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PAP destination photo
SXM destination photo

PAP โ†’ SXM

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the lush northern coastlines of Puerto Rico and a spectacular front-row seat to the intricate island chains of the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
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Port-au-Prince Bay

Aerial perspective of the Haitian capital and the expansive Gulf of Gonรขve immediately after departure.

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Cordillera Central

The Caribbean's highest mountain peaks visible as the flight traverses the center of Hispaniola.

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San Juan Coast

Detailed views of the historic forts and the vibrant metropolitan coastline of Puerto Rico's capital.

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British Virgin Islands

A stunning panoramic of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and the turquoise waters surrounding the archipelago.

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The Baths

Look for the distinct giant granite boulders on the southern tip of Virgin Gorda as you pass north of the BVI.

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Anguilla

The low-lying coral island appears clearly out the left window during the final banking turn for the SXM approach.

Choose a seat in front of the wing for the best photography of the Virgin Islands. Morning flights (08:00โ€“11:00) provide the best lighting for the northern coastlines without the harsh glare of the southern sun reflecting off the Caribbean Sea. Watch for the sharp contrast between the rugged mountains of Haiti and the greener slopes of Puerto Rico.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
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Lake Azuรฉi & Enriquillo

A unique look at the two largest lakes in the Caribbean, both sitting in a deep geological depression.

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Santo Domingo

The sprawling urban landscape of the oldest European-established city in the Americas along the southern DR coast.

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Mona Island

The remote, uninhabited limestone plateau located halfway between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

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El Yunque Peaks

The misty, high-altitude tropical rainforest of Puerto Rico visible above the southern coastal plains.

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St. John & St. Croix

Views of the US Virgin Islands to the south, with St. Croix often visible on the horizon on clear days.

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Saba & Statia

The dramatic volcanic silhouettes of the Dutch Caribbean islands rising from the sea during the final descent.

The right side is excellent for spotting the 'Double Lakes' shortly after takeoff from PAP. During the landing at Princess Juliana (SXM), the right side offers a view of the southern coastline of St. Maarten and the famous Maho Beach crowds just seconds before touchdown. Be aware that southern views can be subject to 'sun glint' on mid-day flights.

Top Activities in Philipsburg
Route Information

Distance: 971 km (603 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min

Departure: PAP (18.57999992370605, -72.2925033569336)

Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)

Route Type: International

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