rises of Brickell, and the clear waters of the bay shortly after takeoff.
Florida Keys String
A stunning view of the archipelago including Key Largo and the Overseas Highway stretching across the ocean.
Straits of Florida
Observe the distinct color shift where the shallow emerald reefs of the Keys drop off into the deep indigo of the Gulf Stream.
Isla Mujeres
During the descent, look for the narrow island of Isla Mujeres surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and sandbars.
Cancun Hotel Zone
The '7' shaped sandbar featuring luxury resorts and the contrast between the Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
To capture the most vivid turquoise colors of the Caribbean, book a morning or midday flight when the sun is high. Avoid the very back of the plane to ensure the wing doesn't block the view of the Florida Keys. If arriving from the north, the left side is almost guaranteed to see the Hotel Zone.
Everglades National Park
The 'River of Grass' stretches out toward the western horizon, showing the complex network of sawgrass marshes.
Ten Thousand Islands
A glimpse of the labyrinthine mangrove islands and coastal estuaries on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Horizon
An expansive view of the Gulf of Mexico, providing spectacular sunset vistas on late afternoon flights.
Yucatan Jungle
As the plane turns inland for landing, see the dense, flat tropical forest canopy that covers the peninsula.
Riviera Maya Coastline
Distant views of the coastline stretching south toward Playa del Carmen depending on the final approach path.
Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. While less scenic for landmarks, this side often experiences less direct glare from the sun during morning departures from Miami.
Distance: 855 km (531 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)
Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Route Type: International
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