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MIA → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from Miami International Airport (Miami) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a breathtaking sequence of the Bahamian archipelago and a stunning perspective of Anguilla and northern St. Martin during the final descent into Princess Juliana International Airport.
Miami Beach & South Beach
Immediate views of the iconic Art Deco district and the high-rises lining the Atlantic coast after takeoff from MIA.
Exuma Cays
A dazzling string of small islands and sandbars in the Bahamas, famous for their sapphire-blue water patterns.
Turks and Caicos
Panoramic views of the shallow banks and deep blue drop-offs around Providenciales and the Caicos Bank.
Anguilla
The flat, coral island of Anguilla appears clearly on the left just before the plane turns for its final approach to SXM.
Grand Case Bay
As the aircraft descends, you get a close-up view of the French side of the island and its turquoise bays.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the southern sun. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing to capture the 'marbled' look of the Bahamian sandbanks. During the final approach, this side offers the best view of the neighboring island of Anguilla.
Biscayne Bay
Excellent views of the Port of Miami, the Venetian Islands, and the sprawling Miami skyline during initial climb.
Eleuthera
The long, thin island of Eleuthera is visible, showcasing the contrast between the shallow Caribbean and deep Atlantic waters.
Hispaniola Coastline
Depending on the specific flight corridor, the mountainous northern shores of the Dominican Republic may be visible on the horizon.
Saba & St. Eustatius
The distinctive volcanic peaks of these Dutch Caribbean islands can often be spotted rising from the sea on the southern horizon.
Simpson Bay Lagoon
On final approach to Runway 10, this side overlooks the massive yachts in the lagoon and the famous Maho Beach.
Choose the right side if you want to see the famous Maho Beach crowds and the Simpson Bay resorts during the seconds before touchdown. This side typically experiences more direct sunlight on Southbound flights, so polarized sunglasses are recommended to see through the ocean's surface glare.
Distance: 1,968 km (1,223 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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